Caffe e Pasticerria

A day without un cafe (a coffee) and una pasta

(no, not that kind of pasta, in this case it means a pastry!) is like a a day without sunshine in Arizona!

Whether early morning or late afternoon, take a break and head for the local caffe (coffee bar) for a freshly brewed espresso or macchiato (coffee with a dash of milk) and a creamy house made cannoli -- or two.

Some of the best coffee bars in Italy include: Barrati & Milano in Torino; Spinnato Antico Caffe in Palermo; and Tuttobene in Firenze.

And don't forget to stop by the local pasticerria (pastry shop) and pick up some mouth watering house made chocolates for those late night cravings.

Ciao e a presto,

Sleep in Italian Luxury

If you long for a good night's sleep, treat yourself to Italian bed linens and blankets.

Italian company Sferra of Venice have been making linens since 1891.

Italian linens and bedding are made from 100% Egyptian cotton. Their cashmere blankets are made from 100% mongolian fleece.

Cashmere is the undercoat of goats and only a handful of cashmere can be combed from each goat.

The cashmere is then graded and sold at auctions to European tailors and mills.

Visit Sferra's website for pricing and care instructions http://www.sferralinens.com/product/blankets/714/sferra-savoy.html - you'll never sleep better.

Ciao e a presto,

Carnevale di Venezia 2010

Carnevale, derived from its Latin meaning of "farewell to meat" dates back to the 12th century. Carnevale is the period between the Epiphany and the beginning of Lent and marks the passing of Winter into Spring. Beginning February 6 through February 16, St. Mark's Square will be alive with dancers, actors, musicians and non stop pageants, processions, masquerades, balls, concerts, and banquets. The Grand Ball of the Pulcinella will take place in the Marco Polo Ballroom of the Luna Hotel Baglioni near the Piazza San Marco. The last event of Carnevale will be held in the elaborate 14th century Palazzo Pesaro Papafava. I'll be richly dressed in brocade and velvet wearing a Moretta mask. See you at Carnevale! For more information, visit http://www.venice-carnival-italy.com/ -- some events are already sold out.

Ciao e a presto,

Buon Natale

Buon Natale & Nuovo Anno Felice

My Italian Hideaway wishes you a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

We will be on holiday until January 3, 2010

Ciao e a presto,

The Best of Barolo

Barolo, one of Italy's most prized wines, is produced in the Region of Piemonte (which means at the foot of the mountain). Barolo, made from the Nebbiolo grape, is ruby-garnet in color with aromas of red currant and licorice. A finely made Barolo can easily age 20 years. The heart of Barolo production lies in the communes of La Morra, Barolo, Monforte d'Alba, Serralunga d'Alba and Castiglione Falletto.

The best rated Barolos from Wine Spectator (WS) and Gambero Rosso (GR) include:

2004 Bruno Giacosa Barolo Falletto - 96 points (GR)

2004 Vietti Barolo Lazzarito -95 points (GR)

2005 Roberto Voerzio Barolo Brunate- 99 points (WS)

2005 Vietti Barolo Lazzarito - 98 points (WS)

Winemaking at its best in La Morra http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vxKMRE6CMRw

Mark your 2010 calendar: The Barolo Wine Festival takes place each year in September!

Ciao e a presto,

Guilty

Breaking news...A Italian jury has convicted American Amanda Knox and her Italian ex-boyfriend Raffaele Sollecito of murder in the stabbing death of British student Meredith Kercher in Perugia Italy.

Amanda Fox was sentenced to 26 years in prison; Raffaele Sollecito received a 25 year sentence.

http://us.cnn.com/video/?/video/crime/2009/12/04/newton.lok.knox.verdict.cnn

Ms. Fox plans to file an appeal.

Ciao e a presto,

Skiing the Dolomiti

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CZ7mXYUcIXE
The skiing season has officially opened and what better challenge than to ski the dolomites with its expansive majestic views. Declared an UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site, a perfect hideaway for a family holiday of winter sports like snow shoe hiking, ice skating, and cross country skiing.

The Italian Dolomites are located in north east Italy in the province of Belluno and partially in the provinces of Bolzano-Bozen and Trento. The name "Dolomites" takes it origin from a famous French mineralogist Deodat Gratet de Dolomeiu.

From now through December 23, you will find special offers for lodging and ski passes and some resorts even offer one night free lodging and one free day pass. A substantial savings making a getaway to the Dolomites affordable.

Follow the link to experience what awaits you in the Dolomites!

