Read this new post about a week with friends in Lucca in Tuscany
http://www.travelblog.org/Europe/Italy/Tuscany/Lucca/blog-801600.html
Showing posts with label Italy. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Italy. Show all posts
Wednesday, 7 August 2013
Learning the true meaning of slow food
Read this new post about a week with friends in Lucca in Tuscany
http://www.travelblog.org/Europe/Italy/Tuscany/Lucca/blog-801600.html
Monday, 5 August 2013
New Airport in Sicily
Author: K J S
When planning a holiday, straightforward access to information about possible choices is an important part of the process. It should only require a few clicks to discover the dream place that will forge wonderful memories; the amount of time busy professionals and parents can dedicate to this task is after all limited. As for the convenience of renting a house or booking flights and hotels on-line, it plays a major role. Finally, the global budget that can be allocated to the trip has to be considered and low-cost airlines can quickly become a favourite way of travelling, especially for families.
For the countries and regions that depend heavily on tourism as a mean of income, often primary, good infrastructures and easy connections to their beautiful landscapes and wonders are a must. The South of Europe is a prime example: Italy, Spain and Portugal have all earned the status of beloved destinations over the years and developed accordingly. A dense network of motorways, roads, trains and flights nowadays gives the eager traveller several options to get to the chosen vacation spot. The news that an additional airport in Sicily was about to become a reality was therefore very welcome.
The airport of Comiso opened at the end of May 2013, with perfect timing in regard of the holiday season. The first airline to announce its presence was low cost company Ryanair, with liaisons from Brussels Charleroi, London Stansted and Rome Ciampino. Charter flights from Malta are now also available and further airlines have announced flights in the near future.
This new civil airport was built on a NATO airbase that had fallen into disuse. The refurbishment work started back in 2004 and lasted five years. Its location in the Southeast part of Sicily makes it attractive to people dreaming about the magnificent beaches on offer. It is also an ideal base to visit the many wonderful baroque towns scattered around the island, such as Modica or Ragusa, as well as fascinating historical sites. Another advantage for Comiso is that it represents an alternative should the airport of Catania end up being temporarily closed due to ashes coming from Mount Etna. The car journey between the two airports only lasts about an hour.
Ryanair is obviously confident in the success of this new route also outside of the summer season, as the company has already announced it will be included into its winter schedule.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/flights-articles/new-airport-in-sicily-6703449.html
About the Author
Writer, blogger, social media & MarCom consultant. First novel in progress.
Friday, 15 March 2013
Italian Body Language
Article first published as Italian Body Language
on Technorati.
Every European nation has been attributed its own clichés: The
French complain a lot but are romantic, the Germans have no sense
of humor but work very hard, The Spanish are loud but welcoming,
etc. You will agree I think that an entire nation cannot be
cataloged into such narrow boxes. I happen to live in Germany and
most people I have encountered do have a sense of humor. They are
also in the vast majority very helpful, warm and welcoming towards
my family and myself.
One cliché I do find to be true, though, is how important body language is to Italians. Perhaps I especially notice it as it has been pointed out to me that I am prone to "speaking with my hands". No doubt this is the Italian blood in me coming to the surface!
During a visit to the lesser known perhaps but absolutely gorgeous region of the Marches, we encountered many local people and enjoyed watching them interacting. Our house was close to the lovely walled city of Urbino, to which we cycled on a magnificent sunny day. Comfortably sitting down at a café terrace and having ordered much needed refreshments, I began to discreetly look at our neighbors. Now my Italian is rather basic, and I did not try, nor did I want, to pry. I just observed people instead.
Two women in their mid-thirties, I would say, we engrossed in a passionate and obviously very amusing discussion. They both kept throwing their heads back, laughing heartily, hands alternatively flying to their mouths and to their hearts. Their eyes were twinkling, and they were having trouble keeping the loudness of their voices under control. Behind them I spotted a woman with two young boys. The look of love in her eyes, her head half tilted, the way she kept patting their heads and pinching their round cheeks, all this told me that she was their mother. She had a game of blowing them kisses, pulling a funny face at the same time, which kept the little ones highly entertained. On the other side, a middle age couple look as though they were going through a stormy patch in their relationship. Hands were pointing accusingly at each other, and it seemed that reproaches were being uttered through clenched teeth. After a while, they both sat back and fell silent, looking away from each other, arms firmly crossed on their chests. Finally, I rested my gaze on a group of teenagers, the girls pretending not to be flirting while the boys clearly were competing for their attention. They kept getting up, throwing their arms on the side, and looking deeply into the eyes of the girl they were desperate to impress. In return the said girl usually gave a small smile and intense look, only to quickly resume her demure position.
