In today’s podcast episode I chatted with Pierpaolo Ruta, the sixth generation owner of the oldest Modica chocolate company in Sicily, L’Antica Dolceria Bonajuto. We chatted about the history of chocolate in general and what exactly constitutes Modica chocolate. He shared all kinds of fascinating details about his family history and their philosophy on making…
Trips
Flavor of Italy Food Trips: from Sicily’s diverse Arab and Greek influenced cuisine to the Marche’s unique dishes like ‘brodetto anconetano’ and ‘olive ascolane’, we showcase Italy’s finest culinary traditions in the most charming spots. We offer culinary programs throughout Italy and are continually exploring new locations.
Customers have the choice of day and weekend trips, or one of our longer 7-10 day options.
You can choose a self-guided trip or one led by Flavor of Italy.
We combine food tours and cooking classes with sightseeing to ensure that you will fully experience the cities or towns you are visiting. The food tours and cooking classes vary based on the region of Italy you choose. At the end of your trip, you'll have a deeper knowledge not only of Italian culture and cuisine in general, but you'll have also had a taste of the different regions of Italy and the culinary and cultural aspects that distinguish them.
Farm to Table homestyle pig butchering in northern Tuscany – Podcast Episode 11
Today James Martin shared another story about a Farm to Table homestyle pig butchering in Northern Tuscany with his friend Armando. We chatted about how Armando and a few other men took apart the pig and made all kinds of pork delicacies over the span of one morning in his mother’s garage. We chatted about Armando,…
Start a New Bucket List for your Trip to Italy – Podcast Episode 10
You may be thinking it’s too early to start a new bucket for your trip to Italy, but it’s actually the perfect time. Yesterday Italy opened up after months of lockdown, including churches and museums, so it’s the perfect time to get a jump on your Italy travel plans. Irene Quinn from the Bella Giornata…
The Lunigiana, its history and its food – Podcast Episode 8
In today’s Flavor of Italy Podcast – Episode 8, James Martin – travel writer, photographer and all around expert in off the beaten track spots in Italy – shared fascinating details about the Lunigiana in upper Tuscany. The Lunigiana, where James & his wife Martha Bakergian have a home and spend five months every year,…
Peperoncini and ‘Nduja, the darlings of Calabrian Cuisine – Podcast Episode 7
Peperoncini – hot chili peppers – and ‘Nduja, the darlings of Calabrian Cuisine, are used to add delightful heat to dishes in Calabria and throughout Italy. Italians add heat to their food with peperoncini, or hot chili pepper. The peperoncino is a mainstay in Calabrese cuisine and is celebrated each September in the lovely coastal…
Coronavirus Lockdown in Italy
How the coronavirus led to a lockdown in Italy Today is our third day of total and complete lockdown. A few days back all of Italy became a “red zone”: everyone should have been at home minimizing contact with others. This was basically respected, but as restaurants and other businesses were open during the day…
Palma Street Art
Palazzo Caetani and the Isola Mattei, a virtual tour
The Palazzo Caetani was one of the great sixteenth century palazzi in Rome. Originally one of a group of palazzi belonging to the powerful Mattei family, it occupied an entire city block on the edge of Largo Argentina. This block is known as the Isola Mattei, or Mattei Island. The Mattei began as rich merchants and over time evolved into…
Explore Puglia with me!
There’s no two ways about it: Puglia is a culinary, cultural and photographic extravaganza. Because of Covid our May 2020 trip was postponed to May 2021! And if you would like to set up your own private trip to Puglia let me know. I’ll share it all with you in a deep dive into the…
Leonardo da Vinci‘s Vineyard & Malvasia di Candia Aromatica Wines
Leonardo da Vinci‘s Vineyard & Malvasia di Candia Aromatica Wines are a side of the genius you may not be aware of. The genius of Leonardo da Vinci remains unparalleled and his works of art and scientific knowledge are world renowned. One thing you might not know about him is that he also cultivated a…
Penne with sizzled garlic & hot pepper, anchovies and parsley
Olive oil, garlic, a touch of hot pepper, a few anchovy fillets and fresh parsley are all you need to make this scrumptious pasta dish, in just three minutes! Well, a few more if you include the ten minutes it takes for your pasta to cook. Penne with sizzled garlic & hot pepper, anchovies and…
Capri Day & Overnight Trip
I can’t help it; I’m back in Capri…again. Just for a day and a night to get my fix of Caprese flavors and another rollercoaster of jaw dropping views. Take a look at the pictures below and you’ll see why I keep coming back. Constantly. If you’re interested in an overnight trip to Capri just…