Ciao e a presto,

Motion Picture of the Year New Moon

FILMED IN MONTEPULCIANO ITALY

STARTS TODAY IN THEATERS EVERYWHERE

A click on the title bar takes you to the excitement

Ciao e a presto,

A Weekend In Milano

Thinking of a quick weekend getaway, think Milano. Here is a great itinerary.

Arrive Milano Friday and check into Bulgari Hotel on Via Privata Fratelli Gabba. Book a cozy dinner for two at Trattoria del Carmine at Piazza del Carmine. End the evening with a gelato from Viel Gelateria (Corsa Buenos Aires) while strolling along the Naviglio Grande Canal constructed in 1177.

Rise and shine with an espresso and head to the Piazza del Duomo to feed the pigeons and meditate. No trip to Milano is complete without a shopping spree to the five biggest fashion houses in the world--Armani, Dolce & Gabbana, Paul Smith,Versace, and Vivienne Westwood

http://nymag.com/fashion/fashionshows/designers/bios/viviennewestwood/

Dress for an evening of opera at La Scala followed by dinner at Ristorante Cracco (Via Victor Hugo).

Sunday morning, rent a car and head out early for a trip to Lake Como before heading back to your destination. Now that's a weekend getaway!

Ciao e a presto,

Siena Estate For Sale

To Play the video, click on the left side button

Located within the Montagnola Senese, just a few kilometers from the center of Siena, lies a 12- acre estate and resort comprised of a XVI Century Villa, Restaurant, Golf Course, Tennis Court, Pool, and Soccer Field. The estate is surrounded by lovely gardens, chestnuts trees, and olive groves with views toward the coastal hills of Tuscany. The buildings on the estate include a medieval building, Chapel, and stone cottages, and are fully equipped with a professional commercial kitchen which can accommodate weddings, concerts, cooking courses. A perfect retreat setting for artists, and an outstanding location for future development of a health and spiritual spa. Serious minded inquiries can be sent to aioltd@yahoo.com

Ciao e a presto,

Pizzo, Not Pizza

Pizzo is a seaport and fishing center (located in the Province of Vibo Valentina) overlooking the Gulf of Santa Eufemia in the Region of Calabria. Pizzo boasts 320 days of sunshine so beach weather and water sports are plenty.

A worthwhile stop is to the legendary Chiesa di Piedigrotta, a cave chapel dug out of soft rock in gratitude of shipwrecked sailors saved in a storm.

Pizzo is also famous for its Tartufo (tahr-too-foh), an italian ice-cream made with two flavors.  In the center you will find fruit syrup of raspberries, strawberries, or cherries while the outside is covered in luscious chocolate and cinnamon.

Plan your next trip to Pizzo and the Province of Vibo Valentia by visiting http://www.provincia.vibovalentia.it/?idWebpart=15223&id_nodo=602 (for English click on the translate box on the upper right corner of the site).  One last thing --the closest airport is Lamezia Terme just 10km from the centre of town.

Ciao e  a  presto,

New Moon

Filmed in Montepulciano, New Moon is scheduled to open in theaters on 
November 20.


Not to be missed.


Catch a clip by clicking on the title bar.


Ciao e a presto,

Tartufo Bianco

The 79th Annual International White Truffle Festival (Fiera del Tartufo Bianco d'Alba) is taking place in Alba, a town in the Region of Piedmont until November 8, 2009.

The white truffle, called "trifola" by the Piedmontese, is named after  the ancient village, Alba Pompeia. White truffles, a true delicacy, are found far under the soil near the roots of hazel, beech, and oak trees, and worth their weight in gold. Click on the title bar and find out how much a white truffle went for in last year's international auction!

If truffles don't fascinate you, wines from nearby Barolo and Barbaresco will.  One of my favorite estates to visit is Famiglia Anselma whose young winemaker, Maurizio, is committed to producing quality Barolo on the family's 80 hectares estate.

Leave ample time to tour both the Baroque Church of St. John the Baptist that houses the Madonna of the Graces (1377) by Barnaba da Modena, and Madonna with Saints (1508) by Macrino d'Alba and the Gothic Church of San Domenico (13th-14th century) considered the most artistically important Church in the town.

Ciao e a presto,

Santa Maria a Poneta

No stay in Italy is complete until you've had a chance to stay at Santa Maria a Poneta in Barberino Val D'Elsa, just a few miles from some of the most famous wineries in the Chianti Region.  Riccardo and Susanna are the proud owners of this beautiful estate and a most gracious host and hostess.  The estate stretches over 40 acres and home to at least 12 full  bred horses, some which have competed in the International Horse Show Contest in Piazza di Siena.

