Molto Italy

Bringing Home Rome

2011-10-23T11:27:00.000-07:00

Williams Sonoma has a great resource for cooking Roman style at home. The informative and exciting website has recipes, wine, restaurant recommendations, and great photos. It definitely makes me want to work for Williams Sonoma and travel to Rome just to cook and EAT! Bringing Home Rome is my newest obsession-as is this soup, pasta e ceci, which takes me straight back to lunch at my old school in Rome.

Lake Roma

2011-10-23T11:17:00.000-07:00

Rainstorms on Thursday caused flash floods all over Rome. For more pictures, click here.
For videos, click here.

Some of my favorite photos of my favorite places

2011-06-28T15:38:00.001-07:00

The Roman Forum from the Tabularium on the Capitoline Hill

2011-06-28T15:38:00.000-07:00

Constantine in the Capitoline Museum

2011-06-28T15:36:00.002-07:00

The Pantheon

2011-06-28T15:35:00.003-07:00

Via Giulia

2011-06-28T15:35:00.001-07:00

Segesta, Sicily

2011-06-28T15:34:00.001-07:00

Piazza Navona

2011-06-28T15:33:00.001-07:00

Venice

2011-06-28T15:32:00.001-07:00

The Temple of Saturn

2011-06-28T15:31:00.001-07:00

The Roman Menagerie Mosaic from Lod, Israel

2011-05-15T10:34:00.000-07:00

At the Legion of Honor in San Francisco until June 5th.

We Should Totally Just Stab Caesar

2010-12-09T23:28:00.000-08:00

Martedi in Arte: Free Museums in Italy!

2010-10-05T09:37:00.000-07:00

From now until December 28th, Museums in Italy will be open late (7-11 pm) and free on Tuesday (Martedi) evenings. Included are archaeological sites like Paestum in Campania, Hadrian's Villa at Tivoli, the Uffizi and the Accademia in Florence and the Borghese Gallery and Villa Giulia in Rome. For more details on museums that are participating around Italy, see the website.

All About Venice

2010-09-29T20:03:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I received my Departures magazine in the mail. And last night I stayed up until midnight devouring every page of the beautiful issue. This month the magazine is all about Venice-where to stay, what to eat, where to shop. There are extensive sections on every sestiere (quarter) in the beautiful city and a great article on what to do with kids. Now I'm desperate to go to Venice-and as of yesterday I hadn't given the city a thought in months. That's the power of a beautiful magazine.

Visit the Colosseum at Night

2010-08-18T22:29:00.000-07:00

Starting August 21st, the Colosseum will be open for night tours (9:00 pm to midnight) until October 2nd. Tickets cost 15 Euros and reservations are a must. Be sure to request an English-speaking tour. For more information (only in Italian, unfortunately) go to pierreci.it or ask your hotel concierge to call the ticket office for you. The Baths of Caracalla will have a similar program through October 23rd.

What to See When You Only Have One Day in Rome

2010-07-13T20:11:00.000-07:00

A friend who is taking a day trip to Rome recently asked me what he should see. What a tough question-you could spend a day in Rome just getting lost! But if your time is limited there are a few sites that you can easily do in one day and feel as if you have seen a lot. To start, I would visit the Roman Forum. Try to get there when the doors open or just before they close so that you can avoid the crowds. If you have time and you haven't seen it before, pop into the Colosseum. I would also visit the Capitoline Museum. It has recently been remodeled and the equestrian statue of Marcus Aurelius is on view in a spectacular gallery. The basement exhibit, with its fascinating collection of inscriptions, takes you out to the Tabularium to a gorgeous view of the Forum that I think you shouldn't miss. After your morning in Ancient Rome, walk over to Piazza Navona (walk through the Jewish Ghetto and Campo dei Fiori to get there) for a light lunch and a few glasses of wine at Cul de Sac. Stop in at the Pantheon and then head over to the Piazza di Spagna for some shopping around Via Condotti. Via Margutta has some interesting antique shops. Have dinner at Babette's or Dal Bolognese.

A Peek Inside Giambattista Valli's Roman Apartment

2010-07-13T19:57:00.000-07:00

Giambattista Valli is of my favorite Italian fashion designers and his decorating style does not disappoint. He takes his influences from all parts of Asia and, of all places, Texas! Take a look at his apartment in Rome on elledecor.com. If only it was available for vacation rentals!

Opera in the Baths

2010-07-11T08:46:00.000-07:00

Aida and Rigoletto are on the program this summer at the Baths of Caracalla. See the New York Times for an update on the shows and a link to the ticket website. Operas have been performed at the Baths since the 1930s-a truly Roman way to spend an evening.

Brunch at Babette's on the Via Margutta

2010-06-24T22:32:00.000-07:00

Even the Romans love weekend brunch. Babette's (Via Margutta 1) has the best brunch buffet in the Centro Storico. For a 25 Euro fixed price you can enjoy the spectacular buffet, wine, dessert and coffee. The dining rooms and courtyard are beautiful in a casual and rustic way. The food is truly Roman with pastas, vegetables (fried cauliflower-amazing!), soups and breads. It's my new favorite restaurant in Rome! Be sure to make a reservation.

My Favorite Blogger and My Favorite Perfume

2010-06-24T21:50:00.001-07:00

Garance Dore visited Santa Maria Novella in Florence recently. Gorgeous pictures! I just visited SMN in Rome which is not at all like the original farmacia in Florence, but is nevertheless always a pleasure. On this visit I discovered that they make honey in addition to perfume, soaps and all things fragrant. Divine.

