Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast Flavor of Italy podcast

7 Delightful Books about Italy for 2024: Summer Reading with an Italian Twist

Each of these books about Italy offers a unique perspective on Italy - its history, culture, and food. They’re perfect companions for the end of summer, offering both light-hearted reads and more substantial tomes that will keep you engaged long after the last page is turned.

As you explore these titles, I encourage you to dive deeper into the world of Italian literature, culture, and cuisine through my weekly Substack newsletter and podcast, Flavor of Italy. Here, you'll find interviews with authors, deep dives into Italian history, and plenty of recommendations for those who, like me, have a love affair with Italy.

Happy reading, and may these books about Italy transport you to the heart of Italy, wherever you are.

Head to the blog post that accompanies this episode for photos, links, and where to get your hands on these fantastic Italian summer books!

Italy, renowned for its stunning monuments, historic architecture, and rich cultural heritage, faces an ongoing challenge in maintaining and restoring its treasures. The Eternal City of Rome is at the heart of this challenge, with its iconic landmarks such as the Trevi Fountain, the Spanish Steps, and the Pantheon drawing millions of visitors each year. However, the upkeep of these monuments comes with a monumental cost, leading to innovative solutions that blend tradition with modernity: patronage and corporate sponsorship.
Listen to learn all the details PLUS how YOU can become a Patron of the Vatican Museums and gain exclusive private access to the Sistine Chapel and other magnificent works of art and monuments.

Italy's Procida Island is a destination that offers a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Whether you're exploring its enchanting neighborhoods, savoring fresh seafood, or enjoying a boat tour around the island, Procida promises an unforgettable experience. Plan your visit today and discover why this charming island was honored as Italy's Capital of Culture in 2022.
Head to the show notes for all the details on Procida – it's your definitive guide to the island!

A very special interview with Riccardo, a nine-year-old Italian boy who shared what kids really want to do when they travel to Italy. If you’re making a family trip to Italy this summer, Riccardo’s insights will help you create an exciting and memorable itinerary for your children.
Head to the show notes for lots of links and photos!

Don't miss my chat with Andrea Fassi!
Listen in to learn the rich & flavorful history of Fassi Gelateria, Italy's oldest gelateria dating back to 1880, located in the heart of Rome, & run by 5th generation Andrea Fassi.
Andrea shares the insider story of his family's historic gelateria, plus the direction he's taking to incorporate some new ideas of his own into Fassi Gelateria. Andrea wants to maintain his family's traditional and multigenerational gelato recipes that Romans (and tourists alike!) have come to love and embrace as the best Gelato and Rome.

Looking for something new and fresh to up your summer pasta game? Michele Di Pietro and I've got you covered with some tasty easy-to-make summer pasta recipes. Twists on classics...and some new ones to tantalize your guests. For example, have you ever made lemon pesto? Learn this recipe and lots more in today's fun pasta chat!

Mount Etna wines: the dynamic & exciting world of volcanic viticulture, where some of the most intriguing and unique wines in the world are made!
Have a listen to learn all about this active volcano wine producing region, and what makes these wines so exquisite...

The captivating story of Zeneba Bowers and Matt Walker, classical musicians turned travel enthusiasts. Originally from the United States, this dynamic duo traded their established careers for a new life in Italy, specifically in the quaint town of Soriano nel Cimino near Viterbo. Their journey is not only inspiring but also packed with practical insights for anyone dreaming of a similar adventure.
Zeneba and Matt have authored four guidebooks covering Tuscany, Emilia-Romagna, Italy’s Alpine lakes, and even Ireland. Their books are beloved for steering travelers away from tourist traps and towards immersive experiences in less frequented locales. They emphasize the importance of exploring small towns to truly grasp the essence of a place.
Listen in for all the details!

There's a new Food Tour company you don't want to miss in Rome: Eatalian.
Today Hannah - co-owner and founder -  and I dug deep into the details of the fun and unique Eatalian food tours, brand new this month in Rome.

