Today's post is dedicated to Mirto, one of my favorite Italian digestivos. On Sundays I try to write about beverages that I like that aren't wine. Whenever I'm in an Italian restaurant and they offer Grappa, Limoncello or Amaro after dinner, I ask if they have Mirto. Many places do and many do not, I'm... Continue Reading →
Wine of the Week: Scubla Friulano 2011
I was lucky enough to try this wonderful wine, Friulano 2011, from Scubla earlier this summer and then to drink a bottle during my vacation holidays with great swordfish. I like Friulano with its almond notes, good acidity and refreshing sapidity. I am tempted to write minerality but am trying to get away from that... Continue Reading →
Italian Indigenous Varieties: Cesanese Comune & Cesanese Affile from Lazio
Cesanese Comune and Cesanese Affile are red grape varieties that are grown in Lazio. The wines they produce are usually full bodied and somewhat spicy with nice tannins. The first time I had ever heard of Cesanese was in 2005 when I had the occasion to interview the Princess Maria Camilla Pallavicini from the Principe... Continue Reading →
Sweet Saturday: Be Still My Heart – Vivoli Comes To Town
I am jumping out of my skin today. Partly because it's snowing, it should be spring and because I am participating in the New York Half Marathon tomorrow. No I am not running, I am walking it as part of Team in Training's team that raises money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (LLS). The... Continue Reading →
Back In The Eternal City – Roma
I'm back in the eternal city and too excited and overwhelmed to sleep. I've in fact been up reading since 400am but no matter life is to be enjoyed "anche durante le ore piccole" or the wee hours of the night. I've been in town just two days staying with riends from Italy and hanging... Continue Reading →
Italy in New York: Alta Cucina Opens for Lunch
I have been missing Italy a lot these past few days. It's the holiday season, Sant'Ambrogio, the beginning of le citta' adorned with Christmas lights and of course missing my friends. What I always miss is the ease of eating a good meal at lunch without paying a fortune. When I worked in Italy, you... Continue Reading →
Bottega Falai – Tuscan Chef Iacopo Falai Expands Empire
I've just been in the mood for Tuscany lately, what can I say. I was there just two short weeks ago having dinner with friends I have known for 20 years. I miss those carefree Tuscan days and my friends but lucky I can get good Tuscan fair right here in New York thanks to... Continue Reading →
Largest BYOB Party Ever, James Beard Awards, Kevin Zraly
Last night the James Beard Awards were held in New York City. Many of the wine and food luminaries were of course in attendance, those getting awards and those merely watching the festivities. I really like this article in The Atlantic about the Awards. For those of us who were not invited or prize winners,... Continue Reading →
Vinitaly Day 2: Sailing From Italy To New York With High Goals
I'm working this year in a different way during Vinitaly so I can't get to see or do all that I might like to do but I think everyone feels the same way. There are some initiatives I must say that I am sorry to have missed. One such event was a press conference that... Continue Reading →
Italian Restaurants in NYC: Tarallucci e Vino – A Growing Brand In NYC, Fontanavigna Pallagrello Bianco from Terre del Principe
Tarallucci e Vino is owned by two Italians from Abruzzo who are very well versed in the culinary scene in New York. I have the pleasure of knowing only one of the owners, Luca Di Pietro but not the other, Pepi Di Giacomo. Oddly enough, Luca's wife went to the same graduate program as I... Continue Reading →