Archive for 'Food and Wine'

Breakfasts in Italy tend to be simple affairs and mostly comprise of grabbing a cappuccino and a pastry. While on holidays in Italy, there could be nothing better than getting your hands on some fragrant coffee and a fresh pastry, sitting outside an amazing cafe, and taking a leisurely breakfast while enjoying your new surroundings. That's how to best start off any day holidaying in Italy.

If you have found a vacation rental in Lecce, there is one pastry that you should keep in mind and make sure to sample during your stay. That is the pasticciotto: a golden brown flaky shortcrust pastry with a creamy vanilla speckled centre. There are also variations on the original that can have chocolate cream, pistachio cream and more but the OG is a must for first-timers.

Caffè Florian is an incredibly famous and historic coffee house located in the Procuratie Nuove of Piazza San Marco in Venice, Italy, that was established in 1720 and, along with Café Procope in Paris, is the oldest café in continuous operation. It has been visited by Charles Dickens, Henry James, Lord Byron, Goethe, Marcel Proust, Casanova, and countless celebrities over the centuries and has always been a favourite haunt of the rich and famous. Beautifully decorated, with large, lavish interiors, and boasting excellent coffee, it is a key foodie experience for those who have found one of our private villas in Venice and are planning a trip to the city.

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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?