![\"winter](\"https://www.italyperfect.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/italy-perfect-winter-in-tuscany-cookbook.png\")
We love Florence and Tuscany year-round, but there\u2019s something extra special about visiting in the cooler months. The crowds thin, the countryside turns golden and quiet, and the food\u2014oh, the food\u2014becomes the star of the season. From slow-cooked soups to hearty pastas, it\u2019s the kind of comfort cooking that warms you right through. So when we heard about the new cookbook Winter in Tuscany by Florence based author Amber Guinness, we couldn\u2019t wait to dive in.
\n![\"\"](\"https://www.italyperfect.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/winter-in-tuscany-review-2.jpg\")
Following her gorgeous cookbooks A House Party in Tuscany and Italian Coastal, this book is all about the flavors and rhythms of life in Southern Tuscany and Florence during the quieter months. It\u2019s a celebration of cooking and savoring life at a gentler pace. Beautifully illustrated throughout, the recipes will make you want to pull up a chair and stay awhile. And then roll up your sleeves, tie on an apron and get to work making them at home!
\n![\"\"](\"https://www.italyperfect.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/winter-in-tuscany-review-3.jpg\")
What makes Winter in Tuscany such an enjoyable cookbook just to sit down and read is how well it goes beyond recipes. It\u2019s filled with snippets of history and local lore, tracing Tuscan cuisine all the way back to its ancient Etruscan roots. You\u2019ll find practical guidance, too, like how to stock your pantry for Tuscan-style cooking at home. Simple ingredients that go a long way are key, from lentils and beans to grains, olive oil and herbs. There\u2019s plenty here for vegetarians as well, since so much of Tuscany\u2019s traditional fare relies on hearty, plant-based flavors. And yes, there\u2019s a whole world of Tuscan soups beyond ribollita \u2013 plus pastas, roasts and even a spaghetti made with Chianti that is perfect for a chilly evening.
\nWe love how Guinness has captured the feeling of being in Tuscany in the off season. It\u2019s full of art, travel inspiration and the kind of details that transport you straight to Florence\u2019s cobblestoned streets or a cozy trattoria in the hills.
\n![\"winter](\"https://www.italyperfect.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/winter-in-tuscany-review-1.jpg\")
Even if you can\u2019t make it to Italy this winter, this book is a great way to bring a little piece of Tuscany home. Winter in Tuscany is also a perfect gift for anyone who loves Italian food, travel and the simple joy of a good meal shared. Or it might just inspire you to plan your next Tuscan getaway! Keep the inspiration going with a look at our Florence vacation rentals and dreamy villas in Tuscany.
\nThe post Bring the Flavors of Tuscany Home This Winter appeared first on Italy Perfect Travel Blog.
\n", "content_text": "We love Florence and Tuscany year-round, but there\u2019s something extra special about visiting in the cooler months. The crowds thin, the countryside turns golden and quiet, and the food\u2014oh, the food\u2014becomes the star of the season. From slow-cooked soups to hearty pastas, it\u2019s the kind of comfort cooking that warms you right through. So when we heard about the new cookbook Winter in Tuscany by Florence based author Amber Guinness, we couldn\u2019t wait to dive in.\n\nFollowing her gorgeous cookbooks A House Party in Tuscany and Italian Coastal, this book is all about the flavors and rhythms of life in Southern Tuscany and Florence during the quieter months. It\u2019s a celebration of cooking and savoring life at a gentler pace. Beautifully illustrated throughout, the recipes will make you want to pull up a chair and stay awhile. And then roll up your sleeves, tie on an apron and get to work making them at home!\n\nWhat makes Winter in Tuscany such an enjoyable cookbook just to sit down and read is how well it goes beyond recipes. It\u2019s filled with snippets of history and local lore, tracing Tuscan cuisine all the way back to its ancient Etruscan roots. You\u2019ll find practical guidance, too, like how to stock your pantry for Tuscan-style cooking at home. Simple ingredients that go a long way are key, from lentils and beans to grains, olive oil and herbs. There\u2019s plenty here for vegetarians as well, since so much of Tuscany\u2019s traditional fare relies on hearty, plant-based flavors. And yes, there\u2019s a whole world of Tuscan soups beyond ribollita \u2013 plus pastas, roasts and even a spaghetti made with Chianti that is perfect for a chilly evening.\nWe love how Guinness has captured the feeling of being in Tuscany in the off season. It\u2019s full of art, travel inspiration and the kind of details that transport you straight to Florence\u2019s cobblestoned streets or a cozy trattoria in the hills.\n\nEven if you can\u2019t make it to Italy this winter, this book is a great way to bring a little piece of Tuscany home. Winter in Tuscany is also a perfect gift for anyone who loves Italian food, travel and the simple joy of a good meal shared. Or it might just inspire you to plan your next Tuscan getaway! Keep the inspiration going with a look at our Florence vacation rentals and dreamy villas in Tuscany.\nThe post Bring the Flavors of Tuscany Home This Winter appeared first on Italy Perfect Travel Blog.", "date_published": "2025-10-23T12:28:13-04:00", "date_modified": "2025-10-23T12:28:13-04:00", "authors": [ { "name": "Italy Perfect", "url": "https://www.italyperfect.com/blog/author/italy-perfect", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/3c1ba51ac97471f227c07dcecf9b744dc9e7df2e53897ae9ef49ce10c4109e12?s=512&d=mm&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "Italy Perfect", "url": "https://www.italyperfect.com/blog/author/italy-perfect", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/3c1ba51ac97471f227c07dcecf9b744dc9e7df2e53897ae9ef49ce10c4109e12?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "image": "https://www.italyperfect.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/italy-perfect-winter-in-tuscany-cookbook.png", "tags": [ "florence", "Florence cooking", "Florence food", "Italian recipes", "Tuscany", "tuscany food", "tuscany villa rental", "winter in Florence", "Food" ], "summary": "Inspired by Tuscany\u2019s quiet season, Winter in Tuscany by Florence-based author Amber Guinness brings together hearty recipes, rich traditions and the simple pleasures that make Italian cooking so inviting in winter." }, { "id": "https://www.italyperfect.com/blog/?p=64290", "url": "https://www.italyperfect.com/blog/where-to-enjoy-traditional-cicchetti-in-venice.html", "title": "Where to Enjoy Traditional Cicchetti in Venice", "content_html": "![\"Cicchetti\"](\"https://www.italyperfect.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Italy-Perfect-Venice-aperitivo-spritz-Cicchetti.jpg\")
When in Venice, there\u2019s no better way to experience the local flavor\u2014literally and culturally\u2014than by having cicchetti. These small, tasty bites are an essential part of Venetian life, often enjoyed with a glass of wine or a spritz during aperitivo. Whether you’re nibbling on bruschetta topped with fresh seafood, cured meats or creamy spreads, cicchetti are quite literally the delicious antipasto to Venice\u2019s rich culinary traditions.
\n![\"cicchetti\"](\"https://www.italyperfect.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/italy-perfect-cicchetti-2024.jpg\")
Cicchetti (pronounced chi-KET-tee) are Venice\u2019s answer to tapas – small, shareable plates typically served in local wine bars called bacari. They can include everything from marinated vegetables, polenta with seafood to savory meatballs or grilled fish. These bite-sized snacks have long been a way for Venetians to enjoy a light meal with friends, especially before dinner. It\u2019s an informal, social experience, where locals gather around the bar, chatting and sipping on a glass of wine or prosecco.
\n![\"cicchetti\"](\"https://www.italyperfect.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/italy-perfect-venice-cicchetti-prosecco.jpg\")
Cicchetti are closely tied to Venice\u2019s tradition of ombra, which refers to a small glass of wine enjoyed with friends. The word ombra means \u201cshadow,\u201d hearkening back to when wine sellers would move with the shadow of St. Mark\u2019s bell tower to keep cool while selling their wine. Today, this Venetian ritual is a casual, cherished part of everyday life – a perfect excuse to pause, relax and savor the moment.
\n![\"\"](\"https://www.italyperfect.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Italy-Venice-Prosecco-Cicchetti.jpg\")
Enjoy cicchetti canal side in Venice. (credit)
Venice is dotted with bacari where you can try cicchetti and part of the fun is stumbling across a tempting one while meandering along canals and crossing bridges. To get you started, here are a few of our favorite spots:
\nFor an enhanced experience, book a Venice Aperitivo Private Tour to take a delicious deep dive into local traditions, including cicchetti, in some of the most scenic spots in the city.
\n![\"Venice](\"https://www.italyperfect.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/italy-perfect-venice-cassia-quattro.jpg\")
Relax on the private terrace of the Cassia Quattro in Venice.
To fully immerse yourself in Venice\u2019s unique traditions, Italy Perfect offers beautifully curated vacation rentals in the heart of Venice, just steps away from some of the city\u2019s best bacari and cultural attractions. Whether you’re savoring cicchetti, island hopping in the Venetian lagoon or exploring the artistic gems of Venice, our vacation rentals provide the perfect home base to experience the city like a local.
\nThe post Where to Enjoy Traditional Cicchetti in Venice appeared first on Italy Perfect Travel Blog.