A 3-Day Rome Itinerary

2010-06-01T21:24:00.000-07:00

I have 3 days in Rome coming up and have put together a short but sweet itinerary. I will be traveling with someone who has only been to Rome once, so I have included some must-see sights on this plan. We will also be visiting a few sites that I haven't seen in years.
Day 1:
-Leonardo Express train to Termini
-Lunch: Colline Emiliane near Trevi Fountain
-Afternoon walk in Forum Romanum
-Late afternoon visit to Capitoline Museum and a Jewish Quarter Walk
-Dinner: Sora Lella on Tiber Island
-Walk home through Campo dei Fiori and Piazza della Rotonda (Pantheon)
Day 2:
-Morning visit to Borghese Gallery
-Walk through Borghese Gardens, Pincio (perhaps a visit to Villa Giulia)
-Lunch: Babette in Piazza del Popolo
-Afternoon Via Condotti, Piazza Farnese, Via Margutta, etc.
-Dinner: Trastevere (maybe-still TBD)
Day 3:
-8:00 am Vatican/St. Peter's
-Villa Farnesina
-Lunch in Trastevere at Checco or at Cul de Sac in Piazza Navona
-Afternoon Castel S. Angelo, Piazza Navona, Via Condotti
-Dinner: Agata e Romeo
Day 4:
-Morning walk, pehaps a last-minute visit to the Basilica di San Clemente or Nero's Golden House
-Express Train to Fiumicino

Your Own Private Sistine Chapel

2010-05-05T19:36:00.000-07:00

There are ways to see the Sistine Chapel (and Vatican Museums) without 5,000 other people-some of them costly, some more reasonable. The cheapest way is to book your ticket online for the first entrance of the day (8:00 am). Not only will you skip the line, but if you are a fast walker, you can get through the museum and to the chapel before anyone else. You won't be all alone in the chapel, but it will be a much more pleasant experience than waiting in line with thousands of other tourists. Another way to see the Chapel with fewer people is to book one of the after hours visits that the Vatican is hosting every Friday through June. Again, you won't be all alone, but you will see the Chapel in a different light with much fewer visitors. Both of these options cost 15 Euros (the regular price of admission) plus a 4 Euro online booking fee.
For a REAL private tour, see Viator.com for their exclusive after hours tour of the Sistine Chapel. For the relatively low price of about $365 (hey, it's the Sistine Chapel!) you can enter the Museums and Chapel privately with a small group. Other options for private tours include becoming a member of the Patrons of the Arts in the Vatican Museums. For $250 per person (under 35-$500 for over 35!), when you arrive at the Vatican you will be greeted personally and taken on a private tour of the Museums and Sistine Chapel.
At last the long entrance lines are a thing of the past!

Rome's Birthday is April 21st and ALL MUSEUMS ARE FREE!

2010-04-14T21:16:00.000-07:00

Happy 2,763rd Birthday to the Eternal City! In celebration of Rome's Birthday, entrance to all museums in Rome will be FREE from April 16th to April 25th! See the RomaPass website for more details.

Pasta con le Sarde in 5 minutes

2010-03-26T15:46:00.001-07:00

Watch a great video of NY Times "The Minimalist" Mark Bittman as he cooks the classic Sicilian dish, Pasta con le Sarde (Pasta with Sardines). In just 5 minutes, Bittman serves up a delicious and simple pasta that will bring you back to Palermo.

Villa Rental Tips in Travel and Leisure

2010-03-21T10:16:00.001-07:00

Yes, it's that time of year again. Time to get that villa in Tuscany booked! Travel and Leisure has a helpful list of questions to ask your travel agent or rental agency when confirming your dream villa. A few that I would add: 1. Does the property have air conditioning? (A must in summer in Italy). 2. How far is the nearest train station/major town? 3. Are amenities (such as housekeeping and chef services) available and negotiable?

Maison Moschino Opens in Milan

2010-03-21T10:00:00.001-07:00

Another new designer hotel has popped in Italy-this time in Milan, not far from the fashion district. The new Maison Moschino has just opened in a renovated 19th century neoclassical train station. Moschino's creative team was inspired by dreams and fairy tales to style fantasy-like rooms that start at 280 Euros. To read more about the hotel (and Milan Fashion Week) check out Contessa Nally's blog.

See the MaxMara Fall 2010 Fashion Show-Backstage and Anna Wintour!

2010-03-21T09:21:00.001-07:00

Garance Dore, my favorite fashion blogger/photographer, posted a video of MaxMara's show in Milan on her site the other day. See models backstage, front-row celebrities, and interviews with designers and fashion VIPs (like Anna Wintour). The clothes are beautiful and elegant, as always.

Vogue.it Debuts

2010-03-02T21:26:00.000-08:00

Vogue Italia's new website has just debuted and it is gorgeous. The latest stories on fashion shows, trends and shopping are all on-line for international readers. No longer do you have to pay $10.00 for Italian Vogue at the newstand (although there is something satisfying about holding that magazine in your hands!). However, it's all in Italian, so have your dictionary ready.

First Excavation in Many Years Open to Public in Pompeii

2010-03-02T21:03:00.000-08:00

The House of the Chaste Lovers in Pompeii is currently being excavated-the first new excavation in Pompeii in years. Not only is this new excavation exciting because of all the fascinating artifacts and features it is revealing (a huge brick oven, mosaic floors and skeletons of mules) but also because visitors will be able to enter the excavations and watch the dig going on in real time. If you are in Pompeii in March, be sure to stop by!

Fashion Week in Milan

2010-02-28T20:21:00.000-08:00

Fashion Week started in Milan and the bloggers are all over it-the shows AND the people on the streets. Take a look at Tommy Ton's blog on Style.com for edgy shoes and hats. Garance Dore's observations are witty and sweet. And Scott Schuman always has classic portraits of the most stylish of the fashionable.

Andrew McCarthy Visits Rome and writes about it for National Geographic Traveler

2010-02-25T14:16:00.000-08:00

Andrew McCarthy, one of my teenage crushes (okay, maybe an adult crush too) now writes occasionally for National Geographic Traveler. His most recent article, Three Faces of Rome, chronicles a visit to Rome during which he stays in three different neighborhoods. He starts with serious luxury at the Hotel Hassler and ends with authentic Rome in an apartment in Trastevere. McCarthy is my kind of traveler-his restaurant and cafe experiences are exactly what I look for when I visit Rome. He also has a great list of apartment rental resources. I will definitely be looking into them for my next visit!

New Novel by Robert Harris- "Conspirata"

2009-10-28T22:38:00.000-07:00

Robert Harris wrote Pompeii and Imperium (about Cicero), two fascinating novels that really brought ancient Rome to life. Now his latest book, Conspirata, is coming out in February, and will certainly prove to be as riveting as his last works. Conspirata is the story of Cicero's consulship and the years that followed-years rife with intrigue and ambition. Buy it now in the UK (under the title Lustrum).