Their Dolce Vita food tour in Rome's Via Veneto area is a tour like none other and one you won't want to miss. They have a Heart of Rome tour and a Trastevere tour, each with an Eatalian unique twist. The Eatalian golf cart tour will be coming soon, with a focus on wine tastings throughout the Eternal City.
Eatalian has set up gift cards in case you'd like to gift one of these tours to a friend or family member who's traveling to Italy.
These tours are capped at no more than 10 people per tour and are all conducted by outstanding licensed guides.
Have a listen as Hannah and I chat today all about brand new Eatalian and its backstory!

The Marche region of Italy is a hidden gem that deserves more attention from travelers seeking authentic Italian experiences. The website Wonderful Marche is on a mission to share the beauty and charm of this unspoiled region and our chat today is all about this fabulous region.
Often overlooked in favor of Italy's more famous coastlines, the Adriatic coast, home to the Marche region, offers stunning landscapes and rich cultural experiences. 
The name "Marche" is unique in that it is the only Italian region name in the plural form, reflecting its historical division into several smaller regions, known as marches.
 Join us today as we dig into the details of the Marche region and its undiscovered treasures.

Join me and Amber Guinness in our delightful chat about the essence of the Tyrrhenian Sea through her new book, Italian Coastal. Travel from the Tuscan coast through Lazio, Campania, and northern Sicily, discovering the rich flavors and stories that shape her food philosophy. There are sixty simple yet delicious recipes inspired by coastal Italy. It’s a blend of recipe book, travelogue, and memoir, filled with stunning photography, that’ll bring the magic of the Mediterranean to your table, and in our chat, we delve into some enchanting stories about Italy's coast that you won't want to miss! 

How to get Italian citizenship and moving to Italy are the two topics expats want to know everything about. In this podcast episode you'll hear answers to all your questions, updated for 2024.
What exactly do you need to do to get Italian citizenship?
And if you are moving to Italy for an extended period of time, what kind of visa would meet your needs and requirements? Would it be the Digital Nomad Visa, an elective residency visa, or maybe a self-employment visa.
Listen to this podcast episode to find out answers to all your questions, and the details on how to get citizenship in Italy.

This week on the Flavor of Italy podcast, we're shifting gears from food to something just as delicious, the historic Italian car, the Fiat 500. I know we usually talk about culinary delights, but trust me, the Fiat 500 is a tasty little icon in its own right.

On your next trip to Italy, why not hop into a Fiat 500 - in Italy affectionately known as the Cinquecento - for a tour. All the details in this episode, plus you'll find out how this delightful little car has been used for everything from serving up delicious gelato to using the car as a grill for grilled meats.

But first, let's take a little joyride through the Fiat 500 history. My first experience with the Fiat 500 was with my husband on our first date many decades ago...

A Culinary Journey in Lecce, in the heart of Puglia, Italy.
Here lies the enchanting city of Lecce in the region's very tip of Italy's boot, renowned for its stunning baroque architecture and rich culinary traditions. Silvestro Silvestori has established The Awaiting Table, a unique cooking school that goes beyond traditional culinary education and a cooking class in Puglia. Since 2003, Silvestro has been sharing his deep-rooted knowledge and passion for the cultural and sociological aspects of Italian cuisine with students from around the world.
This episode shares not only the details of this unique culinary school in Lecce, but it delves into the Puglia region's rich culinary history with details you've undoubtedly never heard before! Listen to this fascinating episode for a culinary exploration of Puglia!

The Flavor of Italy Podcast, ranked #3 in Italy and in the top 2.5% worldwide, is a captivating food, wine, travel & culture Italian podcast!

As I celebrate this 200th Italian podcast episode, I'm already looking forward to the next 100 episodes. I'm eager to hear from you listeners about what Italy topics you'd like me to explore. Whether it's a deeper dive into the regional cuisines and wines of Italy, travel, design or culture, your suggestions are invaluable.
Have a listen to this recap of the captivating and unique Italian food, wine, and culture topics we've covered!
Help make the next 100 Italian podcast episodes a great success by subscribing to the podcast, leaving a great review and above all sharing the topics you'd like to hear about!

