Thanksgiving is a time to gather with loved ones, express gratitude, and share a delicious meal. If you're looking to host a vegan Thanksgiving with some easy vegan recipes, draw inspiration from two incredible life-long vegan advocates: Ellen Kanner and Kate McElwee.  Their thoughtful approaches to creating a plant-based feast prove that a Vegan Thanksgiving can be every bit as festive and satisfying as a traditional one using easy vegan recipes. From flavorful sides to decadent desserts,...

The art of (Venetian) Murano glass bead making (now a recognized UNESCO slice of cultural heritage) is a treasure trove of history, craft, and culture that dates back to the 13th century. Beyond the allure of Murano’s famed glass, these Venetian beads hold a unique legacy shaped by centuries of trade, cultural exchange, and artistry.  If you’re inspired to explore the rich tradition of Murano glass beads, Venice offers various reputable artisanal workshops, especially on Murano. While...

Via Margutta offers a respite from the tourist-packed surrounding avenues and an intimate look into the city’s artistic and cultural heart. Its serene charm, historical significance, and rich patrimony make it a must-visit for anyone seeking to experience the true essence of Rome.

Exploring Italian Dreams and Culinary Mysteries in the Lunigiana, Tuscany If you've ever dreamed of Tuscany, it’s likely you've imagined tranquil countryside settings, exquisite cuisine, and authentic experiences. That's precisely the world Annette Joseph has crafted at La Fortezza, her stunning retreat nestled in the Lunigiana, northern Tuscany. Annette, a creative powerhouse, author, stylist, and Italy enthusiast, recently joined me on my Flavor of Italy podcast to talk about her journey,...

In the heart of Central Park the Angel of the Waters iconic sculpture graces the Bethesda Fountain since 1873, sculpted by Emma Stebbins. It commemorates New York City's first aqueduct and fresh water brought to the City. The sculpture was originally conceptualized by Emma Stebbins during her long period living in Rome, Italy.  While admired for its beauty, it symbolizes much more—love, healing, and rebirth, reflecting the purpose behind its creation.The story of sculptor Emma Stebbins will...

Ansonica: A Versatile Grape Rooted in History and Rich in Flavor  Ansonica, also known as Inzolia, is a historic Italian white grape variety that thrives in two contrasting yet equally enchanting regions—Sicily and Tuscany. This grape is as much a part of Italy’s viticultural heritage as it is a symbol of the country’s diversity in terroir and winemaking traditions. Despite its historical roots and widespread cultivation, Ansonica remains lesser-known compared to other Italian grapes like...

Nestled off the southern coast of Tuscany in the Tyrrhenian Sea, the charming Giglio Island -  Isola del Giglio - is a hidden gem waiting to be explored. Despite its small size, covering just 24 square kilometers (9 square miles), this island is brimming with breathtaking landscapes, historic villages, and crystalline waters. If you’re yearning for a Mediterranean escape with untouched natural beauty, then Giglio Island should be on your travel radar.

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, may not be the first city that comes to mind when discussing Italian immigration, but its Italian enclaves played a significant role in shaping the region. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, a wave of Italians arrived in Pittsburgh, particularly from southern Italy. Economic hardship and political instability in Italy pushed many Italians to seek a better life abroad, and Pittsburgh, with its booming industrial sector, offered opportunities for work and...

Italian immigration to America: insights into the experiences, challenges, and successes of Italian immigrants — from their journeys to America to their integration into the American way of life.

Italian Art Theft: A Deep Dive into Two of the World's Biggest Heists  Italy, often referred to as the cradle of Western civilization, holds an estimated 60 percent of the world’s artistic treasures. With such a vast collection of art, it’s no surprise that Italian art has long been a prime target for art thieves.  The reality is that art theft in Italy and across the globe is often part of a much larger criminal enterprise, sometimes even tied to organized crime, such as the infamous...

Visit Molise and experience the magic of this overlooked region for yourself! If you’re looking for an off-the-beaten-path Italian experience, Molise and San Martino in Pensilis should be at the top of your list: rich with traditions, breathtaking landscapes, and warm, welcoming people, panoramic views of the Adriatic Sea, stretching all the way to the Tremiti Islands and the hills of Puglia. Just a short drive from San Martino in Pensilis are the stunning sandy beaches of Campomarino Lido,...

Why Marche Wine Should Be On Your Radar If you're looking to explore something new in Italian wines, Marche wine offers an exceptional opportunity. Not only does it produce high-quality, unique wines like Verdicchio, Rosso Conero, and Lacrima, but the wines are also undervalued in the global market. This means you can find premium wines at accessible prices—a rare combination in today’s wine world. Have a listen to this episode for all the details plus the blog post/show notes with photos...

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...

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:...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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,...

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...