What Happened to My Favorite Restaurant?

2009-10-28T22:23:00.000-07:00

Two years ago I wrote about my favorite restaurant in Rome, L'Altro Mastai. But a recent visit to their website (now nonexistent) confirms that they are now closed. Does anyone know if they are planning to reopen in a new location? Where has the chef, Fabio Baldassare, gone? This is indeed a disaster! Read my post from two years ago and don't tell me that you aren't mourning the loss of this wonderful, elegant restaurant.

"Tucked away on a tiny street near the bridge to the Castel Sant'Angelo on Via Giraud, 53, is a restaurant unlike the typical Roman trattoria. L'altro Mastai, opened four years ago, is innovative, unexpected, and truly a gourmet experience. The menu offers many interesting twists on Roman dishes such as hen soup with Jerusalem artichoke and braised veal with parsley sauce. There is always a tasting menu with wines to match. The wine list is extensive and offers selections from all over Italy and Europe in all price ranges. The chef often circulates around the dining room after the meal, so don't miss the opportunity to talk to him about your exquisite food. Reservations are necessary. According to Zagat, the restaurant will be moving to a new location in winter of 2008-Via delle Terme di Traiano, 4a, near the Colosseum."

Rome Film Festival Ends today

2009-10-24T13:02:00.001-07:00

Festival International del Film di Roma is a week-long celebration of independent and Hollywood films. The festival is juried (there is even a kids' jury!) and celebrities and artists from all over the world attend. This year's winners are sure to cause a stir. Find out who won the coveted Golden Marcus Aurelius.

Win a Trip to Rome with San Francisco's KDFC World Tour

2009-10-20T08:53:00.000-07:00

San Francisco's classical music station, KDFC, is hosting a contest to win a week-long trip to Rome (or London, Paris, Istanbul, or Spain). All you have to do is listen to KDFC (102.1 in SF) at 9, 11, 12, 2, and 4 when Rick Steves gives a few clues about "Where in the World" he is. If you can guess, log in to KDFC.com (you need to join ClubKDFC) and enter to win! The contest runs through October 24 and you can enter everyday.

Even More Exciting Archaeology

2009-10-04T17:38:00.001-07:00

It was a great summer for discovery in Italy, even on the island of Capri. The bases of 3 Roman statues discovered in the cave in 1964 have been found on the floor of the Blue Grotto, along with evidence that there were at least 4 more statues in the cave. Now an underwater hunt for the remaining 4 statues is on. When they are discovered, archaeologists plan to make copies of the statues to display in their original positions in the cave, bringing the emperor Tiberius' private swimming grotto back to its ancient glory. I can't wait to see what they find. PS-don't try searching for them yourself-the sea bed is almost 500 feet below!

Latest Archaeological News in Rome

2009-10-04T09:53:00.001-07:00

Thanks to eternallycool.net, news of recent archaeological discoveries in Rome have reached my long-deprived ears. Scholars think that they may have found the famous rotating dining room in the emperor Nero's Domus Aurea and a new amphitheater has been unearthed in Portus, just outside of ancient Rome's port, Ostia. The amphitheater could seat 2,000 people and may have been part of an imperial palace. I am anxiously awaiting more news from the summer's excavations. Stay tuned!

Anthony Everitt's "Hadrian"

2009-09-13T08:40:00.000-07:00

Anthony Everitt, who brought us biographies of Cicero and Augustus, has just published a new book about the emperor Hadrian. While I haven't read it yet, I am a great fan of his last two books. Everitt is a conscientious scholar and his portrayal of Cicero was entertaining and intriguing. Augustus was a more shadowy figure and the lack of personal correspondence made his personality very difficult to pin down. I am curious to see how he portrays Hadrian, whose reign is well-documented but whose personal life was difficult to interpret. Read a review of the book in The New Yorker or buy it here.

The Weirdest Places In Italy

2009-08-23T08:07:00.001-07:00

Atlas Obscura, a website devoted to the weirdest places on earth, has an extensive list of curious and extraordinary sites to visit in Italy. On the list are many churches housing the relics of saints, the Capuchin crypt of Santa Maria della Concezione in Rome, Santa Maria Novella Pharmacia in Florence, and the Park of the Monsters in Bomarzo (all places I have mentioned on MoltoItaly). The website offers great information on the history of each site as well as numerous images. It's a great resource for trip planning or for a few minutes' diversion. If you know about a weird and wonderful place in Italy, you can add it to the site too!

Latin Jazz and More on the Caelian Hill

2009-08-14T07:33:00.000-07:00

Just a few feet away from the Colosseum is the Caelian Hill (Celimontana) and its yearly summer event, the Villa Celimontana Jazz Festival. Almost every night, starting at 10:15 pm (perfect for after dinner) the ancient Roman Villa Celimontana hosts a jazz concert for the low price of 6 Euros! Young and inovative musicians are the feature of this particular festival-and things really heat up after midnight, when a second concert begins. Latin jazz is on the schedule for this weekend.

Villa del Sogno in Lake Garda

2009-08-11T10:08:00.000-07:00

Lake Garda, straddling the Italian states of the Veneto and Lombardia, has been a destination for pleasure-seekers for centuries. Close to the poet Catullus' hometown of Verona, even the ancient Romans were enamored of this beautiful mountain lake. Today you can visit this romantic lago and stay at the Villa del Sogno, a grand 19th century palazzo on its shores. The hotel has faithfully preserved all the period details and its swimming pool has a gorgeous view of the water. The best part? Rates start at under 250 Euros in the high season-a pretty good deal for this region-but if you can, you should spring for a suite. Well worth it!

Isola del Cinema: Movies on Tiber Island

2009-08-10T21:49:00.000-07:00

Estate Romana is in full swing and Tiber Island is the place to be. Movies in the piazza are on almost every night, as well as shows in theaters around the island. This week Coco Avant Chanel and The Reader are on the schedule, among many other movies in Italian and English. Enjoy the cinema under the stars!

