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This week, our virtual tour of Italian regions growing lesser-known grapes brings us to one seemingly forgotten (or avoided) by the Renaissance. Lacking the major architectural relics of other regions, or a history of fine art, this region is not a magnet for the typical tourist. However, in my opinion, this region, more than any other, exemplifies...

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Also called ‘spianata’ locally, pane modde is widespread in Logudoro and Barbagia. A traditional recipe to rediscover – either on its own or filled with typical island food. From the food and wine tastings to exploring traditional Sardinian culture, autumn is the best season for trying out the flavors of Barbagia. Digging into the annals of Sardini...

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Everyone perhaps knows the Italian Balsamic Vinegar as a gourmand ingredient to flavor a salad or Parmigiano Reggiano but this product is increasingly becoming a trending topic, versatile, and incredibly refined. It is not unusual now that a trendy bartender chooses a PDO Balsamic Vinegar to create a unique cocktail, or a 3 stars chef to enrich an...

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Homemade bread is like a dream come true. If the Nonna was there, she would be oh-so-proud. Warm, homemade bread, just as she used to do in her Italian kitchen back in the days. And the warm homemade bread scent released in the house is irresistible, isn’t it?  Not to mention the stress relief effect that kneading gives, a hobby that brings joy and...

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The town of Trapani has always been characterized by coral fishing, but also by the artisans who, daily, worked coral making it precious jewelry. The origin of the coral manufacturing process in Trapani dates back to the 12th century, according to the words of the geographer Al-Idrisi, who praised the precious quality of the coral of Trapani.  The...

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The first data on Italy’s olive harvesting show a drop in production compared to last September. And this will negatively affect the production of Italian olive oil. According to the forecasts of Ismea and Unaprol, the olive production of the 2020 – 21 campaign should reach 255 thousand tons, with a drop of -30% over last year. The olive harvest wa...

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An artist in Italy has remaigined the traditional Christmas nativity scene  for the coronavirus age. At Genny Di Virgilio's workshops in Naples, his nativity figurines gaze at the Baby Jesus from behind  protective masks.  And the charachters are even standing at a safe distance, especially the elderly. Only baby Jesus remains unchanged. Too big a...

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Cannoli, one of Sicily’s best-known desserts, are deep-fried cylindrical pastry shells filled with sweetened whipped ricotta mixed with candied citron and grated chocolate. The size and fillings vary in different parts of Sicily. Most notably, there are the ones with a creamy dark chocolate ricotta filling created by the pastry chefs of Messina. Ca...

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CNN Traveller’s World’s 50 best foods ranking has just been updated confirming the presence of Prosciutto di Parma PDO, which comes in 31st place. Italy conquers two more places in the ranking with lasagna (in 23rd place) and climbs the podium thanks to Neapolitan pizza (2nd place). The presence of Prosciutto di Parma PDO in the ranking confirms it...

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If you’ve never seen Quadrophenia, just think of it as a British version of The Outsiders. Instead of the greasers versus the socs, the cinematic adaptation of the Who’s rock opera pits the Mods against the rockers. And instead of the rival gangs driving Mustangs and Thunderbirds, the rockers zip around on café racers while the Mods lay claim a veh...

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