Rome’s most famous female chef (the only female chef in the city with a Michelin star under her belt), Cristina Bowerman is about to open the biggest restaurant this town has ever seen. And gourmands and the local food and wine sector are watching closely and waiting! In mid March, Romeo&Giulietta is set to put … Continue reading
Recently I had a very special seafood feast. I wasn’t at beach or holidaying on the coast. I was right by Piazza Fiume in central north Rome at Chinappi; a local family-run institution for many years – one I hadn’t come across in my food adventures across the eternal city! With a restaurant and fish supply … Continue reading
Earlier this year, Turin kinda stole my heart. I’d grown up hearing about the industrial north and Piemonte which conjured only images of grey, dull and boring. Then I got there and every single myth was dispelled. The first capital of Italy, Torino was once ruled by the French and influences can be seen throughout. … Continue reading
If you haven’t heard of Lake Orta, you’re not alone. Not many Italians have either! French novelist Honorè de Balzak described it as a “A grey pearl in a green jewel-box”. And I couldn’t agree more, for grey pearls are rare and unique and this encapsulates exactly what this stunning treasure of the world is. … Continue reading
Have you ever eaten in an old slaughterhouse? Well I did recently! And not just any old slaughterhouse. The ex-mattatoio in Testaccio site now houses the MACRO museum, the Citta dell’altra Economia and a Michelin star restaurant and is a place which played a most significant role in the birth of roman cuisine (read more … Continue reading
All businesses have their place in their world, but small businesses are the ones I love the most. The ones that are family-run, by passionate people who are committed to producing and selling quality products in a responsible way. And after years, still love what they do! Pietro Morreale is in his 60s and has … Continue reading
Not all pizza is equal. And in Rome there certainly ain’t no shortage of places to eat one! From the pizzeria to small pizza al taglio joints, options are plentiful. From Roman pizza (the paper thin, almost charred version) to Neapolitan (the one with a thicker crust), to the best marinara slice I’ve ever tasted – … Continue reading
Sicily is one of my favourite regions in Italy for food. While so many regions have unique culinary traditions borne from rich local produce, there’s just something about Sicilian cuisine that makes my mouth water even just writing about it! Culturally diverse, the cuisine has Greek, Middle Eastern and African influences and changes from city … Continue reading
What’s not to love about Sicily? Throughout history, the largest island in the Mediterranean has been ruled by the Romans, the Greeks, the Arabs, the list goes on. It’s no wonder the place is an eclectic mix of cultures and this influence can not only be seen in its architecture, but tasted in its rich, … Continue reading
A lot about Italy in the international press of late is about doom and gloom; how the eurozone and broader global financial crisis has just about crippled this country’s economy and people. But there are also many community projects and people committed to culture, growth and community. These don’t generally make for good news stories … Continue reading
HEARTRome OLD 