Outlet Shopping in Italy

2009-08-07T19:30:00.001-07:00

A recent article in Lucky magazine about the Seravalle Designer Outlet outside of Genoa got me really excited about outlet shopping in Italy. Seravalle is home to outlets for amazing brands like Blumarine, Brioni, Cocinelle, Etro, Frette, Moncler, Prada and Versace! Just a short train ride away from Genoa, the center is open from 10-8 every day (not like the rest of Italy!). Another outlet center owned by the same group is Castelromano, just outside Rome (shuttle service from Piazza Barberini). Dolce and Gabbana, Ferragamo, Roberto Cavalli, Valentino-and an AutoGrill for lunch! Definitely worth a trip.

The Sartorialist in Italy

2009-08-06T17:04:00.001-07:00

You may be familiar with The Sartorialist-the street-fashion photographer (also known as Scott Schuman) on Style.com who is known for his great sense of style and ability to capture the world's beautiful people at their best-outside fashion shows in Paris, New York, London and Milan. Well, he has his own blog and loves to share photos of the fashionable in Italy, especially Florence. Who knows-maybe you could end up on his blog someday!

The Tempest at Aqua Paola

2009-08-05T21:14:00.000-07:00

Estate Romana is the best time for nightlife in Rome. Outdoor venues abound with live music and performances. One of the most picturesque locations is the Aqua Paola on the Gianicolo (aka Fontanonestate). Not only is there a fun restaurant and lounge set up right next to the fountain for the summer, but the view of the city from the fountain provides an incredible backdrop for plays and concerts. This Sunday (August 9), Shakespeare's The Tempest is on, with original costumes, music and scenery designed for the occasion. In Italian.

Concerts in Rome's Villa Torlonia

2009-08-05T20:05:00.000-07:00

Throughout this Sunday, the gardens of the newly reopened Villa Torlonia in Rome are host to concerts under the stars. Works by classical composers like Telemann, Bach and Beethoven will be performed while you soak in the beauty of this famous villa along the Via Nomentana. Tickets are 18 Euros and include a 3 Euro fee to explore the architectural and archaeological ruins on the Villa's grounds.

Cantina do Mori in Venice

2009-08-04T07:06:00.000-07:00

Venice invented the concept of small plates, and Cantina do Mori has perfected them. The oldest wine bar and master of ciccheti (finger food), Cantina do Mori is definitely on the tourist radar but worth a visit. Try the sandwiches, the cheeses, meats and seafood. Be sure to pair everything with a little glass of local wine. It will make standing-the traditional way to dine in wine bars-more bearable!

La Casa sul Mare on the Island of Procida

2009-08-03T08:14:00.000-07:00

Nestled in the Bay of Naples between Capo Miseno and Ischia is the tiny island of Procida. Perfect for day trips, this picturesque island was host to scenes in the movie Il Postino. Sailors and fishermen call this island home and the seafood is a reason to linger over lunch or stay for dinner. There aren't very many hotels on the island, certainly not any grand ones, but if you are looking for a quiet getaway, La Casa sul Mare is perfect. Each simply furnished room has a terrace overlooking the sea and breakfast is included. Rates are just 168 Euros in the high season!

Culinary Travel-Epicurious Recommends Campania

2009-08-02T16:32:00.000-07:00

Epicurious.com has tons of travel-related food articles about destinations all over the world. Most recently they toured the region of Campania to sample the best pizza, cheese, lemons (Sorrento, of course), seafood (try Sapori di Mare in Marina di Vietri sul Mare), pastries, candies and coffee. They recommend the shops, restaurants and markets where the best of Campania and the Amalfi Coast can be found. I'm definitely ready for my next trip!

Elliot Stein's Sardinia

2009-08-01T09:54:00.000-07:00

Beaches, pecorino and nuraghi-Sardinia has something for everyone. Elliot Stein's new guidebook Sardinia explores the hidden side of the island (and its jet-set resorts for those of you who can't resist). Find out where to get the best artisanal cheeses, unlock the mysteries of Sardinia's indigenous ancient castles (nuraghi) and discover the best way to see the island's incredible scenery. Check out National Geographic's Intelligent Traveler Blog for some quick tips from the author himself.

How to Order Coffee Like a Roman

2009-07-23T17:09:00.000-07:00

Budget Travel's Kate Appleton has a quick instructional video on how to order coffee like a real Roman. Short, sweet, and filmed at Tazza d'Oro near the Pantheon, this video will definitely show you how to drink as the Romans drink.

Heidi Swanson's Roman Encounters

2009-07-23T14:27:00.000-07:00

Heidi Swanson, the author of 101 Cookbooks, a fantastic San Francisco-based natural cooking blog, doesn't just write about food from all over the world-she actually goes to the source. Her beautiful blog is filled with food articles from her travels. Most interesting to the readers of MoltoItaly are her Italian trips, of course. Not only does she recommend restaurants, cafes and food shops, but she comments on the people and scenery as well-with stunning photos to illustrate. See her article on a trip to the Eternal City: 20 Things I Encountered in Rome.

Albergo del Senato at the Pantheon

2009-07-17T16:08:00.000-07:00

The Pantheon is my favorite building in Rome and Piazza della Rotonda is the quintessence of the Eternal City. Albergo del Senato is located directly on the Piazza and from its rooms you will think you can actually reach out and touch the great dome of the Pantheon. This 3-star hotel occupies a 19th century palazzo that has been redesigned utilizing all the modern amenities while keeping its antique details. The hotel provides a beautiful breakfast (double rooms start at under 200 Euros in the high season) and has a breathtaking rooftop terrace bar from which you can contemplate the beauty of the Pantheon high above the crowds. Book a superior suite for a truly elegant Italian experience.

Vatican Museums Open from 7-11 pm on July 24

2009-07-16T12:28:00.000-07:00

Next Friday, the Vatican Museums will be open from 7:00-11:00 pm (19:00-23:00). These evening hours, the first of their kind for the Vatican, have been in place at several other world-class museums (the Uffizi and the Louvre) and have been a great success. If it goes well on July 24th, this could be a regular occurrence. What a great way to entertain kids and keep cool at night in Rome!

