Italy’s culinary prize, the white truffle, comes into season from late September until mid November each year. Chefs and celebrities from around the world will bid thousands of Euro for these underground tubers, enhancing the flavor of everything from breakfast to desserts.

Watch the video above as Mario and Rocky take us White Truffle Hunting

Debbie and Barry at Carnevale

To wear a mask was considered a sign of freedom and breach of all social rules imposed by the Republic of Venice. In Venice it embodied - more than anywhere else - the need of playing, of gambling and enjoying life. In fact, Oscar Wilde once said, "Man is least himself when he talks in his own person. Give him mask, and he will tell you the truth."

September is harvest season in Piemonte. Barolo, the King of Wines is first, and the White Truffle of Alba is the next in line. As usual, the Italians welcome these harvests with festivals!

This year, the festival starts in Vergne, a pictoresque hamlet between Barolo and Narzole, with the FESTA DELL'AMICIZIA E DEL BON VIN (festival of friendship and good wine), from September 3rd to 7th. The program includes dance, music, kites meetings, wine tastings and a photography exhibition. For further information call (+39)017377305 or (+39)3392264982

Next is the Barolo Wine Festival (Festa del Vino Barolo) in the town of Barolo September 11-13, 2009

Italian family life always centers around the dining room table.  It is the one place where the entire family gathers for extended, if heated discussions about life, and about living it.

When I was young (and living in Florida), Mamma would have a feast every Sunday.  Il Nonno and La Nonna (Grandma and Grandpa) would be there, and we learned about the hard times back in northern Italy before World War II.  “Believe-a you me Barry, I-a taught I was a gonna die…” Grandpa Delfino would always end his stories.