Archive for 'Food and Wine'

In our last article, we outlined the unique nature and particular charms of the Italian interpretation of Christmas markets, before outlining some of the best of the best around the country. In addition to those examples in Rome, Florence and Milan, we have compiled a list of some more of the finest Christmas markets around Italy, should you have found a vacation rental in Italy and be planning on spending the festive season there.

Verona is a very famous Italian city and UNESCO-listed World Heritage Site best known for its connection to Shakespeare's most tragic of lovers. However, come Christmas, it gets a German makeover when a large Christkindlmarkt opens in Piazza dei Signori. Made up of wooden stalls with over 60 exhibitors selling handicrafts, decorations, regional foods, and German specialties, it usually opens late November through to December 21st.

The Christmas markets of Italy are not quite the famous attractions that draw people from all over the world that one finds all over the northern countries of Europe. Yet, despite this, they are lovely events that are fun for couples, groups of friends, families and solo travellers alike.

You will still find all the twinkly lights, hot drinks, delicious delicacies – both local and nordic – crafts, gifts and fun events that your heart desires at Italian Christmas markets, all with a distinct local flavour.

You can also find these markets all over the country now. In fact, you would be hard-pressed to find a town without a Christmas market at this stage. We have rounded up some of the best examples for you so read on to learn about some amazing Italian Christmas markets! Just find a vacation rental in Italy and visit them for yourself.

We often lump all food from Italy together as “Italian cuisine”. However, considering the complex history and cultural heritage of the country this is hardly accurate. The food of Italy and vary quite a bit from region to region and, even, town to town. For example, there are dozens of types of stuffed pasta which are no longer unique to, but originate specifically from, particular towns or areas. One of these types of stuffed pasta that you're less likely to have ever heard of before is Casoncelli. This stuffed pasta dish originates from Bergamo in Lombardy and is a typical dish of the town. It is a kind of stuffed pasta with a very particular shape, filled with sausage, breadcrumbs, parsley, eggs and garlic. In modern times, cheese and a few other more “noble” ingredients were added too. Casoncelli alla Bergamasca (Bergamo style) are served with a butter and sage sauce and sautéed Italian Speck (or Pancetta). The best place to try the dish is, of course, in Bergamo. However, if you want to try it out as you plan your trip and look for the perfect vacation rental in Lombardy, follow the recipe below!

If you have a sweet tooth, Friuli Venezia Giulia is the region for you. It may be best known for its wine and its Austrian and Hungarian influenced savoury dishes but its sweets need to be experienced to be fully understood. Strucchi, for example, are a particularly delicious treat: sweet crumbly dough filled with pine nuts, hazelnuts, and grappa-soaked currants and raisins. They are