Where to Buy Capri Pants on Capri

2009-07-12T17:05:00.000-07:00

Yes, Capri pants really did originate on the island of Capri. Perhaps they were invented to make hopping from your yacht to the dock a little less hazardous. The place to buy them is La Parisienne in Piazza Umberto 1 (#7). Jackie Onassis bought them by the dozen here and Audrey Hepburn made La Parisienne's cropped pants part of her iconic style. Get them in classic white and wear them with big shades for that true casual Italian holiday look. (They even do custom orders!)

Jazz in the Villa Medici

2009-06-25T14:24:00.000-07:00

Villa Medici, home to the French Academy in Rome, is hosting a small jazz festival this week as part of Estate Romana (June 24-26). While we missed the first two nights, Friday night's program is sure to be a great crowd-pleaser with Daniele Scannapieco on sax. The performances are outside in the Villa's famous gardens. Doors open at 7:30, music starts at 9:00. You can buy a reduced ticket with your RomaPiu pass!

Venice's Londra Palace Restored to Old Glory

2009-06-24T08:27:00.000-07:00

Just down the "street" from St. Mark's Square, the Doge's Palace and the Bridge of Sighs is the Londra Palace Hotel. With views across the lagoon, this hotel's location is incomparable. And now its interior has been painstakingly restored to reflect the grand history and beauty of Venice. The hotel's rooms are furnished with authentic antiques and its restaurants are light-filled and pleasant. The water-taxi stops right in front of the hotel so you will be able to see all of Venice from your doorstep. Be sure to ask for a room with a view!

Castiglion del Bosco: Ferragamo's Tuscan Retreat

2009-06-22T19:48:00.000-07:00

Massimo Ferragamo has restored an ancient Tuscan estate in the heart of Brunello wine-making country. Castiglion del Bosco is a group of private villas for sale, all decorated with the finest materials. If purchasing an Italian villa is a little too rich for your blood, there are 26 suites and guestrooms available for short-term stays in the old estate owner's villa, called Il Borgo, along with a cooking school, restaurants and a spa (opening in 2010). Your own private Italy-in high style.

Food Wine Rome: A Foodie's Guide to Rome

2009-06-21T16:40:00.000-07:00

Food Wine Rome, a new guidebook by David Downie (food and travel writer who has contributed to Gourmet and Bon Appetit and many many other food publications), is the food guidebook for gourmets who are visiting Rome. In his book you will discover the best restaurants, food shops, and wine purveyors. Even long-time residents of Rome will find surprises in this beautifully designed and illustrated book.

Estate Romana 2009 Calendar is On-Line

2009-06-18T14:07:00.000-07:00

At long last, the Estate Romana (Roman Summer) calendar of events is live. Go to en.estateromana.commune.roma.it for all the details on summer concerts, exhibitions, and performances in Rome-many of them FREE!

The Pool at the Hotel Caruso Belvedere

2009-06-18T08:08:00.000-07:00

The Hotel Caruso Belvedere in Ravello (my favorite town on the Amalfi Coast) is so spectacular, Budget Travel has written a whole article about it. Well, part of an article, anyway. Read all about this infinity pool with the most incredible view of the Mediterranean at budgettravel.com .

Bir e Fud's Brewery Tour in Abruzzo

2009-06-13T14:18:00.000-07:00

For you beer aficionados who will be in Italy on June 20th, Trastevere's Bir e Fud is planning a tour of Opperbacco di Notaresco, an artisanal brewery near Teramo in Abruzzo. For 20 Euros you will get a tour and beer tasting at the brewery along with a picnic lunch consisting of delicious antipasti. Make reservations through Bir e Fud by calling 39.06.5561677. Buon Apetito!

The Saldi Calendar

2009-06-10T21:10:00.000-07:00

After months of searching, I have finally found what appears to be a calendar of Italy's summer sale season. The website which has published the calendar, pricesharing.it, claims to be an on-line consumer review organization. Where they got their information, they do not say. But so far it's the only Saldi calendar I have seen on the web, so I'll take it. Rome starts its Saldi on July 4th, Venice on July 5th, and Florence on July 12th. The discounts on this season's fashions will be considerable, so be sure to save your Euros for some stylish new Italian clothes!

Stay Up Late Reading

2009-06-09T14:29:00.001-07:00

What to do if you can't sleep in Rome? Hit Via Veneto Libreria (owned by the local independent chain of bookstores, Arion), which is open until midnight on weekends. The massive store has a coffee shop and a great selection of foreign language books, including English. Yes, you can probably think of 100 things to do at night in Rome, but you never know when you'll need Henry James, do you? Via Veneto 42.

La Biennale in Venice is Here!

2009-06-08T08:15:00.000-07:00

Venice's La Biennale, one of the world's premier cultural institutions, has begun. Films, dance, music and art are the focus of this century-old celebration of international creativity. At many venues throughout the city you can see the work of award-winning artists, directors, composers and dancers. This year, the artist Bruce Nauman has won the prestigious Golden Lion award for his design of the American Pavilion, a work entitled "Topological Gardens." To take part in the various events of La Biennale, buy tickets here.

La Maremma-Tuscany's Mediterranean Coast

2009-06-07T09:03:00.000-07:00

It's summer in Italy and the only place to truly cool off is the beach. The New York Times has an article on the Tyrrhenian coast of Tuscany, a.k.a. La Maremma. See Frank Bruni's suggestions for hotels, restaurants and things to do in this relatively unknown stretch of the Mediterranean. He even visits Elba, the site of Napolean's exile. If you love history, scenery, and delicious food, you will love La Maremma. It's just a short drive from Rome and Florence-perfect for a weekend trip.

More Ways to Help Abruzzo

2009-06-05T14:57:00.000-07:00

The Slow Food Network is looking to donate $25,000 to help victims of the Abruzzo earthquake with basic necessities. Just $25 helps a local farmer pay for a table at the new market in l'Aquila. You can help by going to GlobalGiving.com and making a donation.