\n", "content_text": "When in Venice, there\u2019s no better way to experience the local flavor\u2014literally and culturally\u2014than by having cicchetti. These small, tasty bites are an essential part of Venetian life, often enjoyed with a glass of wine or a spritz during aperitivo. Whether you’re nibbling on bruschetta topped with fresh seafood, cured meats or creamy spreads, cicchetti are quite literally the delicious antipasto to Venice\u2019s rich culinary traditions.\n\nWhat Are Cicchetti?\nCicchetti (pronounced chi-KET-tee) are Venice\u2019s answer to tapas – small, shareable plates typically served in local wine bars called bacari. They can include everything from marinated vegetables, polenta with seafood to savory meatballs or grilled fish. These bite-sized snacks have long been a way for Venetians to enjoy a light meal with friends, especially before dinner. It\u2019s an informal, social experience, where locals gather around the bar, chatting and sipping on a glass of wine or prosecco.\n\nThe Cicchetti Tradition\nCicchetti are closely tied to Venice\u2019s tradition of ombra, which refers to a small glass of wine enjoyed with friends. The word ombra means \u201cshadow,\u201d hearkening back to when wine sellers would move with the shadow of St. Mark\u2019s bell tower to keep cool while selling their wine. Today, this Venetian ritual is a casual, cherished part of everyday life – a perfect excuse to pause, relax and savor the moment.\nEnjoy cicchetti canal side in Venice. (credit)\nWhere to Enjoy Cicchetti in Venice\nVenice is dotted with bacari where you can try cicchetti and part of the fun is stumbling across a tempting one while meandering along canals and crossing bridges. To get you started, here are a few of our favorite spots:\n\nCantina Do Mori \u2013 One of the oldest bacari in Venice, Cantina Do Mori offers an authentic taste of traditional cicchetti in a rustic, intimate setting. Don\u2019t miss their savory sarde in saor (sweet and sour sardines) or rich cheese plates.\nAll\u2019Arco \u2013 Tucked away in a quiet alley, All\u2019Arco is a local favorite where you\u2019ll find a fantastic selection of crostini topped with everything from creamy cod to smoked meats. The friendly, family-run atmosphere adds to its charm.\nOsteria Al Squero \u2013 With views overlooking the canal and a nearby gondola workshop, this spot offers a wonderful range of cicchetti and an ideal location to unwind with a glass of wine and some people-watching.\nAl Merca \u2013 Located near the Rialto Market, Al Merca serves up a delectable array of cicchetti perfect for a snack on the go. Grab a small bite and a glass of wine, and enjoy it by the bustling market stalls.\nAl Timon \u2013 Situated along a canal in the Cannaregio district, Al Timon is popular for its lively atmosphere and great selection. You can enjoy your cicchetti on their rustic wooden boat or along the canal – always a memorable Venetian dining experience!\n\nFor an enhanced experience, book a Venice Aperitivo Private Tour to take a delicious deep dive into local traditions, including cicchetti, in some of the most scenic spots in the city.\nRelax on the private terrace of the Cassia Quattro in Venice.\nPlan Your Perfect Venetian Experience\nTo fully immerse yourself in Venice\u2019s unique traditions, Italy Perfect offers beautifully curated vacation rentals in the heart of Venice, just steps away from some of the city\u2019s best bacari and cultural attractions. Whether you’re savoring cicchetti, island hopping in the Venetian lagoon or exploring the artistic gems of Venice, our vacation rentals provide the perfect home base to experience the city like a local.\nThe post Where to Enjoy Traditional Cicchetti in Venice appeared first on Italy Perfect Travel Blog.", "date_published": "2024-10-25T10:38:06-04:00", "date_modified": "2024-10-25T10:38:06-04:00", "authors": [ { "name": "Italy Perfect", "url": "https://www.italyperfect.com/blog/author/italy-perfect", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/3c1ba51ac97471f227c07dcecf9b744dc9e7df2e53897ae9ef49ce10c4109e12?s=512&d=mm&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "Italy Perfect", "url": "https://www.italyperfect.com/blog/author/italy-perfect", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/3c1ba51ac97471f227c07dcecf9b744dc9e7df2e53897ae9ef49ce10c4109e12?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "image": "https://www.italyperfect.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Italy-Perfect-Venice-aperitivo-spritz-Cicchetti.jpg", "tags": [ "cicchetti venice", "traditional foods in venice", "Venice", "Venice things to do", "Venice tours and experiences", "Food" ] }, { "id": "https://www.italyperfect.com/blog/?p=63998", "url": "https://www.italyperfect.com/blog/dine-at-the-most-historic-roman-restaurants.html", "title": "Dine at the Most Historic Roman Restaurants", "content_html": "![\"historic](\"https://www.italyperfect.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/italy-perfect-historic-roman-restaurants.jpg\")
Good food is an institution in Italy, and there’s no place better to enjoy traditional flavors and specialties than in Rome. With such a rich history, the Eternal City is home to some of the most historic Roman restaurants still in operation 50, 100 and even 500 years after first opening their doors. These gastronomic institutions are some of the most popular and beloved for very good reason – excellent food! Before you make your dinner plans, book your stunning vacation rental in Rome through Vacation Perfect. Then plan a delicious meal at one of these Roman restaurants for a tempting mix of culture, history and delicious fare.
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A post shared by Ba’Ghetto Restaurants (@baghettorestaurants)
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Located in the Jewish ghetto in Rome, Ba’Ghetto is a must for traditional dining in the area. It\u2019s the oldest Jewish-Italian restaurant in the city, serving kosher versions of Italian classics since the 1980s. You\u2019ll find delicious dishes like grilled lamb chops, kebabs, kosher bucatini all’amatriciana and the traditional carciofi alla giudia.
\nRistorante La Campana has been one of Rome\u2019s most historic restaurants since it opened in 1518. Yes, you read that right! The cuisine highlights authentic Roman dishes well prepared, such as cacio e pepe and coda alla vaccinara, and there’s a lovely wine menu. Head here for a casual yet upscale restaurant that’s popular with locals and tourists alike.
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A post shared by Ristorante La Campana (@ristorantelacampana)
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If you have a sweet tooth or are interested in one of the best dessert spots in Rome, check out Palazzo del Freddo Giovanni Fassi for gelato. This old-style gelato parlor has operated since the 1880s and celebrated its 150th anniversary in 2020.
\nAs its name suggests, Checchino Dal 1887 has been part of the Roman culinary scene since 1887. It originally started as a wine bar and, over the century, grew into what it is today. You can see the history of Checchino Dal 1887 from the black-and-white photos hanging on the walls. This family-owned restaurant has served served up traditional Roman fare for six generations.
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A post shared by Ristorante La Matriciana (@lamatricianadal1870)
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For those in the mood for something straightforward, try the casual dining at La Matriciana. It\u2019s been in the city since the 1870s and offers classic Roman dishes with seasonal meals and an extensive wine menu. The menu is so popular that it has remained largely unchanged since the 1930s, including their signature bucatini all’amatriciana.
\nReady to try these delicious Roman restaurants in Italy? Immerse yourself in the Roman culture for dinner and enjoy a comfortable stay at your Vacation Perfect rental property. To learn more about Italy, read our travel guide to Italy Perfect for more things to do and how to plan your vacation. Contact us on our website or call 1-888-520-2087 for the best vacation rentals in Italy.
\nThe post Dine at the Most Historic Roman Restaurants appeared first on Italy Perfect Travel Blog.
\n", "content_text": "Good food is an institution in Italy, and there’s no place better to enjoy traditional flavors and specialties than in Rome. With such a rich history, the Eternal City is home to some of the most historic Roman restaurants still in operation 50, 100 and even 500 years after first opening their doors. These gastronomic institutions are some of the most popular and beloved for very good reason – excellent food! Before you make your dinner plans, book your stunning vacation rental in Rome through Vacation Perfect. Then plan a delicious meal at one of these Roman restaurants for a tempting mix of culture, history and delicious fare.\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nView this post on Instagram\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \nA post shared by Ba’Ghetto Restaurants (@baghettorestaurants)\n\n\n\nBa’Ghetto\nLocated in the Jewish ghetto in Rome, Ba’Ghetto is a must for traditional dining in the area. It\u2019s the oldest Jewish-Italian restaurant in the city, serving kosher versions of Italian classics since the 1980s. You\u2019ll find delicious dishes like grilled lamb chops, kebabs, kosher bucatini all’amatriciana and the traditional carciofi alla giudia.\nRistorante la Campana\nRistorante La Campana has been one of Rome\u2019s most historic restaurants since it opened in 1518. Yes, you read that right! The cuisine highlights authentic Roman dishes well prepared, such as cacio e pepe and coda alla vaccinara, and there’s a lovely wine menu. Head here for a casual yet upscale restaurant that’s popular with locals and tourists alike.\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nView this post on Instagram\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \nA post shared by Ristorante La Campana (@ristorantelacampana)\n\n\n\nPalazzo del Freddo Giovanni Fassi\nIf you have a sweet tooth or are interested in one of the best dessert spots in Rome, check out Palazzo del Freddo Giovanni Fassi for gelato. This old-style gelato parlor has operated since the 1880s and celebrated its 150th anniversary in 2020.\nChecchino Dal 1887\nAs its name suggests, Checchino Dal 1887 has been part of the Roman culinary scene since 1887. It originally started as a wine bar and, over the century, grew into what it is today. You can see the history of Checchino Dal 1887 from the black-and-white photos hanging on the walls. This family-owned restaurant has served served up traditional Roman fare for six generations.\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nView this post on Instagram\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \nA post shared by Ristorante La Matriciana (@lamatricianadal1870)\n\n\n\nLa Matriciana\nFor those in the mood for something straightforward, try the casual dining at La Matriciana. It\u2019s been in the city since the 1870s and offers classic Roman dishes with seasonal meals and an extensive wine menu. The menu is so popular that it has remained largely unchanged since the 1930s, including their signature bucatini all’amatriciana.\nFood And History Go Well Together In Rome\nReady to try these delicious Roman restaurants in Italy? Immerse yourself in the Roman culture for dinner and enjoy a comfortable stay at your Vacation Perfect rental property. To learn more about Italy, read our travel guide to Italy Perfect for more things to do and how to plan your vacation. Contact us on our website or call 1-888-520-2087 for the best vacation rentals in Italy.\nThe post Dine at the Most Historic Roman Restaurants appeared first on Italy Perfect Travel Blog.", "date_published": "2024-04-03T05:36:11-04:00", "date_modified": "2024-04-05T05:42:30-04:00", "authors": [ { "name": "Italy Perfect", "url": "https://www.italyperfect.com/blog/author/italy-perfect", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/3c1ba51ac97471f227c07dcecf9b744dc9e7df2e53897ae9ef49ce10c4109e12?s=512&d=mm&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "Italy Perfect", "url": "https://www.italyperfect.com/blog/author/italy-perfect", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/3c1ba51ac97471f227c07dcecf9b744dc9e7df2e53897ae9ef49ce10c4109e12?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "image": "https://www.italyperfect.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/italy-perfect-historic-roman-restaurants.jpg", "tags": [ "Rome", "Rome history", "Rome restaurants", "Rome things to do", "where to eat in Rome", "Food" ], "summary": "Good food is an institution in Italy and there's nowhere better to enjoy traditional flavors than at these historic Roman restaurants." }, { "id": "https://www.italyperfect.com/blog/?p=62593", "url": "https://www.italyperfect.com/blog/traditional-italian-christmas-desserts.html", "title": "Traditional Italian Christmas Desserts", "content_html": "![\"traditional](\"https://www.italyperfect.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/italy-perfect-panettone-pandoro-traditional-italian-christmas-desserts.jpg\")
Every Sunday in Italy is proof that Italians know the value of gathering together\u2014over a delicious meal of course\u2014with family and friends. When the holidays arrive, the table is usually a bit bigger and the menu enhanced with special dishes, many that only appear during the holidays. Nowhere is this tastier than with the traditional Italian Christmas desserts. The Bel paese boasts an exceptional amount of desserts that grace the holiday table. While saving room for dessert during the holidays is especially challenging in Italy, here\u2019s a look at some of our favorite Christmas desserts from around Italy.