As they walked away, I noticed hands being held and heads resting on shoulders. I could not help but smile: the courting had clearly been successful!
One cliché I do find to be true, though, is how important body language is to Italians. Perhaps I especially notice it as it has been pointed out to me that I am prone to "speaking with my hands". No doubt this is the Italian blood in me coming to the surface!
During a visit to the lesser known perhaps but absolutely gorgeous region of the Marches, we encountered many local people and enjoyed watching them interacting. Our house was close to the lovely walled city of Urbino, to which we cycled on a magnificent sunny day. Comfortably sitting down at a café terrace and having ordered much needed refreshments, I began to discreetly look at our neighbors. Now my Italian is rather basic, and I did not try, nor did I want, to pry. I just observed people instead.
Two women in their mid-thirties, I would say, we engrossed in a passionate and obviously very amusing discussion. They both kept throwing their heads back, laughing heartily, hands alternatively flying to their mouths and to their hearts. Their eyes were twinkling, and they were having trouble keeping the loudness of their voices under control. Behind them I spotted a woman with two young boys. The look of love in her eyes, her head half tilted, the way she kept patting their heads and pinching their round cheeks, all this told me that she was their mother. She had a game of blowing them kisses, pulling a funny face at the same time, which kept the little ones highly entertained. On the other side, a middle age couple look as though they were going through a stormy patch in their relationship. Hands were pointing accusingly at each other, and it seemed that reproaches were being uttered through clenched teeth. After a while, they both sat back and fell silent, looking away from each other, arms firmly crossed on their chests. Finally, I rested my gaze on a group of teenagers, the girls pretending not to be flirting while the boys clearly were competing for their attention. They kept getting up, throwing their arms on the side, and looking deeply into the eyes of the girl they were desperate to impress. In return the said girl usually gave a small smile and intense look, only to quickly resume her demure position.
As they walked away, I noticed hands being held and heads resting on shoulders. I could not help but smile: the courting had clearly been successful!
Saturday, 15 December 2012
Le Marche
Why not LE MARCHE?
We invite you to watch this video about Le Marche with wonderful pictures of this rich region of culture and nature
Wednesday, 12 December 2012
Tuesday, 26 June 2012
Sicily – A Land Of Contradictions
Article first published as Sicily - A Land of Contradictions on Technorati.
The picturesque miniature villages, forgotten by modern life and going about at a slower, somehow more genuine pace. The gorgeous sand beaches leading to waters so clear you can spot the details of the tiny fish swimming near the bottom of the sea. A culinary tradition of such richness that every visit to this Italian island unveils new delights and entices you to come back again and again. Vibrant cities such as Palermo and Taormina, with their cultural heritage and many architectural wonders. Dramatic volcanoes, the Etna winning the prize of the most famous one, the green plain of Catania spreading under its looming shape. An abundance of citrus fruit, almonds and vegetables. A bountiful production of wine and oil, as well a thriving fishing trade. Add natural resources such as sulphur, gas and salt. Yes, Sicily has it all.
But this blessed part of our planet is also steeped in contradictions. Let's concentrate on a few in particular.
The majority of the population has of course elected to live in the coastal areas, the massive exodus resulting in the inner, rural territories being seriously under populated. This is unlikely to change and is creating an imbalance in the financial circumstances of the population. Did Dolce & Gabbana's three months casting in Sicily to discover non-professional models for their latest men summer collection included the whole territory? It would be interesting to know.
A little bundle of joy will soon be joining your family. As your pregnancy progresses, you will no doubt appreciate to find out that parking spaces are reserved especially for you. But will this delicate attention make you forget about the lack of pavement and how dangerous this makes walking in the streets? Not so sure.
