In a few months everybody in Bologna will talk about FICO – Eatalyword. The huge food park is opening this Autumn and the hype is growing. 
I had the chance to visit the work in progress so, like an original umarell (the old bolognese men who like to watch construction sites), I took a walk inside with my camera to show you a preview of how it will be.

F(abbrica)I(taliana)Co(ntadina) [Italian Farming Factory] is an 80,000 sqm food park in the east-suburbs of Bologna, born with the aim of becoming the reference venue for sharing of knowledge on Italian food and wine excellences. 
Founded by Oscar Farinetti (Eataly), Tiziana Primori (Coop) and Andrea Segreè (University of Bologna), it will be a mix of food market, didactical farm and place for food-related events and congresses.

Lots of things. But let’s start from the food: 40 companies from Sicily to Trentino, big brands and small producers together.
My favorite? Early to tell, but it will be great to have in Bologna the organic meat grown in the hills of Tuscany of Savigni and the fresh Romagna’s cheeses of Mambelli. Some of our food tours partners such as Forno Calzolari and La Consorteria will also be there to bring local bread and Balsamic Vinegar of Modena.

Of the 16 restaurants inside, my curiosity goes to fish, handled by Rimini’s restaurant Guido, to the fresh pasta of Amerigo (one of the Michelin restaurant you should visit if you are in Bologna), and the unusual potato-bistrot by Pizzoli, a popular company of my home town.

Education is another key word of FICO: 6 educational carousels with hands-on activities and games will help children and families discover the origins of Italian foods. Workshops and course in collaboration with the University of Bologna complete the offer for students and foodies.
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A small arena for intimate concerts or book presentations, a cinema, a meeting hall and a beach area for sports and relaxation will help FICO become a place to spend time after work or an evening with friends.

At this stage is still too early to tell. I saw lots of people working hard to open in 2 months. It’s a huge bet to become a world reference for food and it could be very important for Bologna to grow both economically and a touristic destination.
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Some will certainly criticize this kind of entertainment, but at the moment the only food you can get is from the yellow food truck just outside the entrance.

​So keep reading and we’ll see how it will appear. I’m really curious about it, and you?

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Forno Calzolari
My favourite bread of Bologna is from this bakery originally from Monteveglio, up on the hills. Fortunately you can find all their breads, most with wholemeal flour, inside Mercato di Mezzo or on Saturdays at Mercato della Terra. Try their special bread with rye or “Grani Antichi”
www.fornocalzolari.it
Mercato di Mezzo, Via Clavature, 12 Bologna 
 
Panificio Atti
The most classic and oldest (1880) bolognese bakery and a must stop during our Bologna food tours. Try their crescenta, a sort of focaccia with ham or mortadella inside, or “streghette”, a typical cracker to eat with cold cuts.
www.paoloatti.com
Via Caprarie, 7 – Via Drapperie 6 40124 Bologna
Tel. 051 220425
 
Brisa
In one of the foodies streets, Via Galliera, offers bread and pizza with selected flours like sicilian “tumminia”. Get a slice of pizza with onions and olives there and a gelato at Galliera 49, just in front of it, for a great lunch break 
www.fornobrisa.it
Via Galliera, 34D, 40121 Bologna
Tel. 051 248556

Molino Urbano
Recently open in Saragozza area, close to Renato Dall’Ara stadium, becamed one of the favourite bakeries in town. Three different type of sourdough, bread with wholemeal flour and special mix like the one with hemp. Cookies, focaccia and pizza.
www.molinourbano.it
Via XXI Aprile 1945, 25/c Bologna
Tel. 3408787531

La Spiga Amica (gluten free)
One extra bakery for celiacs. Just close to Porta San Mamolo you can find gluten free bread, pizza, fresh egg pasta and cakes.
www.laspigaamica.it
Via Francesco Petrarca, 13, 40136 Bologna
Tel. 800 601 675

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