Things to know about Italy (34)
MY PRIVATE ITALY: “IL PRESEPE”, THE TRADITION OF THE NATIVITY SCENE
Written by Francesca Inverardi
The most traditional image of Christmas is the Nativity scene, representing the hut with the newborn baby Jesus between Mary and Joseph and warmed by the donkey and ox.
"The perfect lover is the one who turns into pizza at four in the morning" - Charles Pierce
Italians love pizza, and we are obsessed with it: "Saturday night is pizza night" or, in my case, it could be "every day is pizza day". I must admit it, pizza is undoubtedly my favourite food.
My Private Italy: Why Italians eat so much bread
Written by Francesca Inverardi
Bread is the centrepiece of our Mediterranean diet, a central element of lives and cultures. Christians consider it a sacred food, broken and shared at the table, a symbol of brotherhood. When I was living in America, it was served in Italian restaurants as an appetizer accompanied by olive oil, highlighting that bread was typically Italian. Yes, we do serve bread in restaurants, but it’s not an appetizer, it’s maybe the most important food on the table!
MY PRIVATE ITALY: AT CHRISTMAS, PANDORO OR PANETTONE?
Written by Serena Vocella
Christmas is one of my favourite moments of the year: the colours of the lights in the houses, families reuniting to enjoy the magic of this holiday together and children looking forward to the arrival of Santa Claus. Christmas in Italy is also an opportunity to taste many typical sweets, which are served on our tables every year with a unique flavour that reminds us of how beautiful it is to celebrate Christmas with the people you love.
MY PRIVATE ITALY: OLIVE OIL, I LOVE YOU
Written by Marcello Cordovani
Extra virgin olive oil (EVO) is undoubtedly the symbol of Mediterranean food, and Italian food in particular. Olive oil is an ancient product, rich in history. You don't drink it, you eat it; it is a valuable food, a few grams change the taste of food.
MY PRIVATE ITALY: HARVESTING MY OLIVES ON LAKE GARDA
Written by Marcello Cordovani
It is often said that the greatest satisfaction in creating something lies in the act of doing so, rather than in the outcome.
MY PRIVATE ITALY: IN SICILY, EAT LIKE A SICILIAN
Written by Serena Vocella
I have been hosted several times in a Sicilian house and for sure they never run out of food!
ITALY'S DARKEST HOUR - EPISODE 6: THE AGONY OF NAPLES
Written by Marcello CordovaniThe landing of Salerno was designed to advance further north and free Naples as soon as possible, but it resulted in a painful time for the city.
MY PRIVATE ITALY: "ESPRESSO", WHY WE CAN'T DO WITHOUT IT
Written by Serena Vocella
"Giusto il tempo di un caffè e arrivo!” (“Just the time to have a coffee and I’m coming!") is the typical phrase used by Italians to measure time.
MY PRIVATE ITALY: MODENA'S TRADITIONAL BALSAMIC VINEGAR, A MASTERPIECE OF THE ITALIAN GASTRONOMIC ART
Written by Marcello Cordovani
One thing is clear: when you approach it, you should not be in a hurry. It is a work of art, a masterpiece, like a painting or a sculpture, where smell and taste take the place of sight. An inimitable taste: full, intense, harmonious.
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MY PRIVATE ITALY: ITALIAN CRAFTSMANSHIP, A LONG HISTORY OF CREATIVITY AND PASSION
Written by Marcello Cordovani
All around the world, Italy is associated with culture, art, food, in a few words our way of life. But more and more people are attracted to our country for another reason: our ability to “do”, to manufacture beautiful things.
MY PRIVATE ITALY: IN NAPLES, EAT LIKE A NEAPOLITAN
Written by Serena Vocella
"Vedi Napoli e poi muori" (“See Naples and then die”) is a Goethe’s famous expression that reflects the beauty of this city. I’ve seen Naples many times, I am still alive and I keep going back.
ITALY'S DARKEST HOUR - EPISODE 5: THE RAID OF THE JEWISH GHETTO IN ROME
Written by Marcello CordovaniToday I will tell you about a very sad episode, which has left its mark on the city of Rome and beyond: the raid of the Jewish Ghetto in Rome. An episode that some of the oldest Romans still remember. My intent is not to judge, but simply to let you know about a piece of our history, sad as it is.
MY PRIVATE ITALY: The “Colatura di Alici” of Cetara, the liquid gold of the Coast
Written by Marcello Cordovani
Italy, in addition to being a wonderful country, boasts an incredible variety of extraordinary products. In these days, in so many places some special people are committed to carrying on ancient customs and traditions as if nothing had changed over time.