As mentioned at the beginning of this article, the Sicilian beaches are out of this world, and you will find that they are often not crowded at all, which definitely has its importance in making the experience an enjoyable one. You leave the seaside after soaking up the sun the whole day, feeling contented and relaxed. The last thing you fancy coming across are various heaps of garbage strewn around. Sadly, this might well be the case, casting an unpleasant shadow over your stay in heaven.
You will also almost certainly step into a beautiful grocery store that has retained the flair of an era long vanished. You find yourself unable to resist filling your basket with artisanal goodies, wrapped in colourful paper or moving gently inside an old-fashioned jar or bottle. The shock of the bill at the till will certainly make you leave your reverie at once.
Sicily, a land of many contradictions. But so worth discovering.
The picturesque miniature villages, forgotten by modern life and going about at a slower, somehow more genuine pace. The gorgeous sand beaches leading to waters so clear you can spot the details of the tiny fish swimming near the bottom of the sea. A culinary tradition of such richness that every visit to this Italian island unveils new delights and entices you to come back again and again. Vibrant cities such as Palermo and Taormina, with their cultural heritage and many architectural wonders. Dramatic volcanoes, the Etna winning the prize of the most famous one, the green plain of Catania spreading under its looming shape. An abundance of citrus fruit, almonds and vegetables. A bountiful production of wine and oil, as well a thriving fishing trade. Add natural resources such as sulphur, gas and salt. Yes, Sicily has it all.
But this blessed part of our planet is also steeped in contradictions. Let's concentrate on a few in particular.
The majority of the population has of course elected to live in the coastal areas, the massive exodus resulting in the inner, rural territories being seriously under populated. This is unlikely to change and is creating an imbalance in the financial circumstances of the population. Did Dolce & Gabbana's three months casting in Sicily to discover non-professional models for their latest men summer collection included the whole territory? It would be interesting to know.
A little bundle of joy will soon be joining your family. As your pregnancy progresses, you will no doubt appreciate to find out that parking spaces are reserved especially for you. But will this delicate attention make you forget about the lack of pavement and how dangerous this makes walking in the streets? Not so sure.
As mentioned at the beginning of this article, the Sicilian beaches are out of this world, and you will find that they are often not crowded at all, which definitely has its importance in making the experience an enjoyable one. You leave the seaside after soaking up the sun the whole day, feeling contented and relaxed. The last thing you fancy coming across are various heaps of garbage strewn around. Sadly, this might well be the case, casting an unpleasant shadow over your stay in heaven.
You will also almost certainly step into a beautiful grocery store that has retained the flair of an era long vanished. You find yourself unable to resist filling your basket with artisanal goodies, wrapped in colourful paper or moving gently inside an old-fashioned jar or bottle. The shock of the bill at the till will certainly make you leave your reverie at once.
Sicily, a land of many contradictions. But so worth discovering.
Wednesday, 13 June 2012
Olive Oil: Bitter is Better?
Article first published as Olive Oil: Bitter is Better? on Technorati.
Hardly a day goes by without news relating to the latest health discoveries appearing in newspapers and magazines, on TV and on the Internet. In parallel, one can read about the multiplication of health problems given today's tendency to eat more, with food getting richer and richer while at the same time populations move less and less. No wonder obesity is on the rise at a rate that can only be described as alarming, not only in high income countries, but also in middle or even low income countries, especially in urban areas. It is said that one billion adults are now overweight, while three million are considered obese.
Hardly a day goes by without news relating to the latest health discoveries appearing in newspapers and magazines, on TV and on the Internet. In parallel, one can read about the multiplication of health problems given today's tendency to eat more, with food getting richer and richer while at the same time populations move less and less. No wonder obesity is on the rise at a rate that can only be described as alarming, not only in high income countries, but also in middle or even low income countries, especially in urban areas. It is said that one billion adults are now overweight, while three million are considered obese.
With its wide array of options, the
slimming products and meal plans market certainly is a lucrative one,
but it is easy to get lost in its meanders. It is also no surprise that
the mass of information widely available can confuse people, especially
as it is often conflicting. A subject has however remained unchanged
over the years, and that is the benefits of the Mediterranean diet.
What does this way of eating consist of?
Lots of vegetables, fruit, pulses and unrefined cereals, which provide a
healthy dose of dietary fibres, moderate amounts of dairy products,
fish and wine, and low meat consumption. And last but not least, olive
oil as the main source of fat. The very high level of
monounsaturated fats present in this oil is thought to be a factor in
reducing the risk of coronary heart disease, has anti-inflammatory
properties, and evidence that its antioxidants improve cholesterol
regulation is commonly cited.
