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“Italy the Extraordinary Commonplace”

We often read of the demise of Italy as a major producer and exporter, so the following video was made to counter some of these less than favorable descriptions.

Per Matteo Renzi, Prime Minister of Italy,

The video “Italy the extraordinary commonplace” is designed to show Italy beyond stereotypes, a major producer of technological goods and the second European exporter in mechanical engineering and automation.

Since I love visiting Italy, I found this information to be great news. As for the format, well, leave it to the ever creative Italians. Thanks, Anna, for sharing.

Ciao,

Judy

2014 Top Twelve Italian Foods

20 Dec

Can you guess what they are? If you love real Italian food, made in Italy (natural and authentic), it’s pretty easy to guess what made the list. Take a minute before you read on to see how many you can name. I did this with my Italian class and they guessed all twelve, though not in this order.

Ready to find out?

The following article, written by Francine Segan, is reproduced from I Love Italian Food

http://www.italialiving.com/articles/food-wine/top-twelve-italian-foods-in-2014-the-votes-are-in/

Top Twelve Italian Foods in 2014: The Votes Are In

Parmigiano Reggiano still reigns the “King of Cheese”

I Love Itaian Food Contest

More than 700,000 foodies and 5,00 food professionals—including bloggers, chefs, restaurateurs and cooking schools —voted for the twelve most popular Italian foods. Parmigiano Reggiano won 1st with the “King of Cheese” receiving 20% of the votes. This international contest sponsored by the nonprofit group I Love Italian Food www.iloveitalianfood.org was conducted online in November 2014, with results released in mid-December.

“This contest made us understand which of our traditional foods are the real ambassadors outside of Italy, “ comments Alessandro Schiatti, founder of I Love Italian Food. Three of the winning foods—Parmigiano Reggiano, Prosciutto di Parma and Aceto Balsamico, are all from the Emilia-Romagna region, which isn’t surprising as that region has more products that are DOP and IGP ( protected designation of origin) than any other region.

Using these twelve winners, I Love Italian Food will launch a project in January 2015 called 100per100, which will ask twelve of Italy’s top chefs including Heinz Beck, Cristina Bowerman, Moreno Cedroni and Antonella Ricci to create a unique recipe for each.

And the 2014 winners are:

#1 Parmigiano Reggiano

#2 Pasta

#3 Prosciutto di Parma

#4 Pizza

#5 Extra Virgin Olive Oil

#6 Tiramisu

#7 Gelato

#8 Espresso

#9 Mozzarella

#10 Aceto Balsamico

#11 Ravioli

#12 Risotto

My list would have included Italian red wine in lieu of the Tiramisu, but to each her own.

We are fortunate that many Italian products are available in restaurants and speciality stores around the world, so they can be enjoyed outside of Italy. But truly, food doesn’t get much better than when you enjoy it locally in towns and cities across Italy. The reason is simple – it is often locally grown, produced, prepared and served without chemicals and preservatives.

Mushrooms are “born” and thrive when the conditions are right; the roots of the grapes have been cared for by generations of families; the cows are pampered and some even listen to Mozart; the olives are often harvested by hand and with pride; and so on. Often food is served “zero kilometers” or very few kilometers from where it is grown.

Just look at the fresh mozzarella di bufala my daughter enjoyed in Campania:

Romeisalwaysagoodidea.wordpress.com

So, if you are lucky enough to travel to Italy, lessen the sightseeing a bit and take extra time to savor the richness yet simplicity of the local food. If not, look for these products and experiment yourself or find local authentic restaurants with Italians in the kitchen.

Happy eating!

Ciao,

Judy

Tags: I Love Italian Food, Romeisalwaysagoodidea.wordpress.com, Top Italian Foods of 2014, www.iloveitalianfood.org

Comments 4 Comments
Categories Food, Italian Food, Italian History, Italian Hospitality, Italy, My Blog about Italy

Pizza…Really?

