As the temperatures – and colored leaves! – begin to drop in Italy and the scent of burning firewood fills the air, it’s time for a big batch of ribollita, a hearty Tuscan vegetable and bread soup. Part of what they call in Italian the cucina povera, or simple cooking repertoire of poorer past days, […]
Roman Holiday…Revisited
Roman Holiday has to be one of the most beloved and enjoyable classic films of all time. Who can resist its charms? A recent trip to Rome, oddly quiet this past atypical pandemic summer, reminded us of the authentic and pre-tourist Rome depicted in the iconic 1953 film Roman Holiday. Starring Audrey Hepburn and Gregory […]
Understanding Italian Coffee Culture
Prendiamo un caffè! Coffee is a major presence in Italy, taken seriously by the locals and filled with unwritten rules and customs. Though the coffee beans proper are not native to Italy, when they were first imported into Venice in the 16th century the Italians learned what wonderful concoctions they could produce. The concept took […]
Italian Holidays and Traditions
Planning a trip to Italy? When choosing dates it’s best to keep in mind the national bank holidays throughout the year. If you happen to visit during a major holiday or local festival, everything could be affected from museum opening times to hotel availability and pricing to crowds. The holidays can be great fun to […]