The way the olive oil is produced, in particular the stage of pressing, however does have an impact in terms of health benefits. Studies have tested the anti-inflammatory capacities of extra virgin olive oil from the first pressing with virgin olive oils from later pressings. The result was that first pressing oils were able to lower inflammatory markers in the blood, when second or subsequent pressings were not.
Interestingly, it is also now recognized that the bitterer the olive
oil tastes, the more polyphenols it contains. Polyphenols protect cells
and body chemicals against the damage caused by free radicals, and can
possibly deactivate substances that play a role in the growth of
cancers. Additionally, they make the oil last longer.
One of the bitterness factors comes from the type of olives used for
the oil production. If you go to Apulia, the region forming the high
heel on the "boot" of Italy, you will encounter the Peranza variety. Its
distinct bitterness makes it an ideal candidate for a first pressed,
extra virgin version of this wonderful addition to the daily diet.
Saturday, 2 June 2012
Italian Body Language
Article first published as Italian Body Language on Technorati.
Every European nation has been attributed its own clichés: The French complain a lot but are romantic, the Germans have no sense of humor but work very hard, The Spanish are loud but welcoming, etc. You will agree I think that an entire nation cannot be cataloged into such narrow boxes. I happen to live in Germany and most people I have encountered do have a sense of humor. They are also in the vast majority very helpful, warm and welcoming towards my family and myself.
One cliché I do find to be true, though, is how important body language is to Italians. Perhaps I especially notice it as it has been pointed out to me that I am prone to "speaking with my hands". No doubt this is the Italian blood in me coming to the surface!
During a visit to the lesser known perhaps but absolutely gorgeous region of the Marches, we encountered many local people and enjoyed watching them interacting. Our house was close to the lovely walled city of Urbino, to which we cycled on a magnificent sunny day. Comfortably sitting down at a café terrace and having ordered much needed refreshments, I began to discreetly look at our neighbors. Now my Italian is rather basic, and I did not try, nor did I want, to pry. I just observed people instead.
Two women in their mid-thirties, I would say, we engrossed in a passionate and obviously very amusing discussion. They both kept throwing their heads back, laughing heartily, hands alternatively flying to their mouths and to their hearts. Their eyes were twinkling, and they were having trouble keeping the loudness of their voices under control. Behind them I spotted a woman with two young boys. The look of love in her eyes, her head half tilted, the way she kept patting their heads and pinching their round cheeks, all this told me that she was their mother. She had a game of blowing them kisses, pulling a funny face at the same time, which kept the little ones highly entertained. On the other side, a middle age couple look as though they were going through a stormy patch in their relationship. Hands were pointing accusingly at each other, and it seemed that reproaches were being uttered through clenched teeth. After a while, they both sat back and fell silent, looking away from each other, arms firmly crossed on their chests. Finally, I rested my gaze on a group of teenagers, the girls pretending not to be flirting while the boys clearly were competing for their attention. They kept getting up, throwing their arms on the side, and looking deeply into the eyes of the girl they were desperate to impress. In return the said girl usually gave a small smile and intense look, only to quickly resume her demure position.
As they walked away, I noticed hands being held and heads resting on shoulders. I could not help but smile: the courting had clearly been successful!
Every European nation has been attributed its own clichés: The French complain a lot but are romantic, the Germans have no sense of humor but work very hard, The Spanish are loud but welcoming, etc. You will agree I think that an entire nation cannot be cataloged into such narrow boxes. I happen to live in Germany and most people I have encountered do have a sense of humor. They are also in the vast majority very helpful, warm and welcoming towards my family and myself.
One cliché I do find to be true, though, is how important body language is to Italians. Perhaps I especially notice it as it has been pointed out to me that I am prone to "speaking with my hands". No doubt this is the Italian blood in me coming to the surface!
During a visit to the lesser known perhaps but absolutely gorgeous region of the Marches, we encountered many local people and enjoyed watching them interacting. Our house was close to the lovely walled city of Urbino, to which we cycled on a magnificent sunny day. Comfortably sitting down at a café terrace and having ordered much needed refreshments, I began to discreetly look at our neighbors. Now my Italian is rather basic, and I did not try, nor did I want, to pry. I just observed people instead.
