A celebration of a double anniversary intertwining history and local gastronomy took place in Lonato del Garda. The event commemorated the 115th anniversary of the historic Trattoria Rassica and the 15th anniversary of the founding of the Confraternita della Lumaca, two emblematic entities of the region. The evening, held on Thursday, June 5th, brought together institutional representatives, customers, and enthusiasts for a moment dedicated to culinary tradition and a mindful lifestyle.
A Celebration Among Institutions and the Community
The event took place at the trattoria itself, a venue included in the Register of Historical Activities of the Lombardy Region. The celebration began with a blessing from the parish priest of Centenaro, Don Marco Grechi. Numerous institutional figures were present, including the mayor of Lonato Roberto Tardani, the regional councilor and president of the Agriculture, Mountain, and Forest Commission Floriano Massardi, the regional councilor for Security and Civil Protection Romano La Russa, the national president of Coldiretti Ettore Prandini, and the MEP Paolo Inselvini. Their speeches highlighted the value of family continuity and the principles of rurality and sustainable innovation that the establishment represents. To enhance the atmosphere, there was an exhibition of vintage cars and motorcycles.
The History of Trattoria Rassica: Four Generations of Flavor
Founded in 1910 by Luigi Terenghi, the Trattoria Rassica has now reached its fourth generation. Chef Piergiuseppe Bertola, along with his wife Monica Filippini and his ninety-five-year-old grandmother Cecilia Lissignoli, continues a culinary tradition that has made the restaurant a landmark. The menu features refined dishes such as snails, lake sardines, frogs, and cod. The family-run establishment has passed down recipes and the characteristic hospitality of the lower Lago di Garda, starting with founder Luigi, then moving through grandmother Elsa Terenghi and mother Mirte, up to the current interpretation that blends history with modernity.
The Confraternita della Lumaca and the Praise of Slowness
Founded in 2010 right in the trattoria, the Confraternita della Lumaca is dedicated to promoting snails as a traditional dish while also advocating a broader message related to slowness as a value. Among its most notable initiatives is the “Award for the Last Arriver” during sporting competitions, a way to emphasize the importance of enjoying the experience. During the evening, the “snail track” was presented, a racing field for snails where the last one to finish wins, and the traditional “slow toast” was held.
