Archive for 'Food and Wine'

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If you were to find a vacation rental in Tuscany and decide to spend Christmas in Florence, you might find yourself coming face-to-face with the Italian love child of a French crepe and Mexican enchiladas; the Crespelle alla Fiorentina.

Usually served as a first course during a typical Florentine Christmas meal, this tasty dish is comprised of thin pancakes stuffed with ricotta and spinach, coated in béchamel sauce, tomato purée and cheese and baked until golden brown.

This week we're talking all about the beautiful Renaissance city of Ferrara and explaining why a visit is a must for those who have found a holiday rental in Emilia Romagna. A fascinating place that can rival many of the great cities of Italy, it is steeped in history, culture and art and boasts much to see and do. We are continuing to extol some of the cities many charms with more entries into our list of the top ten things you must do in Ferrara...

4. Grab a Drink In The Oldest Wine Bar In The World

Al Brindisi is a bar located right next to the city's lovely Cathedral and it happens to date back to 1435, making it the oldest wine bar in the world. It is a must-see for anyone visiting Ferrara and offers lots of traditional local dishes and great wines. Whether you try the cuisine or just pop in for a drink, make sure to pencil it in.

Some things are so ubiquitous, yet undeniably good, that though they could easily be passed over as a given, they deserve a mention. Bologna's signature dish, its great phenomenon, Bolognese, can now be found on menus the world over. It is a staple dish in households globally and is even easy to make. Yet, despite our familiarity with it, it shouldn't be forgotten. Served as a meaty, tomato ragù served over freshly made egg tagliatelle (which is tradition, rather than the spaghetti is is often associated with), it is wholesome and comforting and tasty.

And it is best enjoyed on a trip to the food-loving capital city of Emilia-Romagna. Just find a vacation rental near Bologna and come try the authentic thing, freshly and perfectly made. Or, if you can't wait, why not try it at home and then get planning your getaway to this beautiful city?

If the Aperol Spritz is the drink of choice in Venice, then the Pirlo is its equivalent in many ways in Brescia. This beautiful city in Lombardy is a wonderful place to spend time, wandering the pretty streets, taking in the beautiful buildings, visiting the parks, museums and UNESCO awarded attractions and more. It is also the perfect place to grab a Pirlo, kick back and relax on your holidays. Just find a vacation rental in Lombardy, hit up the nearest caffe-bar and order the local speciality for yourself.

Italy has birthed many of the world's most famous and popular cocktails such as the Americano, the Negroni and the Bellini. Many of these drinks come from iconic bars in cities like Venice and Florence but, every now and then, culinary gems emerge from lesser-known destinations around the country. One such example is the Hugo.

Not unlike the Mojito, the Hugo is a cocktail that comes from the South Tyrol region in northern Italy and is popular, and readily found, in cafes and bars in southern Germany and Austria as well, particularly during the summer months!