\n![\"traditional](\"https://www.italyperfect.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/italy-panettone-christmas-dessert.jpg\")
A slice of panettone is a Christmas must! (credit)
Natale isn’t complete without panettone, a sweet bread with raisins and candied citrus, that you can easily recognize by its tall domed shape. While originally from Milan, it’s now a fixture of the holiday season throughout Italy – and known all around the world. You’ll find panettone everywhere during the holiday season, from the supermarkets to artisan panettone at local bakeries. Italians do take it seriously with local and nationwide competitions for the best panettone. After trying a traditional one, look for regional varieties that incorporate local or seasonal ingredients, like chestnuts, pistachios or lemon panettone on the Amalfi Coast.
\n![\"\"](\"https://www.italyperfect.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/italy-perfect-pandoro-christmas-dessert.jpg\")
A dusting of powdered sugar is the finishing touch for Pandoro
Did you know panettone has stiff competition during the holiday season? This comes from the popular pandoro, a soft sweet bread with a golden color (pan means bread and d’oro means gold). It’s shaped like an eight pointed star and is traditionally served with a dusting of vanilla infused powdered sugar, which is said to represent the snow covered Alps. Many people prefer it to panettone because it doesn’t have candied fruit or raisins. (However, panettone can also be often be found made without candied fruit or raisins for people who prefer it without.) Traditionally made in Verona, pandoro is another Christmas dessert that is now popular across Italy. It’s usually sliced from top to bottom, but if you want to get fancy you can slice it horizontally and rotate the star shaped slices to form a Christmas tree shape.
\n![\"\"](\"https://www.italyperfect.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/italy-struffoli-christmas-dessert.jpg\")
A sweet Christmas treat in Naples (credit)
Naples is a must for foodies in Italy and the holidays are no exception – especially if you have a sweet tooth. One Christmas favorite you’ll see in bakeries are round or wreath shaped piles of golden colored struffoli. These small balls of fried sweet dough are doused in honey and often mixed with candied fruit and other sweets. Sprinkles? Perch\u00e8 no! When made well, these sweet treats are a bit crunchy on the outside and light in texture. Unlike panettone and pandoro, which are quite complex to prepare, struffoli are fun and easy to make at home. Here’s a struffoli recipe to add a Neapolitan touch to your holidays. Just be prepared … it’s hard to resist having just one more!
\n![\"\"](\"https://www.italyperfect.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/italy-perfect-panforte-traditional-italian-christmas-desserts.jpg\")
Traditional panforte topped with powdered sugar
Christmas in Tuscany means it’s time for panforte. This dense sweet cake loaded with nuts, fruit and spices has been made in Siena since the 13th century. While still most strongly connected with Siena, panforte or variations like pampepato, are made in many places throughout Tuscany and central Italy. Families often have their own closely guarded recipes that they pass down for generations. Why not try your hand at making a traditional dessert from Siena this Christmas? Here’s a panforte recipe to get you started.
\n![\"\"](\"https://www.italyperfect.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/italy-perfect-torrone-christmas-dessert.jpg\")
One of many varieties of torrone
A Christmas classic throughout Italy, torrone is a nougat dessert made with honey, sugar, egg white and nuts. There are many different types of torrone since the texture can vary from soft and chewy (morbido) to extremely brittle and crunchy (croccante). Then you’ll find torrone made with different types of nuts, usually almonds, hazelnuts, peanuts or pistachios. Then there are the chocolate and chocolate covered varieties. Are you getting the idea? While it’s popular in many parts of Italy, one of the most traditional spots to taste torrone is in Benevento in the Campania region, inland from Naples. Here it has been made since before ancient Roman times when the area was ruled by the Samnites. Nowadays you can even find Torrone di Benevento made with the flavor of Strega, a herbal liqueur from in Benevento.
\nWant to add an Italian touch to your holidays? Read more here about 3 Christmas Traditions and 5 New Year’s Traditions in Italy to bring Natale into your home this holiday season.
\nThe post Traditional Italian Christmas Desserts appeared first on Italy Perfect Travel Blog.
\n", "content_text": "Every Sunday in Italy is proof that Italians know the value of gathering together\u2014over a delicious meal of course\u2014with family and friends. When the holidays arrive, the table is usually a bit bigger and the menu enhanced with special dishes, many that only appear during the holidays. Nowhere is this tastier than with the traditional Italian Christmas desserts. The Bel paese boasts an exceptional amount of desserts that grace the holiday table. While saving room for dessert during the holidays is especially challenging in Italy, here\u2019s a look at some of our favorite Christmas desserts from around Italy.\nA slice of panettone is a Christmas must! (credit)\nPanettone\nNatale isn’t complete without panettone, a sweet bread with raisins and candied citrus, that you can easily recognize by its tall domed shape. While originally from Milan, it’s now a fixture of the holiday season throughout Italy – and known all around the world. You’ll find panettone everywhere during the holiday season, from the supermarkets to artisan panettone at local bakeries. Italians do take it seriously with local and nationwide competitions for the best panettone. After trying a traditional one, look for regional varieties that incorporate local or seasonal ingredients, like chestnuts, pistachios or lemon panettone on the Amalfi Coast.\nA dusting of powdered sugar is the finishing touch for Pandoro\nPandoro\nDid you know panettone has stiff competition during the holiday season? This comes from the popular pandoro, a soft sweet bread with a golden color (pan means bread and d’oro means gold). It’s shaped like an eight pointed star and is traditionally served with a dusting of vanilla infused powdered sugar, which is said to represent the snow covered Alps. Many people prefer it to panettone because it doesn’t have candied fruit or raisins. (However, panettone can also be often be found made without candied fruit or raisins for people who prefer it without.) Traditionally made in Verona, pandoro is another Christmas dessert that is now popular across Italy. It’s usually sliced from top to bottom, but if you want to get fancy you can slice it horizontally and rotate the star shaped slices to form a Christmas tree shape.\nA sweet Christmas treat in Naples (credit)\nStruffoli\nNaples is a must for foodies in Italy and the holidays are no exception – especially if you have a sweet tooth. One Christmas favorite you’ll see in bakeries are round or wreath shaped piles of golden colored struffoli. These small balls of fried sweet dough are doused in honey and often mixed with candied fruit and other sweets. Sprinkles? Perch\u00e8 no! When made well, these sweet treats are a bit crunchy on the outside and light in texture. Unlike panettone and pandoro, which are quite complex to prepare, struffoli are fun and easy to make at home. Here’s a struffoli recipe to add a Neapolitan touch to your holidays. Just be prepared … it’s hard to resist having just one more!\nTraditional panforte topped with powdered sugar\nPanforte\nChristmas in Tuscany means it’s time for panforte. This dense sweet cake loaded with nuts, fruit and spices has been made in Siena since the 13th century. While still most strongly connected with Siena, panforte or variations like pampepato, are made in many places throughout Tuscany and central Italy. Families often have their own closely guarded recipes that they pass down for generations. Why not try your hand at making a traditional dessert from Siena this Christmas? Here’s a panforte recipe to get you started.\nOne of many varieties of torrone\nTorrone\nA Christmas classic throughout Italy, torrone is a nougat dessert made with honey, sugar, egg white and nuts. There are many different types of torrone since the texture can vary from soft and chewy (morbido) to extremely brittle and crunchy (croccante). Then you’ll find torrone made with different types of nuts, usually almonds, hazelnuts, peanuts or pistachios. Then there are the chocolate and chocolate covered varieties. Are you getting the idea? While it’s popular in many parts of Italy, one of the most traditional spots to taste torrone is in Benevento in the Campania region, inland from Naples. Here it has been made since before ancient Roman times when the area was ruled by the Samnites. Nowadays you can even find Torrone di Benevento made with the flavor of Strega, a herbal liqueur from in Benevento.\nWant to add an Italian touch to your holidays? Read more here about 3 Christmas Traditions and 5 New Year’s Traditions in Italy to bring Natale into your home this holiday season.\nThe post Traditional Italian Christmas Desserts appeared first on Italy Perfect Travel Blog.", "date_published": "2021-12-22T10:56:04-04:00", "date_modified": "2024-08-30T11:25:18-04:00", "authors": [ { "name": "Laura Thayer", "url": "https://www.italyperfect.com/blog/author/laurathayer", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/925e65d1bff8121e935d2ce55fe4f897bc7a0a055203c530d0183ef0112b097d?s=512&d=mm&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "Laura Thayer", "url": "https://www.italyperfect.com/blog/author/laurathayer", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/925e65d1bff8121e935d2ce55fe4f897bc7a0a055203c530d0183ef0112b097d?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "image": "https://www.italyperfect.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/italy-perfect-panettone-pandoro-traditional-italian-christmas-desserts.jpg", "tags": [ "Christmas in Italy", "Italian Christmas food", "Italian food", "Italian history", "Natale", "Food" ], "summary": "Christmas is a sweet time in Italy, and we're sharing some of our favorite Italian Christmas desserts - some you can even bake at home!" }, { "id": "https://www.italyperfect.com/blog/?p=62497", "url": "https://www.italyperfect.com/blog/italys-food-festivals.html", "title": "The Sagra \u2013 Savoring Italy\u2019s Food Festivals", "content_html": "![\"\"](\"https://www.italyperfect.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/italy-perfect-sagre-food-festivals.jpg\")
Che cosa mangiamo? What should we eat? The eternal question that leads to the most delicious experiences in Italy. Food is surrounded by and is a part of so many traditions in Italy, and it’s safe to say there\u2019s a definite reverence for tradition \u2013 exactly how long to age Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, handmade pasta shapes passed down for generations, the precise way to make pasta all’amatriciana. Here in Italy, food and the traditions surrounding it are what ties families and communities together. It is, perhaps, the most unifying aspect of Italian life.
