Castagnole di Carnevale are a wonderful treat for Mardi Gras! Italian tradition has it that just before the forty days of lent when one feels compelled to give up tasty goodies, is the time to indulge in sweet, fried foods. Castagnole have been part of this tradition since the 17th century, along with frappe and a…
When in Rome
How to beat the crowds in Italy!
The best way to beat the heat and crowds in Italy is to follow the rhythm of Italians. Here’s how! 1. Each day get up as early as you can, even at 5 or 6 AM. Get right out to walk around, look at monuments and take photographs. Super early in the morning the air…
Culinary Walking Tour of Rome
If you’re passionate about food and wine and want to delve deeper into Rome’s food culture, then join Flavor of Italy for our Culinary Walking Tour of Rome. We head out to the streets and neighborhoods of Rome where you’re unlikely to run into anyone but Romans out doing their market shopping, having their morning…
The Trevi Fountain
In 2015 a National Geographic Traveler article, “101 Reasons to Travel Now”, featured “Spiffier Rome: The Pyramid, the Colosseum, the Trevi Fountain and Domus Aurea (Emperor Nero’s villa) all show off much needed-and tasteful-touch-ups…” Add the Spanish Steps to that list. Given Rome’s complicated financial situation how is this happening? It’s all thanks to private…
Rome’s Tulip Park
One way to enjoy springtime and the season’s magnificent flowers is at Rome’s Tulip Park. This is the second year for Rome’s Tulip Park initiative. The Tulip Park has 4 kilometers (26,000 square meters) of tulips: 360,000 tulips, and 91 varieties, some of them rare varieties that can’t be picked. Each entrance ticket covers both…
Pasta and Bean Soup – Pasta e Fagioli
Pasta and Bean Soup – Pasta e Fagioli I don’t know why I never posted my mother-in-law’s delicious recipe for pasta and bean soup – pasta e fagioli – but there you have it: it slipped through the cracks somehow. It was just when I made it the other day that I realized I had…
Holiday Gift Guide – Top Gifts for the Home Cook!
It’s the time of year when everyone is scrambling for that last minute perfect gift for friends and family. If you have an aspiring chef or an avid home cook in your family or among your friends here’s my Holiday Gift Guide – Top Gifts for the Home Cook. It’s my go-to list of absolute…
Rome Opera House – Teatro dell’Opera di Roma
The Rome Opera House is fast becoming the cultural pride of the City of Rome, thanks to prudent management under Managing Director Carlo Fuortes, ex-director of Rome’s Parco della Musica. This coupled with innovative programs aimed at bringing opera to wider audiences (Opera Camion), and to younger audiences (Fabbrica Young Artists Program, and Rush…
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…
Christmas in Rome 2019 – what to see and do!
Christmas in Rome 2019 is all about sharing time with family and friends and enjoying wonderful food! The city is increasingly filled with lovely holiday decor interspersed with beautiful nativity scenes. If you’re here over the holidays make a point of strolling around and tasting all the seasonal goodies. Here are some of my favorite…
Radicchio Ravioli with Chestnut Cream, Sizzled Pork Jowl and Fried Sage
When fall rolls around it’s time to make dishes that bring together some of the season’s best ingredients. Radicchio Ravioli with Chestnut Cream, Sizzled Pork Jowl and Fried Sage is one of those dishes! This recipe was adapted from a La Cucina Italiana recipe. Since these delicious ravioli can be made in advance and frozen they…
Bread and Tomato Appetizer
Bread and Tomato is just about the easiest and most delicious of all appetizers. If truth be told we have it just about every night while we prepare dinner, and often at lunchtime too. The key to preparing a delicious Bread and Tomato appetizer is simple: high quality ingredients! It sounds obvious, doesn’t it? Just…