Two women in their mid-thirties, I would say, we engrossed in a passionate and obviously very amusing discussion. They both kept throwing their heads back, laughing heartily, hands alternatively flying to their mouths and to their hearts. Their eyes were twinkling, and they were having trouble keeping the loudness of their voices under control. Behind them I spotted a woman with two young boys. The look of love in her eyes, her head half tilted, the way she kept patting their heads and pinching their round cheeks, all this told me that she was their mother. She had a game of blowing them kisses, pulling a funny face at the same time, which kept the little ones highly entertained. On the other side, a middle age couple look as though they were going through a stormy patch in their relationship. Hands were pointing accusingly at each other, and it seemed that reproaches were being uttered through clenched teeth. After a while, they both sat back and fell silent, looking away from each other, arms firmly crossed on their chests. Finally, I rested my gaze on a group of teenagers, the girls pretending not to be flirting while the boys clearly were competing for their attention. They kept getting up, throwing their arms on the side, and looking deeply into the eyes of the girl they were desperate to impress. In return the said girl usually gave a small smile and intense look, only to quickly resume her demure position.
As they walked away, I noticed hands being held and heads resting on shoulders. I could not help but smile: the courting had clearly been successful!
Sunday, 27 May 2012
Egadi Islands - Favignana
Favignana, Marettimo and Levanzo are the names of the three principal Egadi Islands, located off the magnificent western coast of Sicily. This article focuses on Favignana, the largest one.
It is situated between Trapani and Marsala, and its proximity to Trapani international airport makes it easily accessible, while remaining unspoilt. It has a land area of about twenty square kilometres and the two plains on either side of a chain of hills have given Favignana its "butterfly" nickname. A tunnel running through the hills connects the two parts. The island is composed mostly of calcareous boulders, and visitors are also usually fascinated by the "cave di tufo", huge cavities which are the result of years of quarrying. These gaping holes can surprisingly conceal a precious area of greenery, or be filled with pretty pools of sea water. The most wondrous can be found around Scalo Cavallo, Bue Marino and Cala Rossa. The rugged coastline means that the beaches are often small and sometimes hard to access, but Favignana is a sought-after spot for all types of diving activities. Its turquoise waters have been protected by a marine reserve and there is no shortage of diving centres.
The main town, also called Favignana, is where the ferry stops. Built around a pretty port, it is dominated by Santa Caterina Fort, once a Saracen observatory post, nowadays in military hands. Facing the sea, the heritage of the rich Florio family, which used to be active in the production and export of Marsala wine as well as tuna fishing, can be found. It takes the shape of the Palazzo Florio and the tonnara (tuna fishery). Tuna fishing is still going strong, Favignana being one of the few places in Italy where the bloody mattanza method is still alive. It is however a historic ritual performed every year in May or June, and one of the principal tourist attractions.
Apart from scuba diving, snorkelling and swimming, other options include boat tours and cycling. You can hire your own craft, or participate in an excursion. Boatmen will also come to you spontaneously in the harbour, with ideas of a trip to secluded beaches or around the island. You can book a fishing trip too. With its flat landscape, exploring the island on a bike is popular. If you did not bring your own, you can hire one at a low cost without problem, and either set off alone or join a guided tour.
For sustenance, you have a choice between shops selling everything from tuna steaks to take-away pizze, or a wide range of restaurants. The prices are fair for a touristic place, and if you like fish and seafood you will be in heaven.
Are you after authenticity and unpretentious beauty? Then Favagna is for you.
Sunday, 20 May 2012
A Trip to Italy with Jamie
Article first published as A Trip To Italy With Jamie on Technorati.
Is it still
necessary to present Jamie Oliver? The talented chef, who started his
career at Neal’s Yard and The River Café before setting up on his own,
has become a star. Restaurants, TV shows, a foundation, campaigns to
promote healthy eating, kitchen accessories and food range, the list is
endless. Of course, there are the cookbooks. Almost twenty of them.