\n![\"\"](\"https://www.italyperfect.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/italy-perfect-Parmigiano-Reggiano.jpg\")
The culmination of all this passion for food and tradition is the sagra, a popular festival celebrating local foods. The origin of the word sagra comes from a variant of the Latin word meaning \u201csacred,\u201d and it\u2019s particularly telling that it can be used to describe religious festivals as well as food and cultural festivals. Nowadays, it usually refers to an outdoor festival, often during the summer and autumn months, with music, dancing, games and, of course, food. As you travel around Italy, you\u2019ll often find sagre dedicated to one or more local foods\u2014dishes or ingredients\u2014strongly tied to the area. This is an Italian food experience you don\u2019t want miss!
\n![\"\"](\"https://www.italyperfect.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/italy-perfect-grape-harvest.jpg\")
A typical sagra represents place as it celebrates a food grown locally or traditionally connected with a particular area. This can change from one town and even one village to the next. Often one of the biggest events of the year in small towns, it\u2019s a fun way to experience local life and try out some great traditional cooking. If the sagra is themed around a certain food, you\u2019ll find multiple dishes to try using that ingredient, and often it will appear in every dish from antipasto to dessert.
\nDepending on the festival’s theme, this might be a particular fish in seaside towns or anything from rice to beans, potatoes or even peperoncino. For something spicy, check out the Sagra del peperoncino in the Calabrian town of Diamante. Whatever the food being celebrated, there\u2019s often music, traditional folk games or dancing and a lot of fun as well. The entire community often comes together to cook and eat and the festival is always about more than just the food – even when it\u2019s all about food. It\u2019s also about how it brings people together, and that is the magic of a sagra.
\n![\"\"](\"https://www.italyperfect.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/italy-marino-sagra-del-uva.jpg\")
The Sagra dell’Uva in Marino (credit)
Many towns in Italy have food festivals and they can range from local affairs to larger events that attract thousands of visitors. As autumn approaches, wine enthusiasts won\u2019t want to miss the cantine aperte, wine festivals where you can sample locally produced wines. One of the oldest wine festivals in Italy is the Sagra dell\u2019Uva (Feast of the Grape) in the town of Marino, a small city located just southeast of Rome. While there are a lot of events that take place around the sagra, the center of attention is the town\u2019s fountain that flows with free wine.
\n![\"\"](\"https://www.italyperfect.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/10270722435_e6244ed377_o.jpg\")
Truffles on display at the International Alba Truffle Fair (credit)
The much-coveted truffle is touted at the International Alba White Truffle Fair, which takes place in Alba in the Piemonte region where the truffle is a treasured ingredient in local dishes. This is truly a top experience for Italian food lovers where you taste and buy truffles in their pure form and in every possible type of product.
\nFrom haute cuisine to traditional fun, the Sagra della Castagna in Scala, a mountainside village located between Amalfi and Ravello on the Amalfi Coast, celebrates the chestnut harvest in October with a big festival. After you\u2019ve tried all the different dishes made with chestnuts, get a packet of fresh roasted chestnuts and watch local teams play at tug of war or cheer along with the locals for the donkey race through the town\u2019s charming piazza. It\u2019s an unexpected and delicious side of the Amalfi Coast!
\n![\"\"](\"https://www.italyperfect.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/chesnuts-roberto-patti.jpg\")
Enjoy a different side of the Amalfi Coast at the Chestnut Festival in Scala (credit)
This is just a tiny sample of the many different types of food festivals and experiences you can enjoy in Italy. Creating a guide to all of them would be a delicious yet impossible task. However, one of the joys of sagre is happening across them while traveling in Italy. We hope you\u2019ll comment and share your favorite food festival memories and experiences in Italy!
\nThe post The Sagra – Savoring Italy\u2019s Food Festivals appeared first on Italy Perfect Travel Blog.
\n", "content_text": "Che cosa mangiamo? What should we eat? The eternal question that leads to the most delicious experiences in Italy. Food is surrounded by and is a part of so many traditions in Italy, and it’s safe to say there\u2019s a definite reverence for tradition \u2013 exactly how long to age Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, handmade pasta shapes passed down for generations, the precise way to make pasta all’amatriciana. Here in Italy, food and the traditions surrounding it are what ties families and communities together. It is, perhaps, the most unifying aspect of Italian life.\n\nThe culmination of all this passion for food and tradition is the sagra, a popular festival celebrating local foods. The origin of the word sagra comes from a variant of the Latin word meaning \u201csacred,\u201d and it\u2019s particularly telling that it can be used to describe religious festivals as well as food and cultural festivals. Nowadays, it usually refers to an outdoor festival, often during the summer and autumn months, with music, dancing, games and, of course, food. As you travel around Italy, you\u2019ll often find sagre dedicated to one or more local foods\u2014dishes or ingredients\u2014strongly tied to the area. This is an Italian food experience you don\u2019t want miss!\n\nA typical sagra represents place as it celebrates a food grown locally or traditionally connected with a particular area. This can change from one town and even one village to the next. Often one of the biggest events of the year in small towns, it\u2019s a fun way to experience local life and try out some great traditional cooking. If the sagra is themed around a certain food, you\u2019ll find multiple dishes to try using that ingredient, and often it will appear in every dish from antipasto to dessert.\nDepending on the festival’s theme, this might be a particular fish in seaside towns or anything from rice to beans, potatoes or even peperoncino. For something spicy, check out the Sagra del peperoncino in the Calabrian town of Diamante. Whatever the food being celebrated, there\u2019s often music, traditional folk games or dancing and a lot of fun as well. The entire community often comes together to cook and eat and the festival is always about more than just the food – even when it\u2019s all about food. It\u2019s also about how it brings people together, and that is the magic of a sagra.\nThe Sagra dell’Uva in Marino (credit)\nMany towns in Italy have food festivals and they can range from local affairs to larger events that attract thousands of visitors. As autumn approaches, wine enthusiasts won\u2019t want to miss the cantine aperte, wine festivals where you can sample locally produced wines. One of the oldest wine festivals in Italy is the Sagra dell\u2019Uva (Feast of the Grape) in the town of Marino, a small city located just southeast of Rome. While there are a lot of events that take place around the sagra, the center of attention is the town\u2019s fountain that flows with free wine.\nTruffles on display at the International Alba Truffle Fair (credit)\nThe much-coveted truffle is touted at the International Alba White Truffle Fair, which takes place in Alba in the Piemonte region where the truffle is a treasured ingredient in local dishes. This is truly a top experience for Italian food lovers where you taste and buy truffles in their pure form and in every possible type of product.\nFrom haute cuisine to traditional fun, the Sagra della Castagna in Scala, a mountainside village located between Amalfi and Ravello on the Amalfi Coast, celebrates the chestnut harvest in October with a big festival. After you\u2019ve tried all the different dishes made with chestnuts, get a packet of fresh roasted chestnuts and watch local teams play at tug of war or cheer along with the locals for the donkey race through the town\u2019s charming piazza. It\u2019s an unexpected and delicious side of the Amalfi Coast!\nEnjoy a different side of the Amalfi Coast at the Chestnut Festival in Scala (credit)\nThis is just a tiny sample of the many different types of food festivals and experiences you can enjoy in Italy. Creating a guide to all of them would be a delicious yet impossible task. However, one of the joys of sagre is happening across them while traveling in Italy. We hope you\u2019ll comment and share your favorite food festival memories and experiences in Italy!\nThe post The Sagra – Savoring Italy\u2019s Food Festivals appeared first on Italy Perfect Travel Blog.", "date_published": "2021-10-01T09:39:55-04:00", "date_modified": "2022-09-29T10:09:11-04:00", "authors": [ { "name": "Laura Thayer", "url": "https://www.italyperfect.com/blog/author/laurathayer", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/925e65d1bff8121e935d2ce55fe4f897bc7a0a055203c530d0183ef0112b097d?s=512&d=mm&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "Laura Thayer", "url": "https://www.italyperfect.com/blog/author/laurathayer", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/925e65d1bff8121e935d2ce55fe4f897bc7a0a055203c530d0183ef0112b097d?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "image": "https://www.italyperfect.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/italy-perfect-sagre-food-festivals.jpg", "tags": [ "Featured", "Italian food", "Italian traditions", "things to do in Italy", "Food" ], "summary": "Autumn is the perfect time to experience one of Italy\u2019s culinary treats. Find out more about Italy\u2019s food festivals why they should be a part of your next Italian holiday." }, { "id": "https://www.italyperfect.com/blog/?p=61249", "url": "https://www.italyperfect.com/blog/spaghetti-carbonara-ultimate-comfort-food.html", "title": "Spaghetti Carbonara \u2013 Ultimate Comfort Food", "content_html": "![\"\"](\"https://www.italyperfect.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Carbonara1-1-resized.jpg\")
Spaghetti alla Carbonara is a simple and delicious pasta dish considered a signature dish of Rome and made even more popular by lively debates on the most authentic recipe and its origins.
\nWhen we were children in Rome in the 1960s the story was that the dish is a simple preparation of the carbonari, the men of the mountains who burned wood to make charcoal. \u00a0This was an easy meal for them to prepare while minding their fires. Someone had to explain to us that people had only recently started getting electric or gas stoves; cooking was done over charcoal fired stoves. Popular culture has it becoming well-known when American troops in Rome after WWII shared rations of bacon and eggs and asked, \u201cWhat can you prepare with this?\u201d
\n“Carbonara” is related to several similar preparations such as Pasta all\u2019Amatriciana and Spaghetti Caccio e Pepe, also delish but different. \u00a0And it has multiplied and spawned many offspring that are amusingly and much derided by purists who decry the illegitimate and shocking additions such as cream, peas, onion, garlic, asparagus \u2013 horrors!
\nHere is the classic and delicious recipe. It is really quite simple. The only tricky part is mixing in the eggs so they form a creamy sauce rather than ending up scrambled.
\nTip: this dish doesn\u2019t reheat well so we recommend you prepare only what you plan to eat, don\u2019t count on leftovers.
\nWhisk eggs, cheese, and some black pepper in a bowl until smooth and creamy
\nHeat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat; add diced guanciale or pecorino. Cook, turning occasionally, until evenly browned and crispy, 5 to 10 minutes.
\nBring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook spaghetti in the boiling water, stirring occasionally until a bit firmer than \u201cal dente\u201d. Reserve a quarter cup of the pasta water.
