Blog entries tagged Italian Life

Secrets of the Blue Grotto

Barry Frangipane — Sat, 10 Oct 2009 15:15:19 +0100

Are you one of the many who dream of visiting the Blue Grotto (Grotta Azzura) on the Isle of Capri just off of the Amalfi Coast in Italy? I was too.

The Blue Grotto is a seemingly magical cave on Capri. When inside, the light coming from outside the cave reflects o...

Buying White Truffles in Alba

Barry Frangipane — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 15:06:47 +0100

It’s the best time of year for foodies in Italy. The Barbera grapes are being harvested, the Nebbiolo will be picked soon, but right now, we can find winter (white) truffles being sold on the streets and in markets all around Piemonte! Of course the center of activity is in Alba, where people are getting ready for t...

White Truffle Season Has Started

Barry Frangipane — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 00:14:01 +0100

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 a...

The Masks of Venice

Barry Frangipane — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 18:54:47 +0100

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...

Barolo Wine Festival 2009

Barry Frangipane — Sun, 06 Sep 2009 14:25:14 +0100

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 fr...

A Tavola (At the Table)

Barry Frangipane — Sat, 21 Mar 2009 22:00:00 +0100

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) woul...