One of my favourites is “Jamie’s Italy”. It starts with the book cover. Jamie may be English, but it looks like his heart belongs to Italy. The chef is obviously very relaxed, sitting outside on a red stool against a wall whose paint has seen better days, his foot propped up against an old Fiat Cinquecento. He is eating spaghetti coated in a tomato sauce, and the expression on his face says it all. It gives you the urge to open the book and start cooking straight away.
To gather the recipes, Jamie embarked on a tour of the country in a VW bus with a kitchen built in a trailer, allowing him to easily cook wherever he stopped. Tuscany, the Marches, Sicily, etc, Jamie clearly had a genuine and deep connection to the people he met during his peregrinations, as the photos attest. A lot of smiles and hand gestures going on, and touching moments such as Jamie observing an old man repairing his fishnet, pouring a glass of wine for a shepherd or making pasta with four generations of women. When I browse through this publication and take the time to look at the pictures, it makes me want to visit the night markets of Palermo to taste these chickpea fritters or to enter a pasta competition in Le Marche!
The book delivers more than 120 of classic and new recipes, classified under:
Antipasti (Starters)
Street Food and Pizze
First Dishes (featuring soups, pasta and risotto)
Salads
Second Dishes (featuring fish and meat)
Side Dishes
Desserts
“Jamie’s Italy” focuses on authentic, mouthwatering food, best eaten with family and friends. Italians “Mamas” revealed their pasta making secrets to Jamie and owners of “agroturismo” inns welcomed him into their way of life. The warmth of the exchanges Jamie had with locals also transpires in the writing and the way the recipes are introduced. Yes, this love of food and sharing makes its way into your home too. I have yet to try all the recipes, but the ones my family and I already prepared received high praise, from us as well as from our guests. Needless to say, only empty plates and dishes were returned to the kitchen.
One of my favourites is “Jamie’s Italy”. It starts with the book cover. Jamie may be English, but it looks like his heart belongs to Italy. The chef is obviously very relaxed, sitting outside on a red stool against a wall whose paint has seen better days, his foot propped up against an old Fiat Cinquecento. He is eating spaghetti coated in a tomato sauce, and the expression on his face says it all. It gives you the urge to open the book and start cooking straight away.
To gather the recipes, Jamie embarked on a tour of the country in a VW bus with a kitchen built in a trailer, allowing him to easily cook wherever he stopped. Tuscany, the Marches, Sicily, etc, Jamie clearly had a genuine and deep connection to the people he met during his peregrinations, as the photos attest. A lot of smiles and hand gestures going on, and touching moments such as Jamie observing an old man repairing his fishnet, pouring a glass of wine for a shepherd or making pasta with four generations of women. When I browse through this publication and take the time to look at the pictures, it makes me want to visit the night markets of Palermo to taste these chickpea fritters or to enter a pasta competition in Le Marche!
The book delivers more than 120 of classic and new recipes, classified under:
Antipasti (Starters)
Street Food and Pizze
First Dishes (featuring soups, pasta and risotto)
Salads
Second Dishes (featuring fish and meat)
Side Dishes
Desserts
“Jamie’s Italy” focuses on authentic, mouthwatering food, best eaten with family and friends. Italians “Mamas” revealed their pasta making secrets to Jamie and owners of “agroturismo” inns welcomed him into their way of life. The warmth of the exchanges Jamie had with locals also transpires in the writing and the way the recipes are introduced. Yes, this love of food and sharing makes its way into your home too. I have yet to try all the recipes, but the ones my family and I already prepared received high praise, from us as well as from our guests. Needless to say, only empty plates and dishes were returned to the kitchen.
Wednesday, 16 May 2012
Pasta, Pasta
One of the many aspects of Italian culture that is famous worldwide is its impressive food offering. Who has never tried a fragrant pizza coming out of a wood-fired oven, or a steaming pasta dish featuring a delicious, flavoursome sauce? Exactly, so here are a few pasta facts for you.
It is said that Marco Polo was the person who introduced pasta in Italy
when he came back from his adventures in China. The Venetian explorer
may well have brought back pasta with him, but the fact is that it was
present already in his home country. There are tales of the ancestor of
the pasta, called "lagane", also made out of wheat and reminiscent of
lasagne, as early as the Etruscans. Noodle certainly showed up again
during the invasion of Italy by the Arabs, a few centuries later. Since
then, the production of fresh and dried pasta has been thriving,
becoming more and more popular.