24 Nov

As a follow-up to The Dough Boys, if you haven’t yet seen the new Pizza Hut ad, it helps explain why Len always wants to make his own pizza instead of ordering someone else’s version.

See for yourself what the Italians in Sorrento think about American pizza. We concur.

Ciao,

Judy

Tags: American "Pizza", Italians Review American Pizza

Comments 1 Comment
Categories Food, Italian History, Italy, My Blog about Italy

Chicago Fall Fever – and Cristoforo Colombo

12 Oct

Yesterday, today and tomorrow, Chicago – a great place to be.

Chicago’s Lincoln Park Zoo, founded in 1868, and open and free every day of the year, is a perfect fall destination for:

napping in the sunshine

swimming with friends

donning pink for Breast Cancer Awareness Month

and finding every color of the rainbow

as well as colors that only bloom in the fall

Sunday morning, the city opened its arms to the 45,000 runners participating in the 37th Annual Chicago Marathon. Near perfect conditions greeted the runners and as always, Chicagoans lined the course to show their support. I live near Mile 10, and the elite runners passed our house about 46 minutes into the race.

And then there are the slogans – this one especially good for the non-elites who trudge on long after the official course closes.

Tomorrow, on Columbus Day, Chicago celebrates Christopher Columbus’ historic voyage to America as well as the Italian American culture so vibrant in Chicago. Monday is the city’s 62nd annual Columbus Day Parade, and this year, the parade honors the victims, survivors and Italian heroes of the Holocaust. In 1938, Mussolini instituted very harsh discrimination laws in Italy, and yet it is estimated that roughly 80% of Jews in Italy survived due to the help and support of many selfless and courageous Italians.

Posthumous portrait of Christopher Columbus by Sebastiano del Piombo, 1519. There are no known authentic portraits of Columbus.

Happy Weekend! Hoping yours is colorful too!

Chicago Skyline ©Blogginginitaly.com

Ciao,

Judy

Tags: Chicago Marathon, Christopher Columbus Celebration Chicago, Colombus Day Parade Chicago, Fall in Chicago, Lincoln Park Zoo Chicago

Comments 2 Comments
Categories Chicago, Italian Festival, Italian History, My Blog about Italy

Coffee Do’s and Don’ts

3 Oct

Since it’s International Coffee week, and since so many people love Italian style coffee, here are some great tips from Chef Favio Viviani for The Bialetti Company, the makers of the espresso pot found in every Italian home. I especially love the DON’TS! Enjoy.

Ciao,

Judy

Tags: Espresso - 24/7, Making Italian Coffee, Ordering coffee in Italy, What is a latte?

Comments 3 Comments
Categories Food, Italian Food, Italian History, Italian Hospitality, Italian Recipe, Italy, My Blog about Italy

Tuscher Caffé

26 Sep

On our last day in Cortona this summer, a group of ladies stopped me and asked where they might enjoy a great breakfast. “Follow me,” I said, then walked them to our favorite eating destination in all of Cortona – Tuscher Caffé.

©Blogginginitaly.com

As I’ve written many times, one of the things we enjoy most about Cortona is its Italian authenticity. Most of the restaurants, shops, and stores are owned and operated by local Italians, and these places are where we prefer to spend our time.

This two-story Caffé opened in 2003 in the beautiful Palazzo Ferretti on Via Nazionale. Massimo and Daniela, the owners and operators of the caffé, named it after the building’s architect, Carl Marcus Tuscher, who worked in Italy from 1728-41.

©Blogginginitaly.com

They, along with their sons Niccolo and Edoardo, tend to every detail, and it clearly shows.

©Blogginginitaly.com

Looking for breakfast? Whether a simple coffee and pastry, or an omelet, look no further.