What's being said about the Flavor of Italy Podcast:

FeedSpot ranks the best Italy podcasts from thousands of podcasts and ranks them by relevancy, authority, social media followers, and freshness. Among the 60 Best Italian Podcasts, the Flavor of Italy Podcast is ranked #3. - May 2024

Listen Notes, the best podcast search engine and database on the web, says “The Flavor of Italy Podcast is one of the top 2.5% most popular shows out of 3,352,975 podcasts globally ”. - May 2024

Exploring Mediterranean Vegetarian Cuisine
An Interview with Paola Gavin, a celebrated cookbook author with four published works and a regular contributor to Tablet.com. Gavin’s cookbooks are known for their deep dives into the historical and cultural backgrounds of Vegetarian Mediterranean ingredients, often accompanied by beautiful, historical artwork.
A Journey Through Italy: A Love for Food and Art
Paola Gavin's journey into the world of culinary arts and the Vegetarian Mediterranean diet began with her extensive travels and her background in fine arts. Growing up, she traveled extensively and studied fine art, which influenced her appreciation for art history and painting. This passion is evident in her social media, where she often shares paintings and art history insights, and in her delicious cookbooks.

Unveiling one of Italy's Culinary Gems: La Tavola Marche, and a Journey Off the Beaten Path to the Marche region Italy.
Nestled in the heart of Italy, amidst the undulating hills and fertile valleys of the Marche region Italy, lies a culinary sanctuary awaiting discovery. La Tavola Marche, aptly translating to "The Marche Region Table," is not just a destination but a lifestyle meticulously crafted by Ashley and Jason Bartner. The decision to settle in the Marche region Italy was no happenstance but a deliberate choice rooted in a desire to embrace the Italian way of life. Unlike the well-trodden paths of Tuscany or Umbria, the Marche region Italy offered a canvas for cultural immersion and culinary exploration....

Sardinia is a picturesque Italian island steeped in history, renowned for its extraordinary Sardinian food, and celebrated as one of the world's prominent Blue Zones, where longevity is a defining feature of life. It's a destination that beckons exploration, not only for its captivating past but also for its vibrant present.
Join me  on a journey through Sardinia's rich history, tracing its origins from ancient times to its present-day status as an autonomous region of Italy. From the enigmatic Nuragic civilization to the enduring influence of Phoenician settlers, Sardinia's past is a testament to its resilience and cultural diversity.
No exploration of Sardinia would be complete without a dive into its Sardinian food and wine. From the traditional Sardinian diet emphasizing fresh, locally sourced ingredients to the island's renowned wines, such as Cannonau and Vermentino, there's a wealth of flavors to explore.

Looking for something unique to do on your travels to Italy, totally tourist free? 

One thing I'm asked all the time is: "what can I do while I'm in Italy that's unique and tourist free?" I always suggest getting involved in an initiative that will benefit the Italian community and get you immersed in an activity with Italians. 
Most everyone is familiar with the Komen Race for the Cure, an initiative to raise breast cancer awareness, and offer breast cancer education and health tips for the community. Rome's Komen Race for the Cure is just around the corner, scheduled for Sunday, May 12. It's easy to register and the run/walk takes you through 5 km of the most picturesque areas of the Eternal City!

Packing Tips for International Travel
+ Mastering the Art of Packing Light: Essential Tips for Stress-Free International Travel

In the fast-paced world of international travel, the ability to pack efficiently and travel light is a skill that can make or break your journey. In my latest Flavor of Italy podcast episode, seasoned traveler Sarah Murdoch shared her packing tips for international travel including the art of packing light, drawing from her extensive experience exploring the globe. Here are some key takeaways from our conversation that offer practical tips to streamline your packing process and enhance your travel experience.

