Nestled in the northeastern corner of Italy, the region of Friuli-Venezia Giulia is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. With its rich history, diverse geography, and unique blend of cultures, this region is a feast for the senses. Friuli-Venezia Giulia is a land of contrasts, from the soaring peaks of the Dolomite Mountains to […]

Piedmont, located in the northwest of Italy, is renowned for its incredible cuisine, which is influenced by its geography, climate, and history. It is home to a wealth of ingredients that are unique to the region, including white truffles, hazelnuts, and the famous Barolo and Barbaresco wines. One of the most iconic dishes of Piedmont […]

Calling all spice lovers! If you’re searching for a new ingredient to add to your dishes that packs a flavorful punch, look no further than Calabrian Chili Peppers. Originating from the Calabria region of Southern Italy, these small, bright red peppers are known for their moderate to high level of spiciness and sweet, slightly fruity […]

Puglia (pronounced “pool-ya,” “Apulia” in Italian)  is located in the southeastern portion of Italy, including the ‘heel’ of the ‘boot,’ along the Adriatic Sea, the Bay of Taranto, and with the Ionian Sea stretching to the south.    With its warm Mediterranean climate, ancient city centers, and whitewashed traditional “Trulli” stone buildings with conical roofs, Puglia […]

March, April, and May serve as the months of spring in Italy.  Though the weather can be variable in early spring—the Italians say, “Marzo è pazzo,” meaning March is crazy—there are near infinite possibilities of travel and discovery throughout Italy in all three spring months. In March, Italy’s museums, parks, and historical sites begin their […]

The pantry isn’t just a place for storing items, it’s a room of wonder, a cupboard of possibilities and, most importantly, it’s the source for all of the delicious dishes in your near future. Whether you’re a pro in the kitchen, trying to maintain a healthier lifestyle or just wanting to learn how to make […]

Umbria is a nature lover’s place to be.   The region borders Tuscany, Lazio and Marche, which leaves the region land-locked with no coastline.  But the mountains and hills of Umbria have charms unique to the region, and the lakes, streams and rivers mean there is plenty of water around as well. Often called the country’s […]

Found in the form of bulbs, garlic cloves have been praised by many cultures around the world. It has been used in many ways for thousands of years, from being a holistic health remedy to a natural aphrodisiac. What is a fairly recent development– only in recent centuries– that the herb (garlic is, botanically speaking, […]

Say “Campania” to an American, and you’re likely to get some shrugged shoulders and puzzled looks.  Say “Naples,” however, and the same Americans know what you’re talking about. Campania is certainly more than just Naples, but Naples in and of itself is quite a lot.  It’s colorful, and sometimes chaotic.  It’s definitely a part of […]

There’s nothing better than eating authentic Italian for dinner. Pasta is a classic choice, but with so many varieties, how can you choose? There are literally dozens of shapes and sizes, and each is considered the best to pair with certain types of sauces.  For instance, authentic Bolognese sauce is paired with wide, flat pasta […]