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Thinking about lunch? Your biggest decision is not whether to sit inside or out, rather, how to choose which delicious dish to order. Always the freshest ingredients coupled with creativity, and always made to order…

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And let’s not forget about dessert:

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In Italy, people often gather in the evening for appertivo. This wonderful tradition consists of meeting friends or family members for a pre-dinner drink such as prosecco or vermouth. Historically, these drinks were accompanied by nuts and olives so as not to ruin an appetite, and instead, open up the stomach for the meal to come.

Today, appertivo has taken on a different meaning where along with a wide variety of specialty cocktails, delicious and creative appetizers are served – all free of charge.

©Blogginginitaly.com

Winter or summer, appertivo is an evening ritual in Cortona.

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Unless it is Monday, and Tuscher is closed, hardly a day passes that we don’t enjoy one or more meals here. After our several mile hike each morning, Len always declares, “It’s time for a proper lunch,” and for us, that’s typically a Tuscher lunch. We love the food and the atmosphere, and most of all, we love the friends and friendships we have made here.

As for those lovely ladies I introduced to Tuscher in the morning…well, they obviously liked the recommendation as they were back having lunch when we arrived to do the same.

©Blogginginitaly.com

To Dani, Massimo, Niccolo and Edoardo, thanks for all of your hard work and dedication and for making Tuscher Caffé such a special part of our Cortona life. And to my dear friend, Dani, Buon Compleanno!

©Blogginginitaly.com

You truly are a sweetie pie!

©Blogginginitaly.com

If you are a regular, see you there. If you’ve never been, try it. You’ll thank me later!

Ciao,

Judy

www.caffetuschercortona.com

Tags: Appertivo, Cortona, Italian cocktail time, Tuscher Caffe, www.caffetuschercortona.com

Comments 4 Comments
Categories Caffe, Cortona, Italian Food, Italian History, Italian Hospitality, Italy, My Blog about Italy, Tuscany

La Bella Sophia

19 Sep

Buon Compleanno – Happy 80th Birthday, Sophia Loren!

ITALY Magazine

As Sophia turns 80 today, enjoy a few of her sayings that epitomize her life:

“A woman’s dress should be like a barbed-wire fence: serving its purpose without obstructing the view.”

“I always think positively. It is very rare that you find me in a mood that is sad or melancholic.”

“Having pride in your experience will keep you satisfied with your age, whatever it is. If you can look at yourself and know that you have faced difficulties and overcome them, taken risks and dealt with the consequences, gambled with your time and your love and at least sometimes won, then you will feel glad to be the age you are…”

Good for you, Sophia. A salute!

From ITALY magazine

Ciao,

Judy

For more on Sophia, www.italymagazine.com/featured-story/buon-compleanno-sophia

Tags: Sophia Loren turns 80!

Comments Leave a Comment
Categories Italian Fashion, Italian History, Italy, My Blog about Italy

Piazza Life

15 Sep

Recently, I read an article in a Chicago paper about a local community that created a new and different type of outdoor space. It’s a place where restaurants, shops, pedestrians and vehicles commingle. While this may be new to an Illinois community, it is a way of life in much of Europe, something that I have long referred to as Piazza Life.

What is it about Italian Piazza Life that is so appealing? Just about everything.

Each piazza has its own borders, if you will, created by beautiful ancient buildings that have been repurposed. An old prison is now a museum, a villa now a bank, and a stable now an enoteca.

The center of the piazza may have a fountain or statue, or be empty and provide a stage for any number of diverse events. Nowhere is this better seen than in Cortona, where Piazza Life is a way of life.

While there are several piazzas in Cortona, the two main ones are Piazza Republicca and Piazza Signorelli. They are physically adjacent to one another, yet each has its own identity and events.

You know you are in Piazza Republicca when you are facing the grand staircase of the Municipio or Municipal building.

©Blogginginitaly.com

While it is used for several city functions, it also provides a beautiful setting for many weddings where everyone in the piazza seems to join in the celebration.

