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). …
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…
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…
I was at Ristorante Da Giovannino down the road the other day, listening to appassionati truffle hunters, Severino and Italo, talking about when they’d finally find truffles this year. Deluging spring rains…
During my Umbrian hilltown guided tours, I’m always pointing out examples of Italian passione; after all, if you don’t get la passione, you don’t get a hold on Italy. Examples are endless…
Warmer weather prompted our first motorcycle “uscita” this year and what better destination than the panoramic Valnerina? Hanging on the mountainside in the Val Nerina, Sant’ Anatolia di Narco is one of…
The day after the Festa, Oct 5th, the town becomes an open marketplace as the annual street fair, la Fiera di San Francesco, winds its way through the medieval alleyways of the…
“You’ve brought the world to us,” Olga once told me with a hug after a banquet dinner at her home. Olga and Americo have warmly welcomed everyone into their home and both…