Dried pasta is ideal to store due to its
keeping for a long time, and it is simple and quick to prepare. The next
big step in the history of the pasta happened in the nineteenth century,
when it found its ideal match, the tomato.
Today, at least three hundred and fifty different shapes have been
accounted for in Italy. And if you add to this count the various
regional versions, who knows how big the number is going to be?
Conchiglie, linguine, farfalle, orecchiette, to name but a few, their
exotic-sounding names add to the enjoyment of eating them. There is also
a reason why pasta is shaped differently: it is to marvelously marry
with the sauce accompanying it. The long sort, spaghetti for instance,
is best eaten with light and airy sauces, using a tomato or olive oil
base. The flat sort, think tagliatelle, is perfect for thick, creamy
sauces. As for the tubular version such as penne, they will go best with
a chunky topping. And finally, there is also a wide variety of stuffed
pasta – spinach and ricotta filled ravioli, anyone? – and soup pasta,
beloved by children when alphabet- or star-shaped!
If you are feeling adventurous, why not try some unusual recipes? For vegetarian options, go for sun-dried tomatoes and tofu, pesto with a twist as you add avocado to that classic dish, or pumpkin, sage and walnuts. With fish, try scallops in an orange sauce or tuna, artichokes and peppers. And for meat lovers, hot chicken and tomato sauce or, as a winter dish, cabbage and spare ribs!
If you are feeling adventurous, why not try some unusual recipes? For vegetarian options, go for sun-dried tomatoes and tofu, pesto with a twist as you add avocado to that classic dish, or pumpkin, sage and walnuts. With fish, try scallops in an orange sauce or tuna, artichokes and peppers. And for meat lovers, hot chicken and tomato sauce or, as a winter dish, cabbage and spare ribs!
So, are you hungry yet? Then you might want to go and hunt in your
cupboards, it would be surprising if they do not hold at least one
packet of pasta…
Barbecue Italian Style
Article first published as Barbecue Italian Style on Technorati.
At first, we
were a bit cautious: Would this gorgeous, spring weather last, or was it
just a couple of nice, sunny days before falling back into winter mode?
By now, we are no longer hesitant and are enjoying the bright and
pleasant days. And what comes with the warm season? Barbecue time, of
course!
In Italy, visitors are usually surprised by the vast range of recipes for open air grilling, and during the summer, a lot of restaurants will have this type of cooking on their menu too. Meat of course plays a big part, and it could not be easier and quicker, as pieces of beef, pork or poultry will as a rule not be marinated. Sea salt and black pepper, a small amount of pure olive oil, perhaps a quick rub with a garlic clove or a sprig of rosemary, and they are ready to be thrown onto the open fire.
Sausages are also very popular. They often contain only pork, although sometimes beef will be added. Hot and milder versions are available, depending on the chosen seasoning: Chilli flakes, fennel seeds, salt, black pepper, garlic, red wine vinegar, sugar, onions, parsley, anise seeds or paprika, the number of varieties on offer is seemingly endless! And as Italian sausages are most of the times raw, the barbecue method is a good way of ensuring that they will be cooked through.
Freshly caught fish is another beloved choice, and as a lot of Italian regions have a seacoast, there is no risk of a supply shortage. The secret of fish grilling is quite simple: It must be as fresh as possible, the grill very hot and you must constantly keep an eye on it while it is cooking. A whole fish is a better option than fish filets as it is easier to keep in one piece, and the use of a fish griller is a good idea.
Grilled vegetables as starters (antipasti) or side dishes (contorni) are also a must. Aubergines, zucchini, peppers in all colours, onions, mushrooms and artichoke hearts are a good selection. Once ready they make a colourful display on a big plate and only a drizzle of olive oil, salt, pepper and a garnish of basil leaves or bits of oregano are required before the dish makes its way to the table.
Slices of fresh ciabatta are a simple but tasty addition. They can also be dipped into a high quality olive oil, sometimes with a little bit of salt and pepper added. This type of bread can also be used to make bruschetta, which will be topped with a mixture chopped fresh tomatoes, basil and garlic. Grilled focaccia, a flat, round bread, is delicious too.
Now all that is needed is for this fantastic weather to last!