\nIf guanciale has cooled, reheat. Add pasta to skillet. Stir.
\nPour egg mixture over pasta and guanciale, stirring quickly, until creamy. Add some reserved pasta water if needed for creaminess. And salt to taste and a generous grinding of pepper.
\nWe asked our team where they would most like to eat their Spaghetti Carbonara dish in Rome. Top votes went to:
\nBuon appetito!\r\n![\"\"](\"https://www.italyperfect.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/CarbonaraRed-1024x683.jpg\")
\nThe post Spaghetti Carbonara \u2013 Ultimate Comfort Food appeared first on Italy Perfect Travel Blog.
\n", "content_text": "Spaghetti alla Carbonara is a simple and delicious pasta dish considered a signature dish of Rome and made even more popular by lively debates on the most authentic recipe and its origins.\nTruth or Fiction? \nWhen we were children in Rome in the 1960s the story was that the dish is a simple preparation of the carbonari, the men of the mountains who burned wood to make charcoal. \u00a0This was an easy meal for them to prepare while minding their fires. Someone had to explain to us that people had only recently started getting electric or gas stoves; cooking was done over charcoal fired stoves. Popular culture has it becoming well-known when American troops in Rome after WWII shared rations of bacon and eggs and asked, \u201cWhat can you prepare with this?\u201d\nRelatives and Shocking Offspring\n“Carbonara” is related to several similar preparations such as Pasta all\u2019Amatriciana and Spaghetti Caccio e Pepe, also delish but different. \u00a0And it has multiplied and spawned many offspring that are amusingly and much derided by purists who decry the illegitimate and shocking additions such as cream, peas, onion, garlic, asparagus \u2013 horrors!\nHere is the classic and delicious recipe. It is really quite simple. The only tricky part is mixing in the eggs so they form a creamy sauce rather than ending up scrambled.\nTip: this dish doesn\u2019t reheat well so we recommend you prepare only what you plan to eat, don\u2019t count on leftovers.\nSpaghetti alla Carbonara\n\n2 teaspoons olive oil\n1 pound guanciale or pancetta or (unsmoked bacon if you can\u2019t find) \u2013 diced\n1 pound spaghetti\n3 eggs \u2013 room temperature (some recipes use 2 eggs + 2 yolks)\n2/3 cup grated Pecorino Romano or Parmesan cheese or a combination of both\nSalt and pepper to taste\n\nWhisk eggs, cheese, and some black pepper in a bowl until smooth and creamy\nHeat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat; add diced guanciale or pecorino. Cook, turning occasionally, until evenly browned and crispy, 5 to 10 minutes.\nBring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook spaghetti in the boiling water, stirring occasionally until a bit firmer than \u201cal dente\u201d. Reserve a quarter cup of the pasta water.\nIf guanciale has cooled, reheat. Add pasta to skillet. Stir.\nPour egg mixture over pasta and guanciale, stirring quickly, until creamy. Add some reserved pasta water if needed for creaminess. And salt to taste and a generous grinding of pepper.\nWhere to Eat Spaghetti Carbonara?\nWe asked our team where they would most like to eat their Spaghetti Carbonara dish in Rome. Top votes went to:\n\nOn the Donizetti Dream\u00a0terrace with views of Trinita’ de Monti Church which crowns the Spanish Steps.\nIn the elegant Zegno apartment near the Spanish Steps.\n\nBuon appetito!\r\n\nThe post Spaghetti Carbonara \u2013 Ultimate Comfort Food appeared first on Italy Perfect Travel Blog.", "date_published": "2020-12-09T11:38:32-04:00", "date_modified": "2021-09-27T10:55:33-04:00", "authors": [ { "name": "Italy Perfect", "url": "https://www.italyperfect.com/blog/author/italy-perfect", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/3c1ba51ac97471f227c07dcecf9b744dc9e7df2e53897ae9ef49ce10c4109e12?s=512&d=mm&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "Italy Perfect", "url": "https://www.italyperfect.com/blog/author/italy-perfect", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/3c1ba51ac97471f227c07dcecf9b744dc9e7df2e53897ae9ef49ce10c4109e12?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "image": "https://www.italyperfect.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Carbonara1-1-scaled.jpg", "tags": [ "Food", "Italian Culture", "Rome" ] }, { "id": "https://www.italyperfect.com/blog/?p=60944", "url": "https://www.italyperfect.com/blog/italian-aperitivo-at-home.html", "title": "Cheers! Create an Italian Aperitivo at Home", "content_html": "With a little creativity\u2014and a little alcohol\u2014la dolce vita can certainly be experienced just about anywhere. In fact, with some prep and planning, it\u2019s easy to put together an Italian aperitivo at home.
\n\n
The aperitivo is a quintessentially Italian tradition that is enjoyed with friends and family as a post-work/pre-dinner ritual. The aperitivo is made up of cocktails, small canapes and conversation designed to hold you over until dinner and may be enjoyed over an hour or two. The Italians have perfected the art of the aperitivo, and no matter where you go in Italy, you\u2019ll see the tradition in play with regional tweaks. For example, in Venice, it\u2019s common to see whole bars dedicated to the aperitivo, serving fizzy orange Aperol Spritzes and cicchetti\u00a0(small plates \u00e0 la tapas). No matter what city or region you visit, you\u2019ll always see people socializing and\u2014because it\u2019s Italy\u2014food and drink is always the star of the show.
\n![\"\"](\"https://www.italyperfect.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Salute-Create-an-Italian-Aperitivo-at-Home-by-Italy-Perfect5.jpg\")
Even though we\u2019re dreaming sipping prosecco on the lush lawns of any of our beautiful selection of Tuscany villas, any standard kitchen table or backyard patio will do. Start with some classic Italian cocktails: An Italian aperitivo can be enjoyed at home as well. Start with some classic Italian cocktails: The negroni is the perfect cocktail for an aperitivo. All you need is equal parts gin, vermouth and Campari (a bitter herbal liqueur), stirred over ice. (Pro tip: keep your vermouth in the fridge to keep it fresh.) It\u2019s easy to riff on the negroni by swapping out the gin with prosecco, which makes it a negroni\u00a0sbagliato or the \u201cmistaken\u201d negroni. The prosecco makes the cocktail a little lighter in alcohol, too.
\nThe Aperol Spritz is another timeless aperitivo. It\u2019s an easy assembling job with one-part Aperol, one-part prosecco and a splash of sparkling water, plus a wedge of orange to garnish. There are tons of other Italian aperos to try. For something a bit different, you could try making cocktails with limoncello, a sunshine-yellow Italian spirit made with sweet lemons from the Amalfi Coast. You can even try making your own limoncello if you\u2019re feeling crafty, but limoncello cocktails are certainly a bit easier to assemble and the punchy spirit mixes well with prosecco or even sparkling water. Limoncello can also be enjoyed on its own, but that\u2019s traditionally considered more a post-dinner drink or digestivo.
\n![\"\"](\"https://www.italyperfect.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Salute-Create-an-Italian-Aperitivo-at-Home-by-Italy-Perfect2.jpg\")
Alongside good drinks and good company, food is the other key component to an Italian aperitivo. In Italy, some bars set out whole aperitivo buffets and massive spreads, while other bars will serve you a few little bites with your drink. At home, you can make your aperitivo offering as simple or elaborate as you wish. Good quality salumi, such as prosciutto, is a good option, as are firm Italian cheeses: you can\u2019t go wrong with a salty chunk of Parmigiano Reggiano or pecorino. Add potato chips, marinated olives, or jars of vegetables in olive oil (red peppers, artichokes, etc.). Anything salty is a good idea! Also, incorporate seasonal autumn flavors too, as Italians eat with the seasons.
\n![\"\"](\"https://www.italyperfect.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Salute-Create-an-Italian-Aperitivo-at-Home-by-Italy-Perfect.jpg\")
In terms of setting, while an Italian palazzo or sun-splashed terrace is the ideal spot for an Italian aperitivo (who wouldn\u2019t want to spend aperitivo hour on the dreamy pool patio of Vista Galli\u00a0overlooking the Isle of Capri or on one of these other gorgeous terraces?), a trip to Italy is not strictly required. An evening picnic aperitivo in the park or in your backyard will be (nearly) as delightful.
\nWhen you’re ready to start planning an Italian holiday then we’re here to help. Contact Italy Perfect at reservations@italyperfect.com or 1-888-308-6123, and we\u2019ll help get the ball rolling.
\nThe post Cheers! Create an Italian Aperitivo at Home appeared first on Italy Perfect Travel Blog.
