Archive for 'Food and Wine'

Baci di Dama are one of Italy's most famous and popular typical biscuits. The name literally translates to "lady kisses" and they first appeared in the pastry shops of Tortona, a small town in the province of Alessandria, during the second half of the 19th century. Baci di Dama di Tortona have been recently added to Piedmont's official registry of Prodotti Agroalimentari Tradizionali (traditional gourmet products) and are made with hazelnuts, which find their spiritual home in Italy in the region as they are most common there.

Bucatini all'amatriciana, or alla matriciana (in Romanesco dialect), is a traditional Italian pasta dish made with a famous sauce based on guanciale (cured pork cheek), pecorino cheese, tomato, normally, onion. It is now one of the best known pasta sauces internationally and originates from the town of Amatrice in the mountainous Province of Rieti in the region of Lazio. The dish has origins that stretch to a recipe called gricia, which came from the name that Romans (of modern, rather than ancient history) had for bread sellers.

Acquacotta is a traditional dish originating in the coastal region of Tuscany known as Maremma. Literally translated the name means “cooked water” and accurately represents its origins as a peasant dish. It is an old and historic dish that comes from the colliers, or charcoal burners, farmers and shepherds of the area, who were the poorest of people. Despite such humble origins, like many other dishes that were once peasant foods, it remains enduringly popular to this day.

Cannoli are one of the most famous and beloved of all Italian desserts, particularly among Italian-Americans, and are pastries that come from the Sicily region. The origins can be traced back to the Arabs during the Emirate of Sicily and similar pastries are known to have been popular across the Islamic world during that period. They have been traced back to the Palermo and Messina areas and were traditionally prepared as a treat during Carnevale season. The dessert eventually became a year-round staple throughout Italy. In singular form they are known as cannolo, a word that means "little tube" and they are just that, little tube-shaped fried pastries with creamy, sweet fillings, usually comprised of ricotta.

Finally, here are the last of our round-up of the best foodie experiences that any food-lovers visiting Italy will not want to miss out on during their next visit. Take note, add them to your itinerary and thank us later.

Venice is one of the most romantic cities in the world and is a hugely popular honeymoon destination. It is only fitting, therefore that perhaps the most romantic dining experience in all of Italy is available in the city: galleon dinner cruises that take place on the Venetian lagoon. It is the perfect way to see a little of the city while enjoying good food and soaking up the romantic atmosphere, all at the same time. The boats are in the style of the typical traditional Venetian galleon that was used during the time of the Venice Republic, between 1600 and 1800, and they go out on cruises along the canals and around the islands of the lagoon.