In Italy, visitors are usually surprised by the vast range of recipes for open air grilling, and during the summer, a lot of restaurants will have this type of cooking on their menu too. Meat of course plays a big part, and it could not be easier and quicker, as pieces of beef, pork or poultry will as a rule not be marinated. Sea salt and black pepper, a small amount of pure olive oil, perhaps a quick rub with a garlic clove or a sprig of rosemary, and they are ready to be thrown onto the open fire.
Sausages are also very popular. They often contain only pork, although sometimes beef will be added. Hot and milder versions are available, depending on the chosen seasoning: Chilli flakes, fennel seeds, salt, black pepper, garlic, red wine vinegar, sugar, onions, parsley, anise seeds or paprika, the number of varieties on offer is seemingly endless! And as Italian sausages are most of the times raw, the barbecue method is a good way of ensuring that they will be cooked through.
Freshly caught fish is another beloved choice, and as a lot of Italian regions have a seacoast, there is no risk of a supply shortage. The secret of fish grilling is quite simple: It must be as fresh as possible, the grill very hot and you must constantly keep an eye on it while it is cooking. A whole fish is a better option than fish filets as it is easier to keep in one piece, and the use of a fish griller is a good idea.
Grilled vegetables as starters (antipasti) or side dishes (contorni) are also a must. Aubergines, zucchini, peppers in all colours, onions, mushrooms and artichoke hearts are a good selection. Once ready they make a colourful display on a big plate and only a drizzle of olive oil, salt, pepper and a garnish of basil leaves or bits of oregano are required before the dish makes its way to the table.
Slices of fresh ciabatta are a simple but tasty addition. They can also be dipped into a high quality olive oil, sometimes with a little bit of salt and pepper added. This type of bread can also be used to make bruschetta, which will be topped with a mixture chopped fresh tomatoes, basil and garlic. Grilled focaccia, a flat, round bread, is delicious too.
Now all that is needed is for this fantastic weather to last!
Arena Sferisterio – A Summery Suggestion
Article first published as Arena Sferisterio - A Summery Suggestion on Technorati
How about you? Have you already made your choice? Are you an active
person who is going to spend two weeks climbing mountains, eager for the
exhilaration to kick in once you get to the top? Or do you feel that
you deserve a real break and will be enjoying the sun on a white sandy
beach somewhere, breaking the day with the occasional swim in a crystal
clear sea? Or then again you are into music and culture. If that is the
case, then the Macerata Opera Festival could be the perfect event for
you.
Macerata is a lovely historical town in the Marche region. Situated
between the Chienti and Potenza rivers, it has been built on two levels.
The old part sits at the top of a hill and the recent buildings occupy
the plain, with a lift connecting the two. There is plenty to see, but
you should definitely not miss the Loggia dei Mercanti and the Church of
Santa Maria delle Vergini, where you can admire a Tintoretto painting.
With spring in full bloom, longer days, warmth and sun, a subject comes
up regularly in conversations. You can hear people sitting at a café
terrace on a balmy evening asking their friends:
So, what are your plans
for the summer? Yes, it is that time of the year again, the time to
plan your holidays.
Every year, Macerata hosts an opera festival, which takes place in the Arena Sferisterio.
This monumental neoclassical arena, which can sit up to 4'500
spectators, was originally in the 1820s a stadium where handball games
would be played. When football took over as the nation's favourite
sport, Arena Sferisterio was then turned into an opera venue. Its place
as one of the favourite locations for this type of musical performances
remains unchallenged still today.
The programme is being held this summer between July 20th and August
12th. It features four representations each of Verdi's La Traviata,
Puccini's La Bohème and Bizet's Carmen. No need to present these pieces,
as they have their place in the pantheon of the beloved and well-known
operas. Even if you have enjoyed one or all of them before, perhaps it
was not in an open-air setting? Then you should consider attending the
festival, as you will without a doubt find it a magical experience.
The Marche has been given the name of new Tuscany, and it is not
difficult to understand why. Its landscape is utterly beautiful, and
there is no shortage of gorgeous properties
to rent or hotels full of charm. Apart from Macerata, towns such as
Treia and its collection of Renaissance and classical paintings
displayed in the Town Hall, or Urbino and its magnificent Palazzo
Ducale, are well worth a visit too.
Tempted yet?
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