\n", "content_text": "With a little creativity\u2014and a little alcohol\u2014la dolce vita can certainly be experienced just about anywhere. In fact, with some prep and planning, it\u2019s easy to put together an Italian aperitivo at home.\n\nCreate the Italian Aperitivo at Home\nThe aperitivo is a quintessentially Italian tradition that is enjoyed with friends and family as a post-work/pre-dinner ritual. The aperitivo is made up of cocktails, small canapes and conversation designed to hold you over until dinner and may be enjoyed over an hour or two. The Italians have perfected the art of the aperitivo, and no matter where you go in Italy, you\u2019ll see the tradition in play with regional tweaks. For example, in Venice, it\u2019s common to see whole bars dedicated to the aperitivo, serving fizzy orange Aperol Spritzes and cicchetti\u00a0(small plates \u00e0 la tapas). No matter what city or region you visit, you\u2019ll always see people socializing and\u2014because it\u2019s Italy\u2014food and drink is always the star of the show.\n\nDrinks for an Italian Aperitivo\nEven though we\u2019re dreaming sipping prosecco on the lush lawns of any of our beautiful selection of Tuscany villas, any standard kitchen table or backyard patio will do. Start with some classic Italian cocktails: An Italian aperitivo can be enjoyed at home as well. Start with some classic Italian cocktails: The negroni is the perfect cocktail for an aperitivo. All you need is equal parts gin, vermouth and Campari (a bitter herbal liqueur), stirred over ice. (Pro tip: keep your vermouth in the fridge to keep it fresh.) It\u2019s easy to riff on the negroni by swapping out the gin with prosecco, which makes it a negroni\u00a0sbagliato or the \u201cmistaken\u201d negroni. The prosecco makes the cocktail a little lighter in alcohol, too.\nThe Aperol Spritz is another timeless aperitivo. It\u2019s an easy assembling job with one-part Aperol, one-part prosecco and a splash of sparkling water, plus a wedge of orange to garnish. There are tons of other Italian aperos to try. For something a bit different, you could try making cocktails with limoncello, a sunshine-yellow Italian spirit made with sweet lemons from the Amalfi Coast. You can even try making your own limoncello if you\u2019re feeling crafty, but limoncello cocktails are certainly a bit easier to assemble and the punchy spirit mixes well with prosecco or even sparkling water. Limoncello can also be enjoyed on its own, but that\u2019s traditionally considered more a post-dinner drink or digestivo.\n\nFood for an Italian Aperitivo\nAlongside good drinks and good company, food is the other key component to an Italian aperitivo. In Italy, some bars set out whole aperitivo buffets and massive spreads, while other bars will serve you a few little bites with your drink. At home, you can make your aperitivo offering as simple or elaborate as you wish. Good quality salumi, such as prosciutto, is a good option, as are firm Italian cheeses: you can\u2019t go wrong with a salty chunk of Parmigiano Reggiano or pecorino. Add potato chips, marinated olives, or jars of vegetables in olive oil (red peppers, artichokes, etc.). Anything salty is a good idea! Also, incorporate seasonal autumn flavors too, as Italians eat with the seasons.\n\nIn terms of setting, while an Italian palazzo or sun-splashed terrace is the ideal spot for an Italian aperitivo (who wouldn\u2019t want to spend aperitivo hour on the dreamy pool patio of Vista Galli\u00a0overlooking the Isle of Capri or on one of these other gorgeous terraces?), a trip to Italy is not strictly required. An evening picnic aperitivo in the park or in your backyard will be (nearly) as delightful.\nWhen you’re ready to start planning an Italian holiday then we’re here to help. Contact Italy Perfect at reservations@italyperfect.com or 1-888-308-6123, and we\u2019ll help get the ball rolling.\nThe post Cheers! Create an Italian Aperitivo at Home appeared first on Italy Perfect Travel Blog.", "date_published": "2020-09-05T04:43:03-04:00", "date_modified": "2024-10-01T07:24:28-04:00", "authors": [ { "name": "Italy Perfect", "url": "https://www.italyperfect.com/blog/author/italy-perfect", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/3c1ba51ac97471f227c07dcecf9b744dc9e7df2e53897ae9ef49ce10c4109e12?s=512&d=mm&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "Italy Perfect", "url": "https://www.italyperfect.com/blog/author/italy-perfect", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/3c1ba51ac97471f227c07dcecf9b744dc9e7df2e53897ae9ef49ce10c4109e12?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "image": "https://www.italyperfect.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/5-Terraces-In-Italy-That-Will-Change-Your-Italian-Aperitivo-Forever-by-Italy-Perfect5.jpg", "tags": [ "aperitivo in italy", "Italian aperitivo", "Food", "Italian Culture" ], "summary": "With a little creativity\u2014and a little alcohol\u2014la dolce vita can certainly be experienced just about anywhere. In fact, with some prep and planning, it\u2019s easy to put together an Italian aperitivo at home." }, { "id": "https://www.italyperfect.com/blog/?p=60639", "url": "https://www.italyperfect.com/blog/what-to-eat-in-italy-in-the-fall.html", "title": "What to Eat in Italy in the Fall", "content_html": "Every season in Italy has its own delights, and autumn is definitely the star of the show when it comes to food, the harvest and culinary festivals. Some of Italy\u2019s most famous dishes are based on autumn\u2019s harvest bounty \u2013 truffles, pumpkin ravioli, porcini mushrooms, chestnuts and artichokes. Come along with us as we take you on a quick journey of everything you should eat in Italy in the fall!
\n\n
![\"\"](\"https://www.italyperfect.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/What-to-Eat-in-Italy-in-the-Fall-by-Italy-Perfect.jpg\")
September is all about mushrooms and wine. Specifically, you\u2019ll want to try porcini mushrooms. You can find them dried year-round, but autumn is the only time you can enjoy fresh porcini mushrooms. Enjoy them right away; they don\u2019t last for longer than a couple of days (even refrigerated). The mushrooms are delicious on their own, but you\u2019ll also find them served in seasonal dishes like porcini risotto.
\n![\"Eat](\"https://www.italyperfect.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/What-to-Eat-in-Italy-in-the-Fall-by-Italy-Perfect-6.jpg\")
Porcini mushrooms in Tuscany
October is all about pumpkins so try some delicious tortelli di zucca (pumpkin stuffed pasta). This dish is so delicious that it put the beautiful city of Mantova (in the Lombardy region) on the foodie map. If you\u2019re not a pasta fan, never fear: there is also the tasty zuppa di zucca, a seasonal pumpkin soup.
\nIn November, seek out the tartufo bianco (white truffle). There are truffle festivals taking place all over the regions of Tuscany, Piedmont and Umbria, where visitors and locals alike can gather to taste both traditional and inventive truffle recipes along with other local products, like wine and olives. November is also the month for biscotti toto, a cookie made to celebrate All Souls Day (or the Day of the Dead) on November 2nd. These treats are generally made with chocolate and cinnamon, but there are also non-chocolate versions that are usually lemon-flavored.
\n![\"Eat](\"https://www.italyperfect.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/What-to-Eat-in-Italy-in-the-Fall-by-Italy-Perfect-2.jpg\")
Castagnaccio, a traditional chestnut treat
Now that we’ve covered what you should eat in Italy in the fall, it’s time to tell you where to eat it.
\n![\"Eat](\"https://www.italyperfect.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/What-to-Eat-in-Italy-in-the-Fall-by-Italy-Perfect-4.jpg\")
Autumn harvest at Campo de\u2019 Fiori market in Rome
All throughout the season, Italian food markets really come to life. In Rome, stop by the central Campo de\u2019 Fiori market for all of the classic seasonal products: artichokes, zucchini, chestnuts, pumpkins and more. And during the first two weekends of October, head north of Rome to Soriano nel Cimino, where you\u2019ll find Sagra della Castagna, a seasonal chestnut festival.
\n![\"Rome](\"https://www.italyperfect.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/What-to-Eat-in-Italy-in-the-Fall-by-Italy-Perfect-9.jpg\")
The Pasquino apartment in Rome near Campo de’Fiori
Pro tip: If you’re looking for a home base during your vacation in Rome, we suggest the Pasquino property. It’s within walking distance of the Campo de’ Fiori market and is close to Piazza Navona, a must-enjoy piazza in the center of Rome.
\nIn Florence, the food vendors at the Central Market (part of the large San Lorenzo Market area) offer seasonal vegetables and meats during the autumn season. Make sure to stop by the stall of Perini’s delicatessen, which specializes in all types of meats (in the fall, wild boar is the one to try). And if you want a seasonal pizza treat, stop by one of the highest-rated pizzerias in the country, Santarpia, to try their crema di zucca pizza (pumpkin puree, mozzarella, and guanciale). We buy our dried porcini and fresh truffles in this fine market.
\nPro tip: So many of the Florence Italy Perfect vacation rentals are located in the center of town near this market, so you’ll have plenty of options to choose from!
\nJust about 30 kilometers outside of Florence is Montemerlo (Prato), where olives are harvested in November. During this fair, you can taste different types of olive oil before deciding which one (or several) to bring home! Observe then taste the olive harvest while vacationing at the fine La Foce agriturismo in the Val d’Orcia (select that area on the Italy Perfect Tuscany page). The area is famous for its variety of olive oils. Guests can also enjoy special olive oil tasting dinners.
\n![\"Eat](\"https://www.italyperfect.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/What-to-Eat-in-Italy-in-the-Fall-by-Italy-Perfect-1.jpg\")
The regions of Tuscany and Piedmont are major hubs for fall harvest in Italy. This is where the truffles, olives and wine all come from. One of the most popular festivals is, of course, the International Market and Fair of the White Truffle in Alba. The festival lasts for eight weeks (October 5 to November 24 in 2019), and although the main attraction is the truffle, there are also vendors selling other harvest-time delicacies like wine, pasta, cheese, mushrooms and chestnuts.
\nNo matter where you\u2019re based during your stay, the best way to find out where to eat in Italy in the fall is to look out for this word: sagre. Sagre refers to the local festivals that pop up around throughout the towns in agricultural regions throughout the country.
\nAre you ready to book your autumn trip to Italy? Contact Italy Perfect at reservations@italyperfect.com or 1-888-308-6123.
\nThe post What to Eat in Italy in the Fall appeared first on Italy Perfect Travel Blog.