Ferragamo's Celebrity Handbag Auction to Benefit Abruzzo

2009-06-05T14:29:00.000-07:00

Ferragamo and GlobalGiving.com have put a collection of handbags donated by celebrities (Madonna, Gwyneth Paltrow and Eva Longoria, to name a few) on eBay. All proceeds go directly to benefit the Abruzzo region, which was devastated by an earthquake earlier this year. At last check, Madonna's Sophia bag was going for $2,235. Read more about it on eternallycool.net. Want to donate to the cause but aren't interested in fashion? GlobalGiving.com has an Italy Earthquake Relief Fund that you can donate to anytime you want.

Raphael, His Mistress, and Saltimbocca

2009-06-04T15:54:00.000-07:00

Ristorante Romolo nel Giardino di Raffaello e della Fornarina, also known as Romolo, is the perfect setting for a romantic dinner in Trastevere. The restaurant, which serves typical Roman cuisine, was opened in 1950 and is located in the house and garden that supposedly belonged to Raphael's mistress, the daughter of a baker (il forno). While Raphael was working on the nearby Villa Farnesina, he would steal away to meet his lover and model, Margherita Luti. You won't find this restaurant and its very pretty garden in many of the tourist books (and hopefully you won't find many tourists either). Via di Porta Settimiana 8. Tel.065818284.

125 Years of Bulgari in Rome

2009-06-01T10:42:00.000-07:00

In 1884, Bulgari opened its first store in Rome. Since then, the jeweler has been inspiring women all over the world with its creative and innovative designs. Naturally, the jewels of Bulgari are in perfect keeping with my other-life fantasy of being an Italian contessa. Now I (and dreamers like me) can get a little closer to Bulgari's works at the Palazzo delle Esposizioni in Rome. The museum, located on the Via Nazionale, is presenting eight galleries full of jewelry created throughout the past 125 years. Don't miss the gallery devoted entirely to Elizabeth Taylor's Bulgari collection! Now through September 13th.

Castello Falconara in Butera, Sicily

2009-05-30T06:09:00.000-07:00

Not far from Caltagirone, just off the road that leads from Siracusa to Agrigento, is the Norman-era Castello Falconara. The castello and its grounds are now host to the 5-star Falconara Resort. The resort lies on a promontory in the Mediterranean and is redesigned in a stunning marriage of classical and modern elegance. Every amenity is available, from spa facilities, pool and tennis to a children's playground and canoe rental. The restaurant and the rooms are stunning, with panoramic views of the castello and the sea. If you are headed to southeastern Sicily, the location of this resort in Butera is ideal, for it is centrally located among the great sites of Piazza Armerina, Agrigento and Siracusa.

A Driving Tour of the Amalfi Coast

2009-05-29T11:00:00.000-07:00

National Geographic Traveler has the scoop on driving the scenic roads of the Amalfi Coast. You'll find tips on what stops to make, what routes to take and how to avoid crowds (and the dangerous traffic that comes with them). Here's a couple of tips from me: don't drive the roads at night and make sure your car is small-not like the huge station wagon I drove the last time I was there!

How to Get Your Italian Fashion Fix On-line

2009-05-26T07:41:00.000-07:00

Italian style is bold, whimsical and elegant. Not only are the designers unique, but the way that Italians put themselves together is so different from the rest of the fashion world. But where can you go to get your Italian fashion fix? Sei di Moda, DWeb and Velvet are three fashion websites connected to La Repubblica, Italy's premier newspaper. They will tell you all about the latest trends in Italy, give you updates on the fashion shows in Milan, and alert you to the important fashion events in Italy (like Saldi!). They will also clue you in to Italian gossip, home design and beauty. Of course, it's all in Italian, but the pictures can tell you more than enough!

Naranzaria Wine Bar in Venice

2009-05-25T09:23:00.000-07:00

In another life I was definitely an Italian contessa, living la dolce vita in one of my many villas and dressing in the latest Milanese fashions. Real-life contessas in Italy certainly do those things, but they also do so much more! Contessa Marie Brandolini, who owns her own Venetian glassmaking studio, runs the wine bar Naranzaria on the Grand Canal that showcases her family's wines and the fresh tastes of the Veneto region. Seafood is the specialty and with the Rialto so close you are guaranteed to have the best of what is available daily. The views of Venice from the restaurant are superb. Naranzaria stays open until 2 a.m., unusual in a town which is known for turning its lights out early.

Ca' Matilde in Reggio Emilia Earns a Michelin Star

2009-05-24T19:40:00.000-07:00

With a regional tasting menu at 45 Euros, Ca' Matilde in Reggio Emilia is a bargain-and until now has been a well-kept secret. Recently the restaurant, which is part of an inn just outside of Rubinniano, Reggio Emilia, earned a Michelin star. The menu is full of local favorites with modern and creative twists, such as pumpkin tortellini and the favorite dessert of the region, Zuppa Inglese (English trifle with ladyfingers). There's even a kid's menu! The setting of the restaurant and inn is idyllic and certainly worth getting off the beaten track for.

Villas Villas Villas

2009-05-22T14:28:00.000-07:00

Travel and Leisure highlights Tuscan villas this month-and how to enjoy them on a budget. T and L has five villas where doubles cost less than $300 a night. Locanda del Glicine in Campagnatico offers an inn in the village and a farmhouse (Pieve Vecchia, pictured) in the countryside. Choosing which one is the hardest part! Villa Bordoni in the Chianti region is owned by the very same proprieters of Trattoria Baldovino in Florence and there is a cooking school on-site. Villa il Poggiale in Val di Pesa is an historic estate with wood-beamed ceilings decorated in superb Renaissance style. There is also a small private two-bedroom cottage on the estate available for 300 Euros, complete with kitchen. Villa le Luci in Castagneto Carducci not far from the Tyrrhenian Sea has six bedrooms and one suite, all finished in luxuriously spare style. Villa Poggiano near Montepulciano (one of my favorite regions!) has a gorgeous pool, light and airy rooms, and a breakfast to die for. PS: The next Twilight movie is filmed in Montepulciano!

Contessa Nally: Must-See Italian Fashion Blog

2009-05-21T09:38:00.000-07:00

If you want to see fashion shows, artists and beautiful people up close, go to contessanally.blogspot.com. Venice resident Contessa Nally Manfredi Bellati is a photographer and stylist who has worked for Vogue and Bazaar and whose photos appear in magazines all over the world. Now you can see her candid photos of Milan (pictured), Paris and New York's Fashion Weeks and many other fashionable and fabulous events all over Italy on her blog. You will definitely be mesmerized by her beautiful world.