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In this piazza, you can sit in or outside of a number of cafes; shop at a grocery store, fruit market, wine store, or florist; and buy shoes, handbags, linens, and even a borselino, all actually made in Italy.

©Blogginginitaly.com

People gather, some doing their morning shopping, others stopping for a chat with friends.

©Blogginginitaly.com

Cars and cyclists navigate through pedestrians of all ages, and pop up performers are a common site.

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Celebrations commemorating historical events are held here.

©Blogginginitaly.com

And while the piazzas are significantly quieter in the winter, they still draw people together for such delights as the incredible Christmastime lamp lighting celebration.

©Blogginginitaly.com

Piazza Signorelli, the adjacent Piazza, is also breathtaking in its beauty, whether bathed in sunshine

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or glowing in the moonlight.

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Piazza Life provides a daily local gathering venue, be it day or night, for spontaneous and scheduled events, including

kids playing soccer;

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local musicians;

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vintage car enthusiasts;

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food and antique vendors;

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annual traditions;

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marching bands;

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and avid sports fans.

Whether you find yourself almost alone in an ancient Piazza, (and yes it is possible!)…

or surrounded by friends you have not yet made,

©Blogginginitaly.com

just be prepared to be amazed by the sights and sounds.

Piazza Life – wonderful! …and no reservation required.

Ciao,

Judy

Tags: Piazza Republicca, Piazza Signorelli

Comments 2 Comments
Categories Cortona, Cortona Market, Cortona Restaurant, Cortona Trattoria, Cortona weddings, Italian Fashion, Italian Festival, Italian Food, Italian History, Italian Hospitality, Italy, Market Day, Medieval, My Blog about Italy, Pageantry, Piazza Life, Piazza Signorelli and Piazza Republicca, Tuscany

Summer at the Seaside

25 Jul

July is the month many Italians go to the sea. This summer, we were invited to share in the experience with Anna and John, friends from Texas, at the summer home of Anna’s parents, Giovanna and Franco.

We headed to the Livorno area, the west coast of Tuscany situated on the Terranean Sea, for a few days of quiet relaxation, great conversation, delicious food, Italian hospitality, and incredible views.

The drive from Cortona took about an hour longer than expected due to some heavy downpours and overturned vehicles blocking exit ramps, but all that was quickly forgotten when we arrived and were met by our gracious hosts and a delicious homemade lunch.

©Blogginginitaly.com

Then time for a passagiata, or walk, and a chance to take in the views of the sea, which was a bit rough for swimming but great for photos.

©Blogginginitaly.com

After walking, hours of conversation, and brief naps, it was time for appertivo. John did the honors.

©Blogginginitaly.com

The cheeses were delicious, including this one with whiskey,

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and this one with grappa.

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The gardener just happened to stop by with some porcini mushrooms. (Giovanna showing them to John.)

©Blogginginitaly.com

Giovanna turned them into several dishes including this appetizer with shaved parmigiano and olive oil.

©Blogginginitaly.com

Time for dinner.

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And finally, dessert. Giovanna actually made this for us for breakfast but I ate it all the time!

©Blogginginitaly.com

The next morning, I learned that an “Italian lover” lived under our same roof but was not performing well. Anna and her mother believe that every woman deserves a lover, and one that meets expectations. This lover is named Giacomo.

It turns out, the lover of whom they speak is a robotic vacuum cleaner. Theirs was about 5 years old and had run out of steam, so to speak. So, off we ladies went to Euronics to purchase Giacomo Due (2).

With Giacomo Due safely in the trunk, I was treated to a tour of Livorno, a lovely port city, by the ever knowledgeable Giovanna.

Not sure the men missed us at all, but we were anxious to see how well the slimmer, sleeker Giacomo would perform. After reading the users’ manual online, Anna shares her findings with her mother.

Anna read the

After a three-hour charge, Giacomo is ready! Will he fit under the couch? The ladies are intrigued but not so Anna’s father, who is busy with world economics.

