Il Perdonanza, cafe torronata and the city of L'Aquila!!
One of the things I look forward to doing each year (if selected) is being part of a 700 yr old medieval event that is held in the capital city…
Anice Stellato
Everyday is remembered by a taste, a flavor, a recipe while I am here in Italy. These are my special souvenirs or 'ricordati'. Yesterday, my favorite flavor was 'anice stellato'-or …
today and cold pasta salad
Anytime I need something to lift my spirits a wonderful dish of pasta is a great start. And todays' meal was no exception. Of course I had to rush home…
Eggplant parmigiana, mountains of Abruzzo
After many 10 hours day in the office here working on the next special edition book (that should be ready for release in September)- a little R & R is needed.…
Business as usual or not so usual in Italy..
Business as usual here in Italy, or not so usual. Well yes, the plane touched down here in beautiful Roma on August 1st. Of course I was met with all…
The art of selecting a gelato, part 1
Summer's half gone and I have not had my gelato for the summer of 2007 yet. I am counting down the days to that first gelato of summer 2007. You…
Villa Borghese
If you go to Rome, you should not miss the Villa Borghese, which is known for its beautiful gardens, fine art, and rich history. The House of Borghese was a…
Tiramisu
Tiramisu is unique for a few reasons: for one, its delicious mixture of lady fingers, soaked in “alkermes” liquor, espresso, chocolate, and egg custard proves to be a delightful but…
Little snowflake and Fontina cheese
Today, in honor of the discovery of the first albino goat in the world in the Italian alps-specifically in the area of Val D'Aosta a traditional Valdostana (from Val D'Aosta)…
Sweet memories of childhood and Parmigiano
As a child, my favourite part of our family pasta dinners was the memory of fresh parmigiano-reggiano cheese that was grated generously on my dish. And even though I like…
Caterina de' Medici: The Tuscan Queen of France
Caterina de’ Medici (in English Catherine), of the infamous Florentine Medici family, was married to Henry II, King of France during the transition between medieval times and the Renaissance. Though…
The Many Uses of Sage
Sage is another herb that is highly appreciated by cooks due to its unique flavor. In fact, sage is so flavorful that it often overpowers other spices. Because of this,…
The Legend of the Bayleaf
The bay leaf, also known as the laurel leaf, is a great way to add richness and depth to all of your fish, meat, and vegetable dishes this summer. And…
Trastevere, pizza, part I
I've called this Trastevere, part I because-as one of my favorite neighborhoods in Rome- I have a sneeking suspicion- I will need to write much more about this eclectic little part of Rome than…
Summertime Sangria Festa!
Today, still here on the East Coast (of the USA) with record breaking temperatures I am so reminded of the great summer "festas" I always look forward to in July…
Raffaello (Raphael) Master of the High Arts
Raffaello Sanzi or Santi is better known to the world as Raphael, master of the High Period of Italian Renaissance Architecture. Raphael is best known for his paintings of Madonnas and…
Italian renaissance architecture and Mantova
QUATTROCENTO: Italian Renaissance Architecture The characteristics of Italian Renaissance architecture were adapted from Classical Roman architecture. The forms, purposes of buildings, and structures of cities have changed over time. Renaissance…
The perfect burger..in my travels
For the past couple of years I have been on the hunt for the perfect burger. A lot of people I meet chalk it up to me being from America,…
Venezia, Casanova and Zuppa Inglese oh my!!
Sooner or later it had to happen, in this beautiful magnificent old unfortunately crumbling city, a city resistant to change. Venice has their first woman gondolier. The first woman to…
Basilica di San Lorenzo-another treasure in Florence
Quattrocento: Italian Renaissance Architecture Basilica di San Lorenzo di Firenze The Basilica di San Lorenzo is located in Florence Italy. It is one of the largest churches…
Do you speak pasta?
Does speaking Italian make your pasta turn out better? In preparation for my move to Rome I’ve gathered Italian language CDs and find the best time to listen to them…
Food..Art .Architecture on a sunny day in Rome
L'estate (summer) is finally approaching here on the East Coast with a summer sun that reminds one of a beautiful summer day in Rome. Makes one want to reminisce of…
La Rinascita….
Quattrocentro: Italian Renaissance Architecture The Beginning The word “renaissance” was derived from the Italian phrase la rinascita (meaning rebirth). This term was first seen in Vasari’s The Lives of the Artists (1550-1568). …
Fragole..Fragole….
Tis the season for StrawberriesHere in Athens walking through the market there are piles and piles of ripe strawberries begging to be grabbed by the handfuls. As a child my…
Michelozzo, Michelozzi, De Medici & Firenze
Michelozzo DiBartolommeo, or Michelozzo Michelozzo DiBartolommeo, Michelozzo also spelled Michelozzi, architect and sculptor, was most notable in the development of Florentine Renaissance architecture. Michelozzo acquired the skills…
Gourmet dessert..Chocolate chip cookies in Greece?
It’s all Greek to meMy Southern grandmother taught me to always bring something for your hostess when attending a dinner. Here in Greece there is a similar tradition, that one…
Roman Holiday VIrtual Book Tour
Roman Holiday and The Basic Art of Italian Cooking Virtual Book Tour If you are grimacing about the rising costs of airplane tickets , the value of the dollar in Europe then…
Italian Renaissance ..the beginning
Quattrocentro: Italian Renaissance Architecture The Beginning The word “renaissance” was derived from the Italian phrase la rinascita (meaning rebirth). This term was first seen in Vasari’s The Lives of the…
Ahhh. fresh lemons and peaches..oh my!!
I first had this experience visiting a friend and her family in Nevada. To accompany our breakfast cereals was a huge bowl of bursting ripe raspberries on the table. I…
May Day,old fashioned style..
May Day is here and it brings back memories of one of my first visits to Italy-many years ago, before the 'euro' and before the dawn of the shopping malls…
