italy

The best gelato in Milan, Italy

Milan is one of the best cities in all of Italy for Gelato. It rivals even Florence for the number…

5 months ago

Negroni Sbagliato (Incorrect Negroni)

The social media sensation cocktail was invented in Milan 50 years ago. Negroni Sbagliato origin story Negroni Sbagliato at Bar…

6 months ago

The Bone Chapel where a Duke was murdered

The Santuario di San Bernardino is not only where a creepy ossuary is located, it's also where a very unpopular…

6 months ago

Wine bars, Negroni Sbagliato, Truffles & Springsteen in Milan, Italy

Brent is in Milan visiting the coolest wine bar, sipping a "broken" Negroni, and enjoying decadent truffles. And, he caps…

7 months ago

Champagne sorbetto, wine & mini pastry in Milan, Italy

Brent is in Milan, Italy to visit the Milan Cathedral and tries a sorbetto made with Champagne, yummy mini pastries,…

7 months ago

Why We Eat Zeppole on Saint Joseph’s Day

Italian bakeries crank out millions of zeppole every Saint Joseph's Day. Enjoying this delicious pastry is a tradition not only…

1 year ago

Ape, the three-wheeled trucks from Italy

The modest Italian lightweight trucks are popular all over Europe. Ape Origin Story After WWII, Italy was in ruins and…

2 years ago

Why you shouldn’t book the cheapest ticket

The cheapest ticket isn't always the best choice. In fact, sometimes it will make your trip miserable. Remote Airports Maybe…

2 years ago

New Year’s Eve & red underwear

If you're in Italy for New Year's Eve, be sure to wear this specifically colored undergarment. New Year's Eve When…

2 years ago

The (probably untrue) legend of Spaghetti alla Puttanesca

Puttanesca translates literally to "prostitute." So, Spaghetti alla Puttanesca is "pasta in the style of a prostitute." That couldn't be…

2 years ago

Chocolate Hazelnut-the famous flavor of Turin

Chocolate and hazelnuts seems like a match made in heaven. But it took a war to bring them together Chocolate…

2 years ago

Halloween in Italy

Our notion of Halloween in the U.S., children in costumes going door to door for candy, originates in Scotland and…

3 years ago

The Best Pizza in Naples

Naples is known as the birthplace of pizza. But, there's more than just classic Neapolitan pizza in the Città del…

3 years ago

Orecchiette & Broccoli Rabe (Vegan)

This is a very traditional dish from the Puglia region (the heel of the boot) in Italy. But, I put…

3 years ago

Rome’s Drinking Fountains

Rome has thousands of quirky drinking fountains called Nasoni to keep you hydrated during the hot summer. Nasoni origin story…

3 years ago

A cheese from Sicily cooked three times

Tricotta takes Ricotta Cheese and cooks it a third time for a special Sicilian treat. Tricotta origin story Tricotta for…

3 years ago

Affogato

This rich and creamy drink combines two things that Italy excels at: espresso and gelato. What is an Affogato? Notice…

3 years ago

Music school in Lucca, Italy

Lucca, Italy (photo: Brent Petersen) Yet another entry in my long list of examples of why you should keep yourself…

3 years ago

Chestnuts roasting on an open fire…in Italy

Chestnut vendor in Rome (photo: Brent Petersen) One of my favorite things about being in Italy in the fall and…

3 years ago

The Italian town that does the evening stroll on two wheels

Each evening, all over Italy, people come out for the "passeggiata," or stroll. Everyone takes part; young, old, rich, poor,…

3 years ago

When looking for a snack in Naples, head to the Friggitoria

In Italian, Friggitoria means fryer. And the name is apt. The local Friggitoria shop in Naples has a huge selection…

3 years ago

An Italian bread made from scraps of dough

One of my favorite things about Italy is the culture's ingenious frugality. Have grape skins and stems left over from…

4 years ago

How to make Limoncello at home

Homemade Limoncello is easy to make. You just need the correct ingredients and a little patience. Limoncello origin story Enjoying…

4 years ago

In Defense of Cheap Plastic Souvenirs

Recently, I was talking with my friend Mickela Mallozzi for my podcast. Mickela is the creator and host of the…

4 years ago

Movies featuring each region of Italy

Italy is home to a vibrant film making industry that has been widely recognized over the years for its quality…

4 years ago

10 movies that will make you love Sicily

Sicily is an extraordinary place filled with gorgeous scenery, a fascinating history, and interesting people. While many famous films are…

4 years ago

Naples’ custom of sharing espresso with strangers

Customers visit caffès in Naples each morning and order two espressos. But, they don't drink both. The second one is…

4 years ago

The Three Street Food Dishes You Must Try in Palermo

Your favorite culinary experience in Palermo might just be from the back of a 3-wheeled truck or a sidewalk street…

4 years ago

How to Enjoy Two Different Bellinis in Italy

You've probably enjoyed a luscious Bellini or two during brunch but there's a second Bellini-inspired dish that you have to…

4 years ago

Italy’s Greatest Coffee Drink

I know. “Italy’s Greatest Coffee Drink” is a bold statement. But, the first time I sipped a Bicerin, I knew…

4 years ago