Every March in Lazise, one of those small towns which sit snugly on the shores of Lake Garda, a couple of interesting gastronomic events take place.

The first is the 'Campionato del Risotto col Tastasàl' while the second is 'Alla scoperta dei formaggi d'Italia'.

The Tastasàl Risotto competition is held every year and is features 6 competing risottos. Three to start with, a salad to clear the palate, then the second three. A sorbetto to finish.

For ideal wines with risotto try these: Piano Maltese Nero D'Avola Azienda Rapitalà (Sicily), Sartiano Umbria Igt azienda Azienda Bigi (Umbria), Valpolicella Solane Azienda Santi (Veneto), Barbera d'Asti Azienda Cà Bianca (Piemonte).

A sister event also takes place called 'Gastronomia Al Molino di Santa Maria di Negrar' and takes the non expert through an appreciation of mountain cheeses such as the following:

Cravanzina (cow, Piemonte); Roccaverano in foglia (goat, Piemonte); Monte Veronese giovane (cow, Veneto); Taleggio artigianale (cow, Lombardia); Pratomaggio (6 months, cow, Lombardia); Parmigiano Reggiano (38 months, cow, Emilia); Pecorino di Grosseto (sheep, Toscana); Blu del Moncenisio (cow, Piemonte); Provolone Romano (30 months, cow, Lazio); Testun (cow and sheep, Piemonte); Bagoss (36 months, cow, Lombardia).