Among the many risotto variations, asparagus risotto (‘risotto agli asparagi’) is one of the most successful, and one of my favorites. There are a few different ways to incorporate asparagus in a risotto. In my recipe, diced asparagus are added in stages, from the bottom of the stalks to their tops, to ensure uniform cooking … Continue reading "Asparagus Risotto with Parmesan Rind"

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I’ve been following Rick Zullo for quite some time, he is an amazing writer who has been capturing and decoding Italy in his blog, books, and podcast. I am very honored to have him as my guest in today’s episode. Third-generation Italian American, Rick grew up wanting to explore the land where his great-grandparents came from. … Continue reading "[Thoughts on the Table – 38] Decoding Italy and the Italians, with Rick Zullo"

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As promised in previous episodes (29 and 34), Diana is back on the show to talk about wine! Join us to discuss the differences between Italy and North America in wine production, as well as in how wine is consumed and socially perceived in the two countries. In the second part of the episode, Diana … Continue reading "[Thoughts on the Table – 37] The Italian Wine Culture, with Diana Zahuranec"

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Thoughts on the Table is back! Join me to meet Hannah Solomon, a marketing consultant who is doing an internship at SZ Tartufi, a company that produces truffles and truffle-based preparations in the Abruzzo region of Italy. During the episode Hannah talks about the fascinating process of cultivating truffles, as well as the fact that … Continue reading "[Thoughts on the Table – 36] Truffle Hunting in Abruzzo with Hannah Solomon from SZ Tartufi"

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I can hardly believe it has been 5 years since I started this project! Time flies when you’re having fun, and flies especially fast when you’re in good company – over this past year, I connected with many people and I like to believe that together we changed how Italian food is perceived around the … Continue reading "Year Five: Complete!"

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A few days ago I had the pleasure to be invited by my friend, writer Rick Zullo to be part of his new podcast: “The Fatal Charm of Italy“. I had a fantastic time! Rick is such an amazing host, and his insatiable curiosity makes for a very insightful conversation. You can listen to the … Continue reading "I was featured on Rick Zullo’s “The Fatal Charm of Italy” podcast!"

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Continuing on the series “Italy: Instruction for Use”, this post contains useful tips on how to get by in Italian grocery stores. How do you line up in a crowd when there’s no visible queue and everyone is standing by the counter? What’s negotiable when interacting with vendors? Is it OK to ask for samples? … Continue reading "[Italy: Instructions for Use] How to Shop for Groceries Like an Italian"

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As announced in the podcast, I began writing for my friends at Experience Italy Travels – a new challenge that makes me very happy! As my usual, I will be talking about Italian traditions and culture, but I’ll also give my tips to help travelers get by in Italy, and think like Italians! The first … Continue reading "[Italy: Instructions for Use] How Italian Restaurants Work"

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Thoughts on the Table is back with my friend Valentina Lombardi, announcing her new project and my collaboration! As part of her job as a wedding planner, Valentina has been helping people from various parts of the world discover Italy and the Italian traditions. Join us to hear how her background led to the creation … Continue reading "[Thoughts on the Table – 35] Introducing Valentina Lombardi from Experience Italy Travels"

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~~~ This article is available in narrated version. Check it out! ~~~ Every year, when I go back to Italy to see my family, I manage to squeeze in a visit to a mercato. As you may have guessed, the word “mercato” means “market”, but what’s a mercato (plural: mercati) to the Italians? I asked … Continue reading "Il Mercato – The Tradition of the Italian Street Market"

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