We went looking for these gems of cooking and it would only seem right, that we formed a symbiotic relationship ourselves, in order to extract them. Our truffle expert and organiser of the seminar Pavlina Kladopoulou brought her three dogs along to help us locate these elusive fungi.

Dogs have now completely overshadowed pigs as the ideal hunters for truffles. Apparently, they don’t eat them as much as their swine counterparts! Even though we had our little “finders keepers” incidents with the dogs, they are definitely the safer choice when you are hoping to find something that in 2007 was more expensive than gold….! This is of course the white winter truffle tuber magnatum pico which these days goes for about 3,000 euros per kilo.

A drive, a walk and a few shouts later, we were actually unearthing truffles! Even though having a large attendance at the seminar is greatly rewarding, it was only when the chatter silenced that you could really get immersed in the process of truffle hunting.

Some of the more productive 15 minutes were when we were left alone with Pavlina and the dogs. More focused, dog and master, in a dance where the leading role is interchangeable, gave us a glimpse of what it must feel like dancing on your own in the vastness of the forest.

Pavlina’s work, every facet of it, is done with great taste and from the heart. She grows and hunts for truffles throughout the year selling her proceeds to restaurants and private individuals. Along with marketing fresh truffles she also offers truffle by-products in a variety of local recipes. Her end product easily lives up to all expectations where myth, quality and style all coexist harmoniously in a beautifully presented environment at www.troufaplus.gr