Venice Glassmaking Made Clear

2009-05-19T16:12:00.000-07:00

Venice has been the home of the world's best glassblowers for centuries. But which glassmakers should you visit when you are in Venice? Here are a few that you will enjoy, with prices ranging from accessible to fantastical! Giberto Arrivabene makes glass according to the traditions of the aristocracy, and you can find his works at Chiarastella Cattana in Piazza San Marco and also at Emporio Le Sirenuse in Positano. Carlo Moretti brings a modern and colorful touch to assymetrical pieces that you can buy all over the world, even in the United States. Marie Brandolini designs tumblers and serveware incorporating the famous Venetian glass beads (pictured). Giordana Naccari's colorful and organic shapes evoke the past-with a funky point of view. Visit her shop, L'Angolo del Passato at Campiello dei Squelini.

Free Guide to Rome's Angels and Demons

2009-05-17T09:45:00.000-07:00

Angela Nickerson, the author of A Journey into Michelangelo's Rome, has published a guide to the Rome of Dan Brown's Angels and Demons. You can get this guide for free at Roaring Forties Press. Thanks eternallycool.net for clueing us in!

Serious Eats in Italy

2009-05-17T09:37:00.000-07:00

SeriousEats.com, a website devoted to serious food all over the world, is a great resource for restaurants, cafes and bars in Italy. A recent search on the website turned up articles on a mozzarella bar in Rome, a day of food in Abruzzo, and prosciutto di Parma. There is even an entire blog devoted to pizza, slice.seriouseats.com. Buon Gusto!

On the Beach in Positano

2009-05-16T15:15:00.001-07:00

Positano is certainly where the beautiful people are. At the Grande Spiaggia (big beach) you can join them at La Scogliera (the reef) for drinks and snacks or for lunch and dinner on the terrace at L'Incanto. The restaurant is open-air and offers a myriad of seafood options and a view of the sea. They will gladly reserve a beach chair and umbrella for you-and bring your lunch to you as you lounge in the sand.

Angels and Demons Walking Tour

2009-05-14T15:57:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow is the big day-Angels and Demons opens all over the U.S.! If you are headed to Rome, you can take a walking tour of the major sites. For $74 per person, Viator will take you to the famous and not so famous places mentioned in Dan Brown's book. They will even read some of the passages aloud at a few sites to truly bring the book to life. If a guided tour (that costs money!) is not your idea of chasing down Angels and Demons, talk a walking tour by yourself. MSNBC has created an Angels and Demons 48 Hour Itinerary that you can follow on your own. They even recommend restaurants and shopping, like TAD department store, along the way. Diverti te!

Estate Romana 2009

2009-05-13T21:03:00.001-07:00

More concert dates have been announced for Estate Romana 2009. Lauryn Hill (July 3), Burt Bacharach (July 24) and Tracy Chapman (July 27) will be performing in Rome-get tickets and details at www.romeguide.it. Stay tuned for the Estate Romana 2009 website.

Candied Chestnuts from Piedmont

2009-05-13T19:07:00.000-07:00

One of the greatest delicacies of Italy are marroni canditi (candied chestnuts). Hard to find in the U.S., Zingerman's now imports them from the Bardini brothers in Cuneo, Piemonte. The process of making the chestnuts is intense-they are soaked in water for a week in underground caves, then in vanilla syrup, and then rolled in sugar. You won't recognize them as chestnuts, but you will definitely fall in love.

Hotel Capo d'Africa in Rome

2009-05-11T22:45:00.000-07:00

An award-winning boutique hotel close to the Colosseum, Capo d'Africa is a an easy home base for the tourist who wants all the comforts of space, efficiency and modernity. Breakfast is included in the price (rooms start at under 200 Euros if you book in advance) and every Wednesday they offer live jazz. Located in a 19th century palazzo, this thoroughly updated hotel is perfect for visits to the Roman Forum and Nero's Golden House.

The Best Sandwiches in Florence

2009-05-07T06:34:00.000-07:00

Students and locals alike adore l'Antico Noe, a sandwich shop just a short walk from the Duomo. Here you can have real Italian panini made with the best meats and cheeses (salami, prosciutto, bufala mozzarella!). The food is cheap and you can even order a glass of wine to wash it down. Next door is an osteria owned by the same proprietor serving slow-cooked steaks and Tuscan dishes. The owner, Massimo, makes the sandwiches and if you become a regular, he'll never forget you! Volta di San Piero 6r.

Castello Ruspoli in Vignanello

2009-05-05T11:37:00.000-07:00

The Ruspolis and their ancestors have been prominent in Italy since the days of Charlemagne, and their ancestral home, Castello Ruspoli in Vignanello, is famous for its gardens. Designed during the Renaissance by the architect Sangallo, the parterre (garden) of maze-like hedges was set up by Giulia Farnese, the wife of the famous Count Orsini who built the Parco dei Monstri in Bomarzo. You can visit the Castello and its gardens every Sunday from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm (or arrange for a private tour). You may even catch a glimpse of Princess Claudia Ruspoli, who often helps to collect the tickets!

Antinori Estates-623 Years of Winemaking

2009-05-04T09:27:00.000-07:00

60 Minutes aired a spot on the Antinori family vineyards of Italy last night. Since 1385, the Antinori family of Florence has been producing white and red wines according to traditional methods and using old-growth vines. They have estates all over Tuscany and Umbria, including Badia a Passignano where you can purchase wine and dine in the osteria (Italian wineries are not usually open to the public as they are in the USA). Their palazzo in Florence even has special wine-related art exhibitions from time to time (most recently on ancient Greek glassware). Their wines are distributed all over Italy and even the USA.