In the heart of Brooklyn, amidst the bustling streets and diverse communities, lies a treasure trove of culinary heritage. It's here that Daniel Paterna, a proud Italian-American with deep roots in his ancestral homeland, has crafted a masterpiece that transcends mere recipes - it's a celebration of family, tradition, and Daniel's rich Italian-American culture. 
In "Feast of the Seven Fishes," Daniel shares not just recipes, but stories that resonate with authenticity and love for his Italian heritage.

An intriguing article in a supplement to the Italian newspaper, the Corriere della Sera, highlighted Porto, Portugal as the top European travel destination of 2024. Coincidentally I was heading there soon after I saw the article.
Porto unveiled a delightful array of delicious wines, and seafood delicacies, from succulent grilled cod to savory sardines. However, what truly stole the show was the Portuguese bread, and especially the Broa de Avintes bread. It's nothing short of extraordinary! Dense, moist, and bursting with flavor, this bread became our instant favorite, prompting us to embark on a quest to bring some back to Rome. 
Listen and then head to the show notes on flavorofitaly.com for the recipe!

Homes for sale in Tuscany Italy? + A Tuscan Home Makeover 

In this week's episode of my Flavor of Italy podcast, I chatted with Dena Fenza, a prominent figure on Instagram known for her recipes, style tips, and lifestyle content. With nearly 150,000 followers, Dena has captivated audiences with her unique blend of Italian-American heritage and New York living. 
During the interview, she shared her fascinating journey, from her roots in Brooklyn to her decision to build a life in Italy.
Dena's search for homes for sale in Tuscany Italy was methodical and effective and lead to her purchase of a Tuscan farmhouse near Montalcino, in need of restoration. Have a listen to find out all the details: 

At cheesemaker La Maremmana in Tuscany, just 2 hours north of Rome, buffalo milk is transformed into a myriad of buffalo cheeses by master cheesemaker Francesco, hailing from the famed dairy region of Battipaglia. La Maremmana produces a range of fresh buffalo cheeses, including hand-stretched buffalo mozzarella, ricotta, yogurt, and burrata. Additionally, inspired by French traditions, aged cheeses grace their repertoire.
Rūma: A Taste of La Maremmana in Rome 
Expanding their reach beyond Maremma, La Maremmana has established Rūma in the heart of Rome. to offer a slice of La Maremmana's culinary excellence to city dwellers and tourists alike.
Rūma is both a bottega, where you can shop for quality ingredients, and a bistrot where you can stop to eat.

Traditional Italian Risotto Recipes at Tenuta San Carlo.
In this episode Tenuta San Carlo owner, Ariane Lotti, and I explored the Organic Marvels of Tenuta San Carlo: A Journey into Sustainable Rice Farming.
Normally we think of rice growing and production in Northern Italy, in the Po Valley, but just two hours north of Rome along the coast you'll find the Tenuta San Carlo rice farm, a wonderful agritourism, and delicious risotto recipes.
In the heart of Southern Tuscany lies this haven of organic agriculture, where the marshlands of Maremma have been transformed into a thriving rice farm. This is the story of Tenuta San Carlo, a testament to the dedication of four generations and a commitment to regenerative farming practices.

Unlocking the Charms of Molise: Italy's Best-Kept Wine Secret

Italy, renowned for its illustrious wine heritage, harbors hidden gems beyond the well-trodden paths of Tuscany and Piedmont. Among these treasures lies Molise, Italy's second smallest wine region, nestled between the Adriatic coast and the Apennine Mountains. Despite its diminutive size, Molise boasts a rich viticultural history dating back to ancient civilizations and a burgeoning wine scene characterized by indigenous grape varieties and diverse terroirs.
In this episode Scott Barden, sommelier and Molise wine expert, and co-owner of Vine & Soul, and I dig deep into the essence of some of Molise's spectacular wines and native varietals.

