Italy Panorama

Many visitors to Italy during the summer months comment on the lack of ice that is served with beverages. This especially noticeable to Americans who are used to large glasses of cold tea or soda filled to the top with ice cubes. In Italy you will be hard pressed to find this, if you want [...]

Pellegrino Artusi
While Italy’s history stretches back a few millennia, the peninsula as a nation is rather young, having only been unified in 1861.  The recent celebration of the 150th anniversary of unification was rather lackluster, but something the whole nation can get behind is the 100th anniversary of Artusi, the man whose cookbook brought the [...]

What is an agriturismo?
If rolling hills, silent nights, and starry skies are your idea of the perfect vacation location, then an agriturismo is the place for you.  While “agriturismo” means farm-stay, it doesn’t mean you have to work the fields or slave for your supper.  It means you get to stay in bed-and-breakfast accommodations on [...]

Vino Sfuso
A unique store found in many Italian towns is the cantina for vino sfuso.  Literally translated as “loose wine,” they sell you their vintages by the liter, siphoned directly from the barrel into the bottle that you provide.  Many Italians keep five liter jugs –one for red and one for white wine – [...]

Offida in Marche is famous for lace and wine, but they also have a sweet treat you find once a year.

Cherrye Moore shares the fiery flavors of southern Italy’s Calabria region

Sublime cheeses and heavenly gelato made from buffalo milk are to be found in the shadow of ancient Greek temples

This tiny osteria is not for everyone, but if you like homey and casual with heaping helpings of good food, then try Il Vicinato.

Polentone, this rustic dish is fun to eat; everyone gathers round the table and eats directly from the spianatoia.

Do you like fresh, seasonal food? Then the small owner-run shops of Italy are just what you need.