secret italy

Recipe: Carciofi alla Romana

Artichokes or Carciofi are an odd ingredient; you either love them or you hate them.  They make virtually all types of wine taste water-like or bitter.  They take an age

Recipe: Carciofi alla Romana2021-01-25T20:48:35+00:00

CappucciNOPE

Religion, politics, and...cappuccino?  You may think one of these is not like the other, but nothing will tear apart an Italian dinner table faster than an uncultured American ordering a

CappucciNOPE2021-04-01T10:52:26+00:00

The Leaning Tower of…Venice?

If I told you about the Leaning Tower of Burano, you'd probably think that I misspoke.  Much like an older sibling that gets all of the praise, the Tower of

The Leaning Tower of…Venice?2021-01-25T20:34:23+00:00

Borghi Più Belli

In 2001, Italy had a dream.  Tired of hearing the same old Rome, Florence, Venice stories from excited, wide eyed travelers, the Italian Tourism Board and National Association of Italian

Borghi Più Belli2021-01-25T21:21:42+00:00

Murano glass: the (semi) lost art

The beauty, the delicacy, the exquisite luxury of Murano glass; even if you're not so sure what it is, you've certainly heard of the name.  Named after the little island

Murano glass: the (semi) lost art2023-04-30T19:53:45+00:00

Otranto: Italy’s Combative Gem

As summer weather quickly approaches (finally!), it is only normal to begin daydreaming about the crystalline coasts of Puglia.  Full of beautiful beachside towns on both the Adriatic and Ionian

Otranto: Italy’s Combative Gem2020-04-24T12:57:55+00:00

Napoleon’s Mountain

As much as we appreciate 5* continuous ridiculous luxury (and you know we do), sometimes a taste of authentic local life can be more memorable and rewarding than any gold plated Louis XIV indulgence.

Napoleon’s Mountain2020-04-24T14:32:11+00:00

Orecchiette

One of our very favorite pastas hails from the heel of the boot of Italy. Roughly translating into "little ears", Orecchiette are tiny cups of pasta joy, allowing an abundance of flavors to envelop your palate, and acting as perfect little sauce saucers with every bite.

Orecchiette2020-04-24T14:37:24+00:00

Livon, the secret gem of Friuli

At my most recent Italian wine tasting, I immediately was confronted with a problem. After the first sip, I realized I had just destroyed my day of tasting.

Livon, the secret gem of Friuli2014-05-19T23:37:02+00:00

Chocolate Baci

Bacio, the Italian word for kiss (or baci which is kisses) famously lends its name to one of the most delicious and unique chocolates out there, made exclusively at the Perugina factory in Perugia, Umbria.

Chocolate Baci2014-05-09T00:44:28+00:00