The Historical Narrative of Horse Meat Recipes & Cuisine in Italy:
When it comes to culinary customs, the journey across different cultures often presents moments of profound divergence. These encounters with unfamiliar foods can evoke a sense of cultural shock, prompting reflections on the intricate relationship between food and society. 
Horse meat holds a unique place in the culinary landscape of Italy, where it is revered as a wholesome and nourishing delicacy, positioned somewhere between the flavors of beef and venison. 
Horse meat is often recommended for the young and infirm, believed to possess numerous health benefits due to its lean protein content and rich iron levels.
You may be surprised to learn that some well-known multinationals have Italian baby food subsidiaries that have embraced the tradition of horse meat in their product lines: Mellini (a Danone subsidiary) and Plasmon, a subsidiary of the Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania-based H. J. Heinz Company. Their products include purees and ready-to-eat meals, and cater to parents seeking nutritious and culturally relevant options for their infants. 
This is a fascinating, eye-opening podcast episode with @mangiawithmichele and....you just might learn a few recipes! (Don't worry...you can also make them with beef!)

Italian American food and cuisine is a flavorful fusion of Old World Italian traditions and New World influences, shaped by generations of Italian immigrants and their descendants in the United States. It embodies the rich culinary heritage of Italy while incorporating local ingredients and tastes. 
Italian American food blogger and recipe creator Michele Di Pietro and I dove into the history of Italian American cuisine, and some of the cuisine's best known recipes.
We chat about the Italian American Cuisine's best known recipes and their history, and how to make them. Get fready to take notes and do some tasty cooking!

Sicilian Cooking Classes at the Anna Tasca Lanza Cooking School in the Heart of Sicily. 
Tucked away on an estate in the countryside south of Palermo is the Anna Tasca Lanza Cooking School, a unique center dedicated to preserving and sharing the great food culture of Sicily. The spirit of the school, now run by Fabrizia Lanza, the founder’s daughter and scion of a renowned family of winemakers, goes back generations.
Visitors to Sicily often sense it to be a place unlike anywhere else—lost in time and a little bit secretive. The school and Fabrizia’s 2023 book, the Food of Sicily, opens a bright window on Sicily, celebrating this wonderful food culture while honoring everything that makes it special: a vibrant profile of the land, the people, the history, and so much more.
Join me and chef Kyle Pierce as we dig deep into the essence of Sicily and the Anna Tasca Lanza Sicilian cooking classes.

Andrea Semonella, a Genoa local and co-founder of the popular website Discover Genoa, is dedicated to exploring the city. With a passion for food, Andrea and his wife, Marta, share their firsthand experiences and recommendations for the best places to eat in Genoa.
We delved into their journey, and the hidden gems of Genoa's culinary scene, and some unique aspects of the city's street food and markets.
This is the episode for you if you're interested in delving into the intricacies of Genoa's street food, restaurants, food markets and eateries.

If you think of Romeo and Juliet when you think of Verona you'd be right: Juliet's balcony is right in the city center.
Or maybe Verona conjures up all the amazing Veneto wines produced in the area: it's another of Verona's incredible features.
BUT: right now it's CARNIVAL SEASON and you may not know it but Verona is perhaps the oldest Carnival Celebration in all of Italy, if not the world!
It gets started early in the third week of January with the selection of the new "Papà del Gnocco" and continues on until the Friday  before Lent. The highlight is the great parade, with floats and dancers from all over the world who wind their way through the city center....and lots of gnocchi!
But why are gnocchi intricately tied into Verona's Carnival Celebration? There's an important historical reason that dates back to 1531; have a listen to find out why!

Blogger couple Ilene and Gary Modica of Our Italian Journey share why they chose Lucca in Tuscany for their retirement home almost from the moment they entered this charming walled city. 
Lucca is a city on the Serchio river in Italy’s Tuscany region. It’s known for the well-preserved Renaissance walls encircling its historic city center and its cobblestone streets. Broad, tree-lined pathways along the tops of these massive 16th- and 17th-century ramparts are popular for strolling and cycling. Casa di Puccini, where the great opera composer was born, is now a house museum. - Google
Food writer Mark Bittman says Lucca's "food is among Italy's most compelling -- almost certainly the best in Tuscany -- and the town is a draw in its own right. Enclosed by walls whose broad tops look out over the town's lovely towers and broad, calm piazzas on one side and park grounds on the other..."
Lucca has everything within its walls: art, music, cycling, food, festivals...plus it's easy to get here!