The historic center of Barberino is quite charming with expansive views, great restaurants, and quaint shops.  Barberino and Santa Maria a Poneta are in close proximity to San Gimignano,Volterra, Florence, and Siena making day trips from this location very convenient. The owners are happy to an assist you with planning a variety of activities and tours in the area.  The apartments on the estate are beautifully decorated by Susanna in typical Tuscan fashion.  The property is surrounded by the thick forest and tall floating cypress trees.  The sparkling pool is a delightful place to enjoy a glass of wine, meet other guests (by the way most have been staying here for years!) and or taking a cool dip.

When you make you reservation, tell them My Italian Hideaway sent you!  Expect to be treated like good friends!

Ciao e a presto,

The Best of Abruzzo

I had to think long and hard about what I wanted to say about Abruzzo because Abruzzo offers so much to see and do. Castelli is a good place to start.  A beautiful hill town with spectacular views of the Gran Sasso, and one of the best places to buy ceramics in all of Italy. You might want to visit the Museo della Ceramica, the ceramics museum  located in the Ex-Franciscan Monastery just outside Castelli.

Not to be missed is the St. Clemente Abbey which was built in 871. The Abbey lies in the Province of Pescara and is open from October to April. If you need a place to stay, try the four-star Zunica 1880 Ristorante and Hotel located in Civitella.

Let's not forget about the fresh local specialties such as scamorze cheese made from buffalo milk to be accompanied by a glass of  rosatello aquilano, or a nice light white wine such as Corfinio della Valle Peligna.  And last but not least, if you have have time to spare, sign up for an Italian Language Vacation on the Adriatic coast in the town of Lanciano.

Ciao e a presto,

Abruzzo

On April 6, 2009, an earthquake with a magnitude of 5.8 on the Richter scale occured near L'Aquila, the capital of Abruzzo injuring more than 1,500 and leaving over 50,000 people homeless. Cleanup and reconstruction efforts continue and contributions are needed. Contact the National Italian American Foundation Abruzzo Relief Fund at http://www.niaf.org/relief.

Abruzzo is divided into four provinces; Chieti, L'Aquila, Pescara, and Teramo. Each province is unique and offers an array of cultural activities, local  cuisine, and places to explore. Let's not forget how close we are to the Adriatic Sea!

The "Best of Abruzzo" will be featured in a coming post so please don't head off before catching of glimpse of what's to come.  Click on the title bar for a preview.

Ciao e a presto,
  

Vacanza

My Italian Hideaway and All Things Italian are taking a "vacanza" to seek some fun in the sun at a undisclosed hideaway. 

We'll be back in two weeks or less with a focus on the Region of Abruzzo and some wonderful recommendations on places to stay, dine, and the best Montepulciano d' Abruzzo wines that are readily available. 

 Ciao e a presto,

That's Amore

"For Catholics, the Sacrament of Marriage, or Holy Matrimony, is a public sign that one gives oneself totally to this other person. It is also a public statement about God: the loving union of husband and wife speaks of family values and also God's values".

http://www.americancatholic.org/FEATURES/SACRAMENTS/Marriage.asp

And what better place to exchange wedding vows than in Italia!  There are many options when planning a wedding, and you do not have to be Italian to get married in Italy.  To learn more about the traditions and customs of getting married in Italy, visit http://www.italy-weddings.com/index.html.

Watch a wedding in progress by clicking over the title bar -did you get an invite?

Ciao e a presto,

Case Al Mare

By the sea, by the sea, by the beautiful sea. Property prices throughout Italy continue to rise, but properties by the sea are by far the best investment. Some of the most desirable places to own include Forte dei Marmi, Portofino and Capri with prices ranging from 950.000 euros to over 15.000,000 euros for a magnificent villa - for a peek of the villa just click on the title bar. Wouldn't it be nice??

Ciao e a presto,

Italy's Best Kept Secret

Franciacorta, a hidden jewel in the Region of Lombardy, is where some of the most prestigious sparkling wines are produced. The northern lakes have long been Italy's Best Kept Secret where well-to-do Italians rush off for a weekend of great food and great wine. With so much to see and do, wine aficionados should travel the Franciacorta Wine Trails and sample some local wines. Home to some of the best cheeses, such a Taleggio, Franciacorta is surrounded by some of the finest restaurants, wine estates, and inns. The Relais Franciacorta, a former 17th century estate, is now a gourmet restaurant and winery. For designer fashions, shop the outlets just outside Brescia .

Ciao e a presto,