Christmas is around the corner and once again it’s time to make panettone, the Italian classic sweet bread loaf that you find on every Italian table during the holidays. Panettone requires a full day including three risings, so if you decide to make your own panettone be sure to allot the necessary time to bake…
When in Rome
Supplì al Telefono: Roman-style Stuffed Rice Balls
Roman-style Stuffed Rice Balls, known in Rome as Supplì al Telefono are a classic of Roman cuisine…the roman version of street food. These luscious rice balls are stuffed with meat and cheese. As you bite into the supplì the melted cheese stretches out and resembles a telephone cord; hence the name “al telefono”. Originally the meat used to…
Academy of Saint Luke, within the Palazzo Carpegna
How many times have you walked right by the Academy of Saint Luke (Accademia di San Luca) on your way to visit the nearby Fontana di Trevi and never even noticed it? My guess is many. The next time you’re in the area add the Academy of Saint Luke to your itinerary. It’s an often overlooked jewel…
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…
Christmas Decorations & Festivity in Rome
There are some lovely decorations, lights and Christmas trees to check out as you stroll through Rome during the holiday season. Christmas in Italy is also characterised by its lovely and elaborate nativity scenes (presepi) which you’ll find in just about every church in the city, and by the gorgeous panettone packages in the window of every alimentare…
The Mercato Centrale in Rome’s Termini train station
The new Mercato Centrale in Rome’s Termini train station isn’t a mercato in the traditional Italian sense. It’s a great addition to the station, but reminds me more of something like a scaled-down, smaller version of San Francisco’s Ferry Building, or an Eataly. It has sixteen eateries and places to buy pizza a taglio, cheeses, great bruschetta…
Hostaria del Mercato, restaurant near the Spanish Steps Rome
Hosteria del Mercato, Via Bocca del Leone, 46a Right near the Spanish Steps yet tucked away on the quiet Via Bocca di Leone 46a, Hosteria del Mercato has been opened for a bit over a year, but guess what? They just opened up a charming food market attached to the restaurant featuring fabulous produce and…
Pasta, gnocchi & risotto: luscious Italian primi
Italy is characterized by starting off each meal with delicious first courses, or primi. Oftentimes a primo and salad can be enough for a whole meal. Rarely will you see Italians skip their scrumptious primo! Take a look at these wonderful first course ideas, most of which you’ll find in Italian restaurants, and also in our…
Cooking Classes at Flavor of Italy
Take a look at what we do in our cooking classes: they’re fun, you learn a lot, enjoy great food & wine, and take home a host of new, simple to prepare, delectable recipes. Our cooking school is based in Rome, but we also offer cooking classes throughout the year in the United States and…
Gelato at Neve di Latte
Neve di Latte (Via Luigi Poletti, 6, Rome) is just about as good as it gets! A tad off the tourist track, but near the MAXXI museum so do a double header. My personal fave is pistachio and I always bring a kilogram back home to stash in my freezer!
Courtyards in Rome
When you stroll through Rome’s historic center, behind the palazzi’s huge wooden doors are beautiful courtyards with sculptures. Slip in to take a look! Here are some of Rome’s best courtyards: The Palazzo Borghese trumps all other courtyards for its beauty; the photograph below features one of the many sculptures in this courtyard. The courtyard…
Rome Flora Cult Plant & Flower Market
It was my first time to attend the annual FloraCult plant and flower show. I was expecting something more formal, elaborate and extensive but instead it was more like a country fair. A beautiful, thoroughly enjoyable country fair! There were flowers, fruit trees and plants from throughout of Italy. A Sicilian producer was selling delicious oranges, avocados…