Part 2 is a deeper dive chat with the delightful author of Pasta Every Day, Meryl Feinstein. Our original recording was close to two hours, and it could have gone on longer, as Meryl is such a pleasure to chat with and full of wise insight on life, and getting your hands into Pasta.
Meryl shares her insider tips on pasta-making: everything from the kind of salt she uses, to pasta equipment.
For Meryl "pasta is a social thing" - a way to make friends - it's "meant to be shared". And at the same time pasta-making is also great when you're alone, "it's therapeutic".
Join us today for our open-hearted chat all about pasta-making, and the personal enrichment it brings you. Plus Meryl's insider tips on ingredients and tools for pasta-making.

Meryl Feinstein is charming and humble and a clever, creative, accomplished pasta maker and cookbook author. In just five years from when Meryl first created the Pasta Social Club she's moved on to write her delightful Pasta Every Day cookbook, with a fresh approach to pasta recipe creation.
The book is full of exquisite photographs that transport you to another delicious place, page after page.
I first connected with Meryl through her Pasta Social Club Instagram profile back in 2019 and since then she has amassed nearly 300,000 followers. 
Her book was named a 2023 Best Cookbook of the Year by the New York Times, Bon Appetit, and the LA Times, and Vice calls it  "a masterpiece".
Listen to this double episode chat with Meryl Feinstein to learn all about her pasta trajectory, her culinary history and approach to pasta recipe development.

Recently one of my Substack newsletter subscribers, a wheelchair user, asked if I'd do a podcast episode all about Italy accessibility information for wheelchair users and those with a mobility/physical disability. So here it is!
This episode is a deep dive into wheelchair accessible hotels, tours, trips, guides, travel packages, mobility equipment, accessible bathrooms - everything you need to know if you're a wheelchair user traveling to Italy.

You've probably wondered about the importance of a wine glass, and whether it really matters which glass you choose. I know I have! The short answer is yes – and no.
Today sommelier Cynthia Chaplin and I delved into wine glasses, an apropos topic during the holiday season and with New Year's Eve right around the corner!
The bottom line is the best all-purpose wine glass shape is the tulip - perfect for your red wines AND your New Year's Eve festive bubblies.
And there's one tulip glass that is a clear, affordable stand out winner among them. Listen to get the details!

Jeannie Marshall's new book, All Things Move, opens the door to a thoroughly new way of experiencing the Sistine Chapel, and the magnificence of Michelangelo's work.
All Things Move: Learning to Look in the Sistine Chapel "tells the story of Marshall’s relationship with one of our most cherished artworks. Interwoven with the history of its making and the Rome of today, it’s an exploration of the past in the present, the street in the museum, and the way a work of art can both terrify and alchemize the soul. An impassioned defense of the role of art in a fractured age, All Things Move is a quietly sublime meditation on how our lives can be changed by art, if only we learn to look."

The perfect Christmas holiday Day Trip from Rome is a visit to the northern Lazio hill town, Greccio. It's a tiny little town but this year it's the central focus of the Christmas holiday season worldwide. Why? It's where Saint Francis of Assisi created the original Nativity Scene (Presepe in Italian) in 1223 exactly 800 years ago.
My husband and I visit Greccio frequently, and have for many years: it's in the Sabine hills just above Contigliano where our family is from.
If you decide to make a Day Trip to Greccio, I've got you covered with everything you need to know, including the best places to eat in the area.
Have a listen to learn all about it…

Bologna is the city of porticoes, Europe's oldest university, amazing towers and culinary delights you can't even imagine. If you're hankering for something different and unique to do while visiting Rome then this is the day trip you'll want to make! Add magical Bologna to your bucket list and listen now for all the details.
Are you interested in a culinary walking tour of Bologna? Then I’ve got you covered! Contact me at flavorofitaly@gmail.com to book your Culinary Walking Tour of Bologna!

