Even Italians photographing their friends urge them to say “Cheese”! (After all, with the word “cheese”, your mouth widens to a smile; saying “formaggio” forms a downward curve like a frown). …
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Pine nuts are the leitmotif of this dinner, “architect Nicola affirmed as he served us his tasty first course: tagliolini (small tagliatelle) seasoned delicately with a tidbit of garlic, a fistful of…
You’ll probably overlook Meldola in the region of Emilia Romagna. Unless you’re out to explore the network of feudal castles in the province of Cesena: our target one spring weekend. Meldola boasts…
Our last trip to the northern Tuscany Mugello Valley was on a gray day but the sun comes out as you enter the Ristorante Sergio in Dicomano, bustling with activity, huge bistecche…
The island of Lampedusa, southern-most point in Europe, is where Africa meets Europe, where the West picks up subtle influences of the Middle East. Closer to Africa (just over one-hundred-fifty kilometers from…
Excitement peaking in Assisi for Pope Francis’ arrival on October 4th for the Feast of St. Francis – and each day, the Umbrian newspapers leak news tidbits on the “surprises” under preparation…
Assisi is in euphoria over the arrival here of Pope Francis on October 4th for la Festa di San Francesco. Hotels have been sold out for months and the Assisians’ anticipation is…
I wish I had taken photos of Concetta but I still remember the twinkle in her eye, the way she cocked her head when recounting her stories. In a recent visit to…
Tuscany borders our Umbria on the north and on the west and now and then, we head off (by car or on Pino’s motorcycle) for a week-end of discoveries. As in any…
Few tomatoes remain in our garden, the grapes are in and as the days grow colder, we head towards olive-gathering time. The olives will be in and milled for oil before the…