\n", "content_text": "Every season in Italy has its own delights, and autumn is definitely the star of the show when it comes to food, the harvest and culinary festivals. Some of Italy\u2019s most famous dishes are based on autumn\u2019s harvest bounty \u2013 truffles, pumpkin ravioli, porcini mushrooms, chestnuts and artichokes. Come along with us as we take you on a quick journey of everything you should eat in Italy in the fall!\n\n\nWhat to Eat in Italy in the Fall\nSeptember is all about mushrooms and wine. Specifically, you\u2019ll want to try porcini mushrooms. You can find them dried year-round, but autumn is the only time you can enjoy fresh porcini mushrooms. Enjoy them right away; they don\u2019t last for longer than a couple of days (even refrigerated). The mushrooms are delicious on their own, but you\u2019ll also find them served in seasonal dishes like porcini risotto.\nPorcini mushrooms in Tuscany\nOctober is all about pumpkins so try some delicious tortelli di zucca (pumpkin stuffed pasta). This dish is so delicious that it put the beautiful city of Mantova (in the Lombardy region) on the foodie map. If you\u2019re not a pasta fan, never fear: there is also the tasty zuppa di zucca, a seasonal pumpkin soup.\nIn November, seek out the tartufo bianco (white truffle). There are truffle festivals taking place all over the regions of Tuscany, Piedmont and Umbria, where visitors and locals alike can gather to taste both traditional and inventive truffle recipes along with other local products, like wine and olives. November is also the month for biscotti toto, a cookie made to celebrate All Souls Day (or the Day of the Dead) on November 2nd. These treats are generally made with chocolate and cinnamon, but there are also non-chocolate versions that are usually lemon-flavored.\nCastagnaccio, a traditional chestnut treat\nWhere to Eat in Italy in the Fall\nNow that we’ve covered what you should eat in Italy in the fall, it’s time to tell you where to eat it.\nAutumn harvest at Campo de\u2019 Fiori market in Rome\nAll throughout the season, Italian food markets really come to life. In Rome, stop by the central Campo de\u2019 Fiori market for all of the classic seasonal products: artichokes, zucchini, chestnuts, pumpkins and more. And during the first two weekends of October, head north of Rome to Soriano nel Cimino, where you\u2019ll find Sagra della Castagna, a seasonal chestnut festival.\nThe Pasquino apartment in Rome near Campo de’Fiori\nPro tip: If you’re looking for a home base during your vacation in Rome, we suggest the Pasquino property. It’s within walking distance of the Campo de’ Fiori market and is close to Piazza Navona, a must-enjoy piazza in the center of Rome.\nIn Florence, the food vendors at the Central Market (part of the large San Lorenzo Market area) offer seasonal vegetables and meats during the autumn season. Make sure to stop by the stall of Perini’s delicatessen, which specializes in all types of meats (in the fall, wild boar is the one to try). And if you want a seasonal pizza treat, stop by one of the highest-rated pizzerias in the country, Santarpia, to try their crema di zucca pizza (pumpkin puree, mozzarella, and guanciale). We buy our dried porcini and fresh truffles in this fine market.\nPro tip: So many of the Florence Italy Perfect vacation rentals are located in the center of town near this market, so you’ll have plenty of options to choose from!\nJust about 30 kilometers outside of Florence is Montemerlo (Prato), where olives are harvested in November. During this fair, you can taste different types of olive oil before deciding which one (or several) to bring home! Observe then taste the olive harvest while vacationing at the fine La Foce agriturismo in the Val d’Orcia (select that area on the Italy Perfect Tuscany page). The area is famous for its variety of olive oils. Guests can also enjoy special olive oil tasting dinners.\n\nThe regions of Tuscany and Piedmont are major hubs for fall harvest in Italy. This is where the truffles, olives and wine all come from. One of the most popular festivals is, of course, the International Market and Fair of the White Truffle in Alba. The festival lasts for eight weeks (October 5 to November 24 in 2019), and although the main attraction is the truffle, there are also vendors selling other harvest-time delicacies like wine, pasta, cheese, mushrooms and chestnuts.\nA Final Tip\nNo matter where you\u2019re based during your stay, the best way to find out where to eat in Italy in the fall is to look out for this word: sagre. Sagre refers to the local festivals that pop up around throughout the towns in agricultural regions throughout the country.\nAre you ready to book your autumn trip to Italy? Contact Italy Perfect at reservations@italyperfect.com or 1-888-308-6123.\nThe post What to Eat in Italy in the Fall appeared first on Italy Perfect Travel Blog.", "date_published": "2019-09-26T04:58:10-04:00", "date_modified": "2023-11-15T07:39:28-04:00", "authors": [ { "name": "Italy Perfect", "url": "https://www.italyperfect.com/blog/author/italy-perfect", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/3c1ba51ac97471f227c07dcecf9b744dc9e7df2e53897ae9ef49ce10c4109e12?s=512&d=mm&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "Italy Perfect", "url": "https://www.italyperfect.com/blog/author/italy-perfect", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/3c1ba51ac97471f227c07dcecf9b744dc9e7df2e53897ae9ef49ce10c4109e12?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "image": "https://www.italyperfect.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/What-to-Eat-in-Italy-in-the-Fall-by-Italy-Perfect-5.jpg", "tags": [ "Autumn in Italy", "Fall in Italy", "Featured", "Italian festivals", "Food", "Italian Culture" ], "summary": "Every season in Italy has its own delights, and autumn is definitely the star of the show when it comes to food, the harvest and culinary festivals. Some of Italy\u2019s most famous dishes are based on autumn\u2019s harvest bounty \u2013 truffles, pumpkin ravioli, porcini mushrooms, chestnuts and artichokes. Come along with us as we take you on a quick journey of everything you should eat in Italy in the fall!" }, { "id": "https://www.italyperfect.com/blog/?p=60022", "url": "https://www.italyperfect.com/blog/add-these-traditional-foods-in-venice-to-your-culinary-bucket-list.html", "title": "Add These Traditional Foods in Venice to Your Culinary Bucket List", "content_html": "![\"\"](\"https://www.italyperfect.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Traditional-Foods-in-Venice-by-Italy-Perfect-1.jpg\")
Venice, a city of islands, is located in the Veneto region of Italy that is bordered by the sea, the mountains, and the countryside. This varying geography means that this region, and particularly the city of Venice, has some of the most varied cuisine in the whole country. Here we’ll share some of our favorite traditional foods in Venice, including everything from traditional rice dishes to the Venetian “tapas” you will be happy to try, and of course a few desserts!
\n\n
Let’s start with one of the most celebrated foods in Venice! First, a quick Venetian vocabulary lesson for you: Bacari is a little hole-in-the-wall type of bar. Cicchetti is Venice’s version of tapas, or small plates. And ombra is the wine you’ll have with your cicchetti.
\nAn ombra di vino translates as “a shade of wine” that dates back to the wine merchants who used to set up shop in the Piazza San Marco. Throughout the day, as the sun moved, the merchants would relocate their stands to keep the wine in the shade so that it wouldn’t get too hot. People then started to use the phrase “go find some shade” when they meant “go find some wine,” and that’s how “a shade of wine” became the local measurement for a glass of wine!
\n![\"\"](\"https://www.italyperfect.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Traditional-Foods-in-Venice-by-Italy-Perfect.jpg\")
The ritual of the cicchetti and ombra is taken very seriously in Venice, and it’s considered a time to relax, socialize with friends, and enjoy the simple pleasure of good food, good wine, and good company.
\nMany bars will have their own unique cicchetti options, however there are some popular dishes you’re sure to find at most places: a fried meatball dish called polpette, grilled polenta with fish, and sarde in saor, to name a few.
\nThe last one, sarde in saor, is a sweet-and-sour snack made of fried sardine fillets marinated in vinegar, onions, pine nuts and raisins. This unusual combination has deep (and logical) roots in Venetian history: the dish dates back to medieval times and the marination was a means of preservation for the sardines. It has survived to this day because in addition to preserving well, it’s also pretty tasty!
\nA quick tip: if you want a Venetian abode as cozy and pleasant as the little bacari, we recommend the perfectly located Alloro apartment, that faces the Grand Canal. It’s the perfect headquarters for an evening of cicchetti tasting across the city.
\nVeneto produces more rice than most other regions in Italy, and so rice dishes are some of the most traditional foods in Venice. One dish in particular, risi e bisi (rice and peas), is often served on St Mark’s Feast Day, April 25 — but you can find it on the menu all year round.
\n![\"Traditional](\"https://www.italyperfect.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Traditional-Foods-in-Venice-by-Italy-Perfect2.jpg\")
Another class Venetian rice dish, risotto al nero di seppia, is a dark-colored seafood-based risotto that is seasoned with wine, tomato, and onion, colored by the ink of the squid.
\nIf you aren’t a fan of rice, fear not! There are plenty of other traditional foods in Venice to sample. We recommend trying fegato alla veneziana, a pasta dish made with calf liver and caramelized onions, often served with polenta. It is so delicious that it has been known to change the minds of many people who claim to not like liver-based dishes!
\n![\"Traditional](\"https://www.italyperfect.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Traditional-Foods-in-Venice-by-Italy-Perfect4.jpg\")
Venice is also, not surprisingly, a great place to sample the local seafood. The Rialto Fish Market has been a huge part of life in Venice for hundreds of years. Fun fact: the market was previously located on the other side of the Rialto Bridge from where it sits now. It was moved after wealthy bankers complained to the government that it was too loud and that the smell of the fish was too strong… and this was all the way back in the late 1400s, so you can see just how long this market has been part of the culture in this city. Nowadays you can visit the market to note the local catch of the day and enjoy shops of all kinds that cluster in the market.
\nHere’s a tip: if you want to toast the views we recommend the stunning Cassia apartment, one of the largest Italy Perfect rentals, located in a Venetian palace! The private rooftop deck has views over the neighborhood and the canals, and you’ll also get\u00a0 warm croissants delivered to your door each morning!
\n![\"Traditional](\"https://www.italyperfect.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Traditional-Foods-in-Venice-by-Italy-Perfect3-222x333.jpg\")
Most popular cities have some sort of signature cocktail, and Venice is no different. While you’re in town you have to sample the Bellini, made with sparkling white wine and pureed peaches. The drink was invented in the 1940s by the owner of Harry’s Bar and was made famous by Ernest Hemingway, Orson Welles, and many other big name fans. If you want to stop by the world famous bar to sample the drink where it was born, it’s still open! We recommend a reservation in advance.
\nWe can’t make a list of the traditional foods in Venice without including a few dessert options. Cookie lovers should try the buranei — little butter cookies from the Burano island that are usually shaped like an O or an S.
\n![\"Traditional](\"https://www.italyperfect.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Traditional-Foods-in-Venice-by-Italy-Perfect1.jpg\")
If your visit to Venice coincides with Carnival, lucky you: you’ll get to try the traditional fritole. These little treats are essentially fried dough balls covered in powdered sugar.
\nAnd of course, if all else fails, you can’t go wrong with one of the most traditional foods in Venice and possibly all of Italy: a scoop of gelato. Little gelato stands are located all throughout the city and are particularly refreshing on a warm spring or summer night when you’re strolling home after dinner to, say, your beautiful Serenata apartment. This is one of the most popular Italy Perfect apartments thanks to its terrace, central location just steps from Piazza San Marco and the center of Venice.
\n![\"Traditional](\"https://www.italyperfect.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Traditional-Foods-in-Venice-by-Italy-Perfect6.jpg\")
We hope we’ve given you enough information about the traditional foods in Venice to start planning your dream Venetian menu. When you’re ready, make sure to Contact Italy Perfect and we can help find the best apartment or villa for you and your whole family. Email us at reservations@italyperfect.com or call toll free in North America at 1-888-308-6123.
\nThe post Add These Traditional Foods in Venice to Your Culinary Bucket List appeared first on Italy Perfect Travel Blog.
