Umbria’s Valnerina: Earthquakes and “Living Their Dream”

Umbria’s’ mountainous  Valnerina – Nera River Valley – unveils splendors at every curve in the road: And at the foot of tiny mountain village Piedivalle, a small restaurant in a pre-fab now (following the October 2016  earthquake), proves to be another Valnerina “hidden treasure.”   We only found Ristorante Guaita Sant’Eutizio thanks to a tip from Roberto…

In Orvieto, an Anniversary Dinner to Remember

For years now, Pino and I have raised our glasses and  clinked “saluti!” to each other in Orvieto on December 30th, our anniversary.  We’re always there for a couple of days for Umbria Jazz Winter:  what better way to celebrate?  And what a better place than in Orvieto, medieval gem on the tuff rock plateau…

In Cascia, Roveja, Saffron, Coppiette……. and Not Only

Crispy bruschetta with a hardy red wine, tastes of pecorino cheeses, and roasted chestnuts were a buonissimo prelude to Cascia’s  January song competition of rural Epiphany-time music, The groups competing in the song contest would be heading into the piazza from the Basilica di Santa Rita, beloved 14th-c saint born near Cascia. Huge white tents were set up…

In January, Le Pasquarelle Warm Up Cascia

On the week-end after the feast of  the beloved St. Anthony Abbot (January 17th), the blessings of the animals takes place all over Italy.  Many a medieval hilltown fetes Sant’Antonio for days after with a string of folkloristic events. Like those in S. Maria degli Angeli near Assisi. A few years ago, we were in…

Near Norcia, a Preci Tradition Lives On

You might know that Norcia, Umbria medieval mountain-town gem, is famous for its norcinerie. “Norcineria”  can’t be translated with a single word: “a pork-butchery store selling other local products” sums it up.  And in just about every tiny mountain town near Norcia, you’ll find a norcineria. There’s one in Preci, too – but outside the town.…