Truffles taste like a dank celler smells. If a dog or pig can smell them from 6 or 8 inches below the surface, you know they are potent. The next time you are in a restaurant, especially if it is a che'che' French place, ask the waiter if you could try a sliver on your bread or on a cracker. You can ask for a drip of oil on your salad or a piece of bread. They are always happy to gain a new truffle fan as it means more expensive orders. However,none for me thanks, I hate the smell, never mind the taste; I guess my taste isn't very sophisticated.

About your rooms..I'll bet they tasted different from store bought. NEVER put mushrooms in water, much less for 24 hours. I have never heard of such a thing. Mushrooms are 99% water anyway, your fortunate they didn't rot and become slimy. What lice?? Store rooms as is in a paper bag or a folded paper towel and clean or brush off just prior to cooking. At most, wipe them clean with a dampened paper towel and then dry them before sauteing. The temperature of a frying pan is over 300 degrees, do you think a tiny bug could survive that temp? Lice on mushers; I think someone is dealing in local folklore. Go on line and see if anyone suggests a salt water soak for mushrooms. Salt water?...Yuk. Anyway, I hope you enjoy your first truffle experience; a new discovery is always positive thing but none for me, thanks. Please pass the ketsup.