Everything you need to know this Thanksgiving!

* Thanksgiving Recipe Ideas & Pro-Tips: Truffles, Turkey, Pork Belly! 
* How to ditch holiday cooking stress
* My HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE with a focus on truffles 
* Combatting holiday loneliness if you happen to be alone this Thanksgiving

The Piedmont Region is Italy's overlooked, "hidden" gem!
This is a region overflowing with culinary goodies: Barolo and Barbaresco wine, Alba white truffles, gianduia chocolate. The landscape is magnificent and deserves exploration to uncover and enjoy the region's marvelous castles, wineries, and historic landmarks.
Listen to my chat with Carlotta Prandi, the one woman business owner of Piedmont Tours.
Carlotta is always available and expert at helping find perfect accommodation, and she also organizes experiences like fabulous white truffle hunts and tours. 
Piedmont and Carlotta need to be on your bucket list for Italy travel!

Last week we took a deep dive into Piedmont and its luscious food and wine, closing our visit at the 500 year-old Tenuta Carretta for lunch. The Tenuta has several restaurants - one a Michelin star restaurant - great accommodation, and wines.
Piedmont wines are world-renowned and this remarkable wine region produces more DOCG wines than any other Italian region. It also ranks sixth among the Italian regions in annual production volume. Piedmont produces all kinds of wines from sparkling whites, to rosés to red wines. 
Perhaps the best known wine in the region is Barolo. As it turns out Barolo is not a kind of wine or a grape varietal, but rather the name of a town where luscious Barolo red wine is produced from the Nebbiolo grape. If your pocket won’t allow you to drink Barolo wine regularly then consider some of the other wonderful wines produced using this grape.

For a dip into the past - not centuries ago, but 1,000 years ago - to the magnificent Tenuta Spannocchia in Tuscany, not far from Siena. Here you'll experience country accommodation with delicious hearty meals of homemade pasta, delicious pork products made onsite from heritage breeds.
It was two years ago that owner Randall Stratton and I chatted for over an hour all about Spannocchia, and made plans to meet there soon. 
Since then Randall has been diagnosed with cancer and is at home in Vermont with family under hospice care. Randall and his wife Francesca and the extended Spannocchia family ask that everyone share their thoughts, memories and photos. 
And in the meantime listen to our chat and Randall's tales about Spannocchia and his life.

Sperlonga: a secret southern Lazio coastal hill town with fabulous views, rich history, luscious seafood and wine, award-winning beaches, nearby islands for excursions - just about everything you could want in a seaside location near Rome.
And Irene at Amyclae Experience has created all kinds of food and wine, and cultural, itineraries to help you experience Sperlonga to the fullest. Have a listen to find out all the details!

Trento DOC is an appellation for white and rosé sparkling wine made in Trentino, Italy. Trentino developed this appellation, the second in the world after Champagne, to ensure quality and distinction. Only Chardonnay, Pinot noir, and Pinot Meunier with Pinot blanc are permitted, and they must be grown in a well-defined area within the Province of Trento.
Trentodoc sparkling wine is produced using the Classic Method, or Metodo Classico, and made only with Trentino grapes. After harvesting by hand, the winemaking process begins. It takes time and daily work for months or years before a Trentodoc is ready.
Listen for all the details about this exquisite northern Italian sparkling wine and where you can find it!
With 26 gold and 36 silver medals, Trentodoc is the most awarded in Italy at the Champagne & Sparkling Wine World Championships 2023, the most selective and prestigious world competition dedicated to the world of sparkling wines, in which 19 countries participated with more than 1000 labels. 