Castello di Reschio-Villa Rental in Umbria

2009-05-02T19:41:00.000-07:00

Deep in the hills of Umbria is an 11th century castle surrounded by 2,700 acre private estate. On this estate, Castello di Reschio, are 50 farmhouses that have been painstakingly and luxuriously restored by the Bolza family. The villas are for sale to the public (don't ask the price) but if buying a villa in Italy is a little out of your reach, four of these villas are available for vacation rental! They definitely are not cheap, but the prices per night are comparable to the luxury hotels of Italy and you get your own pool, concierge service, gourmet kitchens and access to the estate's extensive hiking and horsebackriding trails. Castello di Reschio is just 20 minutes from Perugia and 2 hours from Rome and Tuscany, perfect the home base of an extended vacation in your own private Italy.

San Pellegrino World's 50 Best Restaurants

2009-04-30T15:08:00.001-07:00

San Pellegrino World's 50 Best Restaurants have been chosen and six restaurants in Italy have made the list. The restaurants are innovative, experimental, and break the bonds of tradition all the while being the most chic in the city and country. The Italian restaurant ranked highest on the list is Osteria Francescana in Modena with the Michelin-starred Ristorante Cracco in Milan not far behind. The famous Gambero Rosso in Livorno has made the list again. Combal.Zero in the Museum of Contemporary Art in Piedmont presents dishes that will surprise you in every way. Dal Pescatore in Mantua has one of Italy's most celebrated women chefs. La Calandre in Rubino is traditional and hearty and has a pastry shop and food shop that you can order from on-line! These restaurants are worth leaving the beaten track for-and not easy to get into. Make sure you call ahead.

Fra Angelico at the Capitoline Museum

2009-04-29T16:46:00.000-07:00

Almost 550 years ago, the great painter Fra Angelico died and left a prolific body of paintings to the Renaissance world. These paintings have since been scattered to the four winds but the Capitoline Museum in Rome has gathered many of them together again for a special exhibition entitled Beato Angelico (The Blessed Angelico). On display will be triptychs, miniatures and even workshop pieces never before seen by the public. The exhibit runs through July 5th, so don't miss your chance to experience this early Renaissance artist's work.

Cycling in Tuscany and Umbria

2009-04-28T17:01:00.000-07:00

National Geographic Traveler's list of 50 Tours of a Lifetime includes a biking tour of the Italian countryside. The Tuscany and Umbria Insider tour will take you to Cortona, Todi, Assisi and Siena -cycling all the while. And you'll have cooking lessons, chocolate-making demonstrations, wine-tastings and picnics along the way. Backroads hosts the trip and offers 100 hiking, backpacking and cycling trips throughout Italy, many of them family-friendly.

Da Georgio on Capri

2009-04-28T10:14:00.000-07:00

Right in the center of Capri town, just steps from the Funicular, is Da Georgio. A Caprese original, Da Giorgio has been serving fresh seafood and local treats since 1948. The view of the Bay of Naples is beyond comparison and the tomato, mozzarella and arugula pizza is to die for. Buon Gusto! Via Roma 34.

Trattoria Garga in Florence

2009-04-27T23:12:00.000-07:00

In a 14th century palazzo in the heart of Florence is Trattoria Garga. Colorful rooms, operatic atmosphere and a menu filled with fresh ingredients from Tuscany will inspire you to learn more about Florentine cooking-and you can spend a day at their cooking school (or enroll in an extended cooking tour of the region). It's a favorite of Gucci's Frida Giannini! Via del Moro 48.

Giada de Laurentiis "Remembering Rome"

2009-04-27T21:25:00.001-07:00

Giada invites some of her family members to help her cook some of her favorite recipes from growing up in Rome. Giada and her aunt debate the finer points of pancetta and wine sauce in Bucatini all'Amatriciana while enjoying Fritto Misto with a lemon mayonnaise as they cook. The classic Roman dishes turn out superbly and the cooks have a great time. See more episodes from her new show on Saturdays at 1 pm and Mondays at 4:30 on the Food Network.

Verona Opera Festival and the House of Juliet

2009-04-27T10:53:00.000-07:00

June 19th marks the beginning of the famous Verona Opera Festival. For 87 years, the city of Verona has been hosting some of the world's most famous operas in an ancient Roman arena. On the calendar this year are Carmen, Aida, Tosca and a special tribute to the famous tenor, Placido Domingo. Verona, the birthplace of the poet Catullus and the setting for Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet, is the perfect venue for these spectacular shows. You may be so inspired that you'll want to run off and get married in the House of Juliet, which will soon be open for public marriages!

Sicily's City of Pottery

2009-04-26T18:39:00.001-07:00

Italian pottery is famous for its unique designs and lively color combinations. Nowhere in Italy is the production of pottery more integral to the life of a community than in Caltagirone, Sicily. The hilltop town, not too far from Siracusa, is almost entirely devoted to ceramics. In fact, the streets are paved with pottery! Well, almost. The monumental staircase (142 steps) leading from the main piazza to the cathedral is covered with handmade ceramic tiles in every color and pattern imaginable. And there are dozens of pottery shops as you make your way to the top. It is truly one of the most charming sights of Sicily-and you can shop until you drop!

Palladio and the Veneto

2009-04-25T20:15:00.000-07:00

The 500th birthday of the 16th century architect Andrea Palladio recently took place and the city of Vicenza, his primary residence, celebrated with an exhibition of his architectural masterpieces. The exhibition has since closed, but the architect's buildings are still in Italy and should be visited. Palladio, who can truly be considered the first neo-classical architect, designed and constructed villas and palazzos all over the Veneto for Italian noblemen. Scores of them still stand today and are open to the public. See the Centro Internazionale di Studi Architettura (CISA) Andrea Palladio for a complete list of the sites, their locations, and how to visit them.

Will Abruzzo Recover Under Berlusconi?

2009-04-25T19:38:00.000-07:00

There is no doubt that the recent earthquake in Abruzzo was a disaster. But Silvio Berlusconi's response was swift and efficient, prompting hopes that Abruzzo's recovery will be possible. But past earthquakes in Italy have proven the country's government to be ineffective in keeping its promises and making sure that relief funds get to into the right hands. One of the reasons for this may be that Italy's government usually changes before anything serious can get done. Berlusconi's government is supposed to be in power for the next four years-hopefully that will be enough time to see some real results-and rebuilding in Abruzzo. Read more about it in the Economist.