The verdict is in, Giacomo Due stays! Time for lunch and wine tasting on the veranda as the winds have quieted.

For dessert, peaches in white wine.

Another walk along the sea wall…

And, as Italians are prone to do, disregard the warning of falling rocks.

The last night, we had a lovely dinner in the small town, giving Giovanna a rest from cooking.

Many thanks to Giovanna and Franco for sharing your home and hospitality with us. We loved experiencing the Italian summer at sea. And to Anna and John, thanks for your friendship. We finally turned our goal of being in Italia together into a reality. Bravissimo!

Ciao,

Judy

Tags: Italian Seaside, Livorno

Comments 8 Comments
Categories Food, Italian Food, Italian History, Italian Hospitality, Italian WIne, Italian Wine Tasting, Italy, My Blog about Italy, Tuscany

Ristorante AD Braceria

20 Jul

There is a wonderful new restaurant in Cortona called Ristorante AD Braceria. The ancient setting was rebuilt several times over many years from four small homes with a street down the middle and the building is still owned by the original family. What was the old street now runs through the center of the restaurant.

Today, there are many intimate settings for dining…(if only these walls could talk!)

Business partners Anna and Tito opened this wonderful restaurant which specializes in meat and fish, the latter being a great addition to Cortona, more known for Chianina beef. I felt an instant connection with Anna, as she is from Naples and her husband Marco is from Nola, southern towns where my maternal grandparents were born.

Braceria can be translated as a carvery, or a place where they slice the meet to order, whether it is prosciutto, veal, or a chianina beef steak.

At AD, the fish is always fresh.

We have dined here many times with local and visiting friends and have enjoyed a variety of dishes each time.

Our meals have been delicious and beautifully presented, and we often let Anna decide our menu. Here’s a sampling:

Shrimp carpaccio with burrata:

Breaded Clams:

Seafood salad with five grains:

Salmon marinated with citrus fruits:

Octopus salad with mashed potatoes:

Mixed grilled seafood:

Len having fun:

Handmade fresh pasta stuffed with sea bass, shrimp and tomatoes:

Rigatoni with artichokes, bacon and pecorino:

Grilled chicken (wait time 35 minutes and well worth the wait!)

Grilled fillet with rosemary:

Handcut veal with rosemary:

Fresh green beans with balsamic:

And my very favorite –

Paccheri with braceria ragu (veal and pork):

This pasta is a traditional peasant dish from Naples, made from the various cuts of meat, and simmered for 12 hours with tomatoes and wine. Note: THIS IS THE BEST PASTA I HAVE EVER EATEN!

As one might expect, the desserts are incredible.

Hot and dark chocolate cake with gelato:

Daily fresh fruit sorbet, (on left) …Typical dessert from Napoli on right:

We are delighted with the addition of this restaurant in Cortona. Incredible food in an incredible setting – Perfetto!

Ciao,

Judy

Tags: AD Ristorante, Pesce e Carne in Cortona, Ristorante AD Braceria

Comments 9 Comments
Categories Cortona, Cortona Restaurant, Food, Grilling in Italy, Italian Food, Italian History, Italian Hospitality, Italian Recipe, Italy, My Blog about Italy, Naples, Tuscany

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Blogging In Italy

“Italy the Extraordinary Commonplace”

2014 Top Twelve Italian Foods

Top Twelve Italian Foods in 2014: The Votes Are In

Pizza…Really?

Chicago Fall Fever – and Cristoforo Colombo

napping in the sunshine

swimming with friends

donning pink for Breast Cancer Awareness Month

and finding every color of the rainbow

as well as colors that only bloom in the fall

Coffee Do’s and Don’ts

Tuscher Caffé

La Bella Sophia

Buon Compleanno – Happy 80th Birthday, Sophia Loren!

Piazza Life

Summer at the Seaside

Ristorante AD Braceria

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Buon Compleanno – Happy 80th Birthday, Sophia Loren!

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