The True Colors of Italy’s Best Gelato
Just yesterday I indulged in a yummy cup of pistachio and stracciatella gelato. Beware of marketing, a.k.a. visual enhancement. I’ve lived in Italy [...]
Indulging in a Meter-Long Fritto Misto di Mare
Living on the coast of Liguria has advantages, especially like this one! Oh yeah! I’ll gladly die at the altar of fritto misto di [...]
My Up-Close Experience with Making Farinata di Ceci
Farinata di Ceci is a revered culinary treasure in Liguria. This savory dish is made from a batter of chickpea flour, water, and olive [...]
Bocce Ball, Yummy Wood-Fired Pizza, and Generous Italian Friends
Oh, what an afternoon and evening it was! I'm still thinking about it, treasuring this experience of playing bocce ball and eating homemade, wood-fired [...]
Italy Implements the Green Pass
Today I saw the Green Pass checks in action.For those of you who don’t know, the EU Green Pass is a document showing that an [...]
Paying Homage to Formaggi Italiani!
Thank you cheeses!I’ve made this joke for years, mimicking an evangelical in rapture. Now, I’m dead serious in my praise of formaggi italiani (Italian cheeses) [...]
Like to talk or do you adore sweets? You’ll love chiacchiere.
Fare quattro chiacchiere! Eat or chit chat? It’s both, actually!If you want to understand and participate more fully in the Italian culture, chiacchiere is a [...]
Find Yourself in the Heart of Abruzzo
And prepare to be romanced by Abruzzo's finest culinary treasures. So many people, longing to be in Italy but grounded by the pandemic, are [...]
Locals Exercise Their Creativity with Radicchio Trevigiano
January is the last harvest month of radicchio from Treviso And, many locals say the best comes last. From my vantage point here in Treviso, [...]
C’mon, Is Naples Pizza Really THAT Good?
Yes, Naples Pizza IS! At least, to my discriminating taste buds. I've sampled incredible pizza all over Italy. Rarely have I been left wanting. I'd [...]
Italian Coffee Protocol – Know the Ropes!
It’s the little things that make the difference. Especially in regards to the coffee culture in Italy. Once you’ve spent ample time here you’ll understand [...]
An Unforgettable Tasting of Artisanal Organic Cheeses from Abruzzo.
This ranks as one of the best experiences of my life. I know, it’s a lofty claim. But, on a sunny October afternoon, I found [...]
Back in the Kitchen with Novelia for Spaghetti alla Chitarra!
A chitarra that makes pasta, not music? I argue that it makes both, especially after another guided journey in “la cucina” with my dear friend [...]
For Love of Frittelle
What’s the big deal with frittelle? After all, it’s JUST fried dough sprinkled with powdered sugar, right? That was my superior attitude until I remembered [...]
Venice’s Anice Stellato Delivers an Amazing Culinary Experience
Prepare yourself for a special dining experience Finding a worthy culinary experience in Venice isn’t always so easy. Why? Unfortunately, the bulk of restaurants in [...]
Coming to Treviso? Head to Hostaria dai Naneti for a Quick Bite with the Locals
Our "snack" was a board of sliced prosciutto crudo, a basket of bread and two glasses of wine - only 10 euro! Treviso [...]
Hitting the Jackpot for Venetian Cicchetti (Small Bites)
Cicchetti with baccalà I can be a control freak, which at times can be at odds with spontaneity and seizing the moment. When [...]
A Special Insider’s View of the Food and Wines of Umbria
Recently I had the very good fortune to sit down with Elizabeth Wholey, who is a local expert in the foods and wines of [...]