The fifteenth century Villa Taverna, commissioned by Cardinal Consalvi. Beginning in 1933, the U.S. Embassy rented the Villa from Taverna’s daughter. During World War II the property managed to avoid destruction by serving as a convalescent home for the Italian military. Returned to the U.S. Government in 1944, the Villa and gardens were purchased in 1948 from Princess Ida Borromeo-Taverna. Throughout the 1800s Roman nobility escaped the summer city heat here. In 1824 Pope Leo XII opened the Papal Seminary College, and for the next one hundred years, many illustrious scholars frequented the well-known center of learning.
Palazzo Taverna is a palace in Rome, located on the Via di Monte Giordano and first built under orders of Cardinal Giordano Orsini, who wished to turn his ancient castle on the Monte Giordano into a residence. The Palazzo passed to the Gabrielli family in 1688 and they used it to host members of the Bonaparte family such as Eugénie de Montijo. In 1888 it passed to the Taverna family.

The fifteenth century Villa Taverna, commissioned by Cardinal Consalvi, was first rented by the U.S. Embassy in 1933.  The Villa and its historical gardens are filled with valuable art from antiquity through the Renaissance, to the nineteenth century.
The Villa and gardens were purchased by the U.S. Embassy in 1948 from Princess Ida Borromeo-Taverna. The Villa has since served as the residence for 19 American ambassadors, and is protected by Italian law for cultural heritage.
This property is huge: one city block or 7000 m². It's filled with spectacular hand-painted ceramic pavement from Vietri and magnificent gardens. You can only visit the Villa if you have the good fortune to be a guest at the Villa Taverna ambassadorial residence, which we were last week.

Villa Taverna is not to be confused with Palazzo Taverna, also magnificent and not only visitable, but this exquisite Palazzo occasionally has a few outstanding apartments for rent.

Have a listen to learn about both of these unique and historic Rome properties.

Nicki Storey's Positano-based debut novel, A Boatful of Lemons, takes place in Positano, the breathtaking cliffside village on Italy's Amalfi Coast. Although the book is a work of fiction it's interlaced with some of Positano's factual local characters, and historic bars and restaurants.
Listen to this episode and check out the edited transcript of our chat with links to some of Nicki's and my favorite Positano spots, and places Nicki mentions in her book.

If you think Italian has been around forever, you'd be wrong: up until 1871 when the Kingdom of Italy was formed, the Italian peninsula consisted of multiple independent city states...and lots of local dialects! 
And each and every city state was strongly influenced by diverse cultures that impacted each area culturally.
Think northern Europe, the Arab influence, trade going through Venice. Each and every one of these impacted the Italian language, its history and the creation of its many dialects.
This episode delves into some of the quirks of the Italian language, the dialects and the rich history of Italian.
And then, of course, some anecdotes and stories and tips on learning Italian.
Tomorrow, along with Italian with Davide, I'm running a free live class on learning the Italian language with a special focus on food and drink at 6 PM Italian time, noon EST, and 9 AM PST.
Head to the website to reserve a spot for this special free live class, or sign up right here!.
See you tomorrow!

No better way to understand What Italian Kids Eat than speaking to two local Italian experts… age 4 and 8! 
My podcast guests today are a charming four-year-old girl, and an equally charming eight-year-old boy both born and raised in Rome, Italy.
They give us the lowdown on what kids eat from breakfast to lunch to dinner, snack time (merenda), and what they eat when out at a restaurant. 
Riccardo and Sofia tell us all about what can't be missed at any and every Italian lunch, plus the special things kids eat when they're out at a restaurant.
No Kids Menu here in Italy: kids order from an adult menu and mostly adult dishes, including Riccardo's current favorite, spaghetti with clam sauce.
Do kids drink wine with their meal? No, but a few sips here and there are made available to all kids and because it's not forbidden most kids taste it and decide it's not for them and choose either water or a special out-to-dinner treat that's a kids favorite worldwide – Coca-Cola.
Listen in for a fun and thoroughly charming episode that's also full of fascinating cultural information on Italian culinary tradition for children.