In Palermo, That Bar Gardenia Entices

Not far from Pino’s family home on the Palermo outskirts, Bar Gardenia goodness entices. Our Palermo visits – like a recent  one – always include stops there for caffe’ and pasticceria goodnes. A summer attraction for many in Sicily is that gelo di anguria, a chilled watermelon pudding. At Bar Gardenia, that gelo di anguria …

Near Deruta, a Rural Summer Feast with Giuseppa

In the Deruta Countryside, a Rural Summer Feast with Giuseppa

Tour guests, Kerry and her parents, Judie and Bill, joined in recently for a banquet with rural friend near Deruta, Giuseppa. The family prosciutto with an organic melon was just a tidbit as a starter. Little did they know what was to come! A buonissima pasta all’amatriciana followed:  the tomatoes, onions, garlic, olive oil..and pancetta…

Castello di Postignano, Umbria Feudal Splendor in the Valnerina

Ah, Italy, land of the endless discoveries.  And although we’ve lived in the glorious region of Umbria, “Italy’s green heart,” for over fifty years, Pino and I are still continually discovering new treasures. For his early July birthday this year, we decided to explore the Castello di Postignano in the splendid mountainous Valnerina area in…

Ustica, Sicilian Island of Chromatic Allure

Ustica, Sicilian Island of Chromatic Allure

Aquamarine and varied shades of blue highlight the waters of the Sicilian island of Ustica, not far from Palermo. Over the years, our many trips to Palermo  – hometown of my husband Pino – have almost always included a few days on this island gem, where the one small village of Ustica rises up on…