\n", "content_text": "Venice, a city of islands, is located in the Veneto region of Italy that is bordered by the sea, the mountains, and the countryside. This varying geography means that this region, and particularly the city of Venice, has some of the most varied cuisine in the whole country. Here we’ll share some of our favorite traditional foods in Venice, including everything from traditional rice dishes to the Venetian “tapas” you will be happy to try, and of course a few desserts!\n\nGo to the Bacari for Classic Cicchetti and Ombra\nLet’s start with one of the most celebrated foods in Venice! First, a quick Venetian vocabulary lesson for you: Bacari is a little hole-in-the-wall type of bar. Cicchetti is Venice’s version of tapas, or small plates. And ombra is the wine you’ll have with your cicchetti.\nAn ombra di vino translates as “a shade of wine” that dates back to the wine merchants who used to set up shop in the Piazza San Marco. Throughout the day, as the sun moved, the merchants would relocate their stands to keep the wine in the shade so that it wouldn’t get too hot. People then started to use the phrase “go find some shade” when they meant “go find some wine,” and that’s how “a shade of wine” became the local measurement for a glass of wine!\n\nThe ritual of the cicchetti and ombra is taken very seriously in Venice, and it’s considered a time to relax, socialize with friends, and enjoy the simple pleasure of good food, good wine, and good company.\nMany bars will have their own unique cicchetti options, however there are some popular dishes you’re sure to find at most places: a fried meatball dish called polpette, grilled polenta with fish, and sarde in saor, to name a few.\nThe last one, sarde in saor, is a sweet-and-sour snack made of fried sardine fillets marinated in vinegar, onions, pine nuts and raisins. This unusual combination has deep (and logical) roots in Venetian history: the dish dates back to medieval times and the marination was a means of preservation for the sardines. It has survived to this day because in addition to preserving well, it’s also pretty tasty!\nA quick tip: if you want a Venetian abode as cozy and pleasant as the little bacari, we recommend the perfectly located Alloro apartment, that faces the Grand Canal. It’s the perfect headquarters for an evening of cicchetti tasting across the city.\nRice? In Venice?\nVeneto produces more rice than most other regions in Italy, and so rice dishes are some of the most traditional foods in Venice. One dish in particular, risi e bisi (rice and peas), is often served on St Mark’s Feast Day, April 25 — but you can find it on the menu all year round.\n\nAnother class Venetian rice dish, risotto al nero di seppia, is a dark-colored seafood-based risotto that is seasoned with wine, tomato, and onion, colored by the ink of the squid.\nIf you aren’t a fan of rice, fear not! There are plenty of other traditional foods in Venice to sample. We recommend trying fegato alla veneziana, a pasta dish made with calf liver and caramelized onions, often served with polenta. It is so delicious that it has been known to change the minds of many people who claim to not like liver-based dishes!\n\nTake a Trip to the Fish Market\nVenice is also, not surprisingly, a great place to sample the local seafood. The Rialto Fish Market has been a huge part of life in Venice for hundreds of years. Fun fact: the market was previously located on the other side of the Rialto Bridge from where it sits now. It was moved after wealthy bankers complained to the government that it was too loud and that the smell of the fish was too strong… and this was all the way back in the late 1400s, so you can see just how long this market has been part of the culture in this city. Nowadays you can visit the market to note the local catch of the day and enjoy shops of all kinds that cluster in the market.\nHere’s a tip: if you want to toast the views we recommend the stunning Cassia apartment, one of the largest Italy Perfect rentals, located in a Venetian palace! The private rooftop deck has views over the neighborhood and the canals, and you’ll also get\u00a0 warm croissants delivered to your door each morning!\n\nStay Hydrated in Style\nMost popular cities have some sort of signature cocktail, and Venice is no different. While you’re in town you have to sample the Bellini, made with sparkling white wine and pureed peaches. The drink was invented in the 1940s by the owner of Harry’s Bar and was made famous by Ernest Hemingway, Orson Welles, and many other big name fans. If you want to stop by the world famous bar to sample the drink where it was born, it’s still open! We recommend a reservation in advance.\nDon’t Forget Dessert\nWe can’t make a list of the traditional foods in Venice without including a few dessert options. Cookie lovers should try the buranei — little butter cookies from the Burano island that are usually shaped like an O or an S.\n\nIf your visit to Venice coincides with Carnival, lucky you: you’ll get to try the traditional fritole. These little treats are essentially fried dough balls covered in powdered sugar.\nAnd of course, if all else fails, you can’t go wrong with one of the most traditional foods in Venice and possibly all of Italy: a scoop of gelato. Little gelato stands are located all throughout the city and are particularly refreshing on a warm spring or summer night when you’re strolling home after dinner to, say, your beautiful Serenata apartment. This is one of the most popular Italy Perfect apartments thanks to its terrace, central location just steps from Piazza San Marco and the center of Venice.\n\nWe hope we’ve given you enough information about the traditional foods in Venice to start planning your dream Venetian menu. When you’re ready, make sure to Contact Italy Perfect and we can help find the best apartment or villa for you and your whole family. Email us at reservations@italyperfect.com or call toll free in North America at 1-888-308-6123.\nThe post Add These Traditional Foods in Venice to Your Culinary Bucket List appeared first on Italy Perfect Travel Blog.", "date_published": "2019-01-09T13:00:04-04:00", "date_modified": "2022-04-05T11:58:41-04:00", "authors": [ { "name": "Italy Perfect", "url": "https://www.italyperfect.com/blog/author/italy-perfect", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/3c1ba51ac97471f227c07dcecf9b744dc9e7df2e53897ae9ef49ce10c4109e12?s=512&d=mm&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "Italy Perfect", "url": "https://www.italyperfect.com/blog/author/italy-perfect", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/3c1ba51ac97471f227c07dcecf9b744dc9e7df2e53897ae9ef49ce10c4109e12?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "image": "https://www.italyperfect.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Traditional-Foods-in-Venice-by-Italy-Perfect7.jpg", "tags": [ "cicchetti and ombra", "cicchetti venice", "traditional foods in venice", "Food", "Italian Culture", "Venice" ], "summary": "We share some of our favorite traditional foods in Venice, including everything from traditional rice dishes to the Venetian \"tapas\" you will be happy to try, and of course a few desserts!" }, { "id": "https://www.italyperfect.com/blog/?p=59795", "url": "https://www.italyperfect.com/blog/making-restaurant-reservations-italy.html", "title": "Making Restaurant Reservations in Italy", "content_html": "Good restaurants in Italy book up for dinner during the busier times of year, generally from mid-March well into November. Don’t hesitate to make reservations so you don’t find yourself stumbling into a restaurant that has a waiter out front waving in tourists. It might be a good restaurant, but usually the best ones don’t need that effort.
\n\n
Here are two online services for making restaurant reservations in Italy:\u00a0www.thefork.com or\u00a0https://www.quandoo.it/en
\n![\"\"](\"https://www.italyperfect.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/Waiter-Serving.jpg\")
Some restaurants have websites and online booking or an email address you can use.\u00a0 Some have FaceBook pages.\u00a0 When emailing, best to use European date format DD/MM and time format, 24 hour clock, so 7pm is 19:00.
\nMany good restaurants are firmly rooted in the 20th century and you must telephone, since they don’t take online restaurants. Call during Italy lunch time or at about 6pm their time when they are preparing for dinner service, remembering the time difference. Someone will speak English.
\nItalians generally don’t make dinner reservations before 8pm (20:00), so a good tactic to get into a popular restaurant is to make a reservation for 7-7:30 (19:00-19:30) before Italian crowd. More and more restaurants, especially in tourist destinations, are realizing the value of two table turns if they accommodate tourists at 7pm.
\n![\"\"](\"https://www.italyperfect.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/Minestrone.jpg\")
If you have a large group, try to study how they will seat you in the restaurant. In tight quarters you might be squished together or seated at separate tables. Ask if they have a special area for larger groups.
\nFor Easter, the day after Easter, Christmas and Boxing Day, book 2+ months in advance.
\nIf you reserve a vacation rental with Italy Perfect, we provide our guests with a list of good restaurants in the cities where we have properties to our guests .
\nThe post Making Restaurant Reservations in Italy appeared first on Italy Perfect Travel Blog.
\n", "content_text": "Good restaurants in Italy book up for dinner during the busier times of year, generally from mid-March well into November. Don’t hesitate to make reservations so you don’t find yourself stumbling into a restaurant that has a waiter out front waving in tourists. It might be a good restaurant, but usually the best ones don’t need that effort.\n\nHere are two online services for making restaurant reservations in Italy:\u00a0www.thefork.com or\u00a0https://www.quandoo.it/en\n\nSome restaurants have websites and online booking or an email address you can use.\u00a0 Some have FaceBook pages.\u00a0 When emailing, best to use European date format DD/MM and time format, 24 hour clock, so 7pm is 19:00.\nMany good restaurants are firmly rooted in the 20th century and you must telephone, since they don’t take online restaurants. Call during Italy lunch time or at about 6pm their time when they are preparing for dinner service, remembering the time difference. Someone will speak English.\nItalians generally don’t make dinner reservations before 8pm (20:00), so a good tactic to get into a popular restaurant is to make a reservation for 7-7:30 (19:00-19:30) before Italian crowd. More and more restaurants, especially in tourist destinations, are realizing the value of two table turns if they accommodate tourists at 7pm.\n\nIf you have a large group, try to study how they will seat you in the restaurant. In tight quarters you might be squished together or seated at separate tables. Ask if they have a special area for larger groups.\nFor Easter, the day after Easter, Christmas and Boxing Day, book 2+ months in advance.\nIf you reserve a vacation rental with Italy Perfect, we provide our guests with a list of good restaurants in the cities where we have properties to our guests .\nThe post Making Restaurant Reservations in Italy appeared first on Italy Perfect Travel Blog.", "date_published": "2018-10-02T13:35:57-04:00", "date_modified": "2020-12-10T06:24:29-04:00", "authors": [ { "name": "Italy Perfect", "url": "https://www.italyperfect.com/blog/author/italy-perfect", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/3c1ba51ac97471f227c07dcecf9b744dc9e7df2e53897ae9ef49ce10c4109e12?s=512&d=mm&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "Italy Perfect", "url": "https://www.italyperfect.com/blog/author/italy-perfect", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/3c1ba51ac97471f227c07dcecf9b744dc9e7df2e53897ae9ef49ce10c4109e12?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "image": "https://www.italyperfect.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/Diners-in-Restaurant-narrow.jpg", "tags": [ "Food", "Italian Culture", "Tourist Information", "Travel Planning" ] } ] }![\"\"](\"https://www.italyperfect.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/CarbonaraRed-scaled.jpg\")