As a good Italian I love good food, as a roleplayer I love those who support my passion and for these reasons I decided to write a review of a place very dear to me: the Emporium Infernalis.
The last year has been very particular and roleplaying has suffered it as well. Some groups meet at the home of a player and certainly in some aspects this is convenient; on the other hand, however, it also presupposes that the owner of the home takes care of many aspects, such as the preparation of the game environment and foodstuffs which, as we all know, are indispensable during the sessions. For this reason I decided to start a column in which I introduce you to the places that offer to host our adventures and I decided to do it by choosing one run by dear friends.
How and Where to Find It
The Emporium Infernalis is located in Italy (Piedmont), in Turin, precisely in Via Edoardo Calvo 3. The area is quiet, not located in the center and so finding parking is never a problem. Its outside is presented in a simple and elegant way; a large sign above the entrance door and an outdoor area to be used in the warmer months. Note the fact that the latter is not located on a main road and is not annoying as regards the passage of vehicles.
The restaurant is open from Tuesday to Saturday, from 19.00 to 01.30. If you want to organize an event with a large number of people (birthday, graduation party,…) it is also possible to request a Sunday opening. In any case it is preferable to book, to avoid not finding a place, and this is possible by calling the phone number +39 011 668 9152 or by writing to the managers through the Facebook page (also through the private contacts of Drago Bianco and Daniela Billone) or the Instagram profile. For more information I also recommend you take a tour on their official website.
This restaurant is structured on two floors; the ground floor of the Emporium Infernalis hosts usual customers, while the basement is mainly reserved for special events (as well as containing a pleasant surprise, which I will reveal later in this review).
Review of the Secret Floor of the Emporium Infernalis
The hidden floor, the secret room, the hall of wonders. Call it what you want, but this large space is intended for events (cultural meetings, photo shoots and more) and, luckily for us, for roleplaying evenings. The organization is very simple: you contact the Emporium Infernalis, reserve a table and go to the place at the agreed time. No problems regarding the food to be prepared, the table to be set up, the beers to put in the fridge or any other roleplaying needs.
The convenience of being able to fully enjoy a session without having to think about good food (which I’ll talk about later) is priceless. I just want to point out that in any case, except for special evenings, it is necessary to bring all the roleplaying necessary (manuals, cards, pencils, dice,…). The room, however, is reserved and very enjoyable. In short, don’t worry about disturbing someone; your session can be as calm and spontaneous as if you were at home. You won’t just have to think about rearranging everything when you’re done! The only request is (rightly) to buy at least a drink.
There are also already organized events, such as the Codex Venator and many other initiatives by Sesso Droga e D&D; in short, there are a lot of opportunities to play!
Given the availability and the very informal way of doing the owners, it seems only right to mention the possibility of relying on paid game masters. I know, it’s a taboo subject, but I honestly don’t care. What’s wrong with going to a club with friends, perhaps as RPG novices, and finding yourself with the table set and a narrator ready to take you to fantastic worlds? Like any other service, it can be paid for. It is not mandatory, but for those who wish, it is one more possibility.
The Main Room
To continue the tour (and the review) of the Emporium Infernalis, I inform you that in the middle of the stairs leading to the ground floor, there is a really cramped room. Or rather a cell. To be precise, it is the “Cell of the Lovers” and is an intimate room (literally a cell) in which to enjoy a romantic candlelit dinner. And no, I know you are wondering, but you can’t lock the annoying players in!
The ground floor is probably the most characteristic room of the whole place. Here the definition of “Medieval Tavern” takes shape in the truest and most fascinating way. Armours displayed with pride, weapons hung on the walls, shields shown like banners; heavy wooden tables, benches and always themed music. I can assure you that the first time you cross that threshold it will be difficult to forget. If we add to this the kindness of the staff, always on a theme with the rest of the restaurant, then the picture is complete.
Other events also take place here, among which I would like to mention the Dinners & Crime. As you can easily guess, these are fixed-price dinners in which, between one course and another, you have to try to find the killer in a story told by the owner. Each of these events has a dedicated theme (Vikings, pirates,…) and, in its simplicity, manages to combine the pleasure of good food with the emotions of a light LARP (live roleplaying game).
Review of the Dishes of Emporium Infernalis
By the way, I still have to present one fundamental element: the food! Here too, consistency in style is to be rewarded. Most of the dishes come from authentic medieval recipes and the same can be said for drinks.
So get ready to taste very tender pork shanks, grilled meat, spelled soups, focaccia, strips of chicken with honey and much more; a note of merit should be made for the cutting boards: huge, full of assorted delights (I swear I would eat fondue even in mid-August) and always satisfying. Alongside this kind of food, there are also more classic solutions that are suitable for less “medieval” palates; if you want a good pasta or a tasty hamburger you will not be disappointed. The quality of the ingredients is very high and the portions are satisfying. So don’t imagine “trivial” food!
As for the drinks, I want to mention delicacies such as mead, hippocras and claretum; the first comes from honey, the other two are wines (red and white respectively) embellished with other ingredients. Aside from these specialties, a large assortment of quality beers is also available. In short, even just passing by to have a drink is not a bad idea! Keep in mind that there is also a wide choice of digestives and liqueurs.
The prices are fair for what is proposed. Consuming a few beers will fall into the “pub” price range, having a full dinner in restaurants one.
Final Considerations
I have been to the Emporium Infernalis several times and, as clear from this review, I have never been disappointed. The food is always delicious, although the menu may vary according to the season; the drinks are memorable, although even here there may be variations on the selection offered. Nothing strange: this is the “price to pay” to be able to taste local and unique products.
If we add to this also the wonderful people who open their own local to those who want to roleplay, then the complete package becomes something really precious. After all, the Emporium Infernalis has already made many RPG players meet and maybe you will be among the next! And having a place where to go, without having to host newly met people at home, is another nice advantage.
In conclusion, if you are passing through Turin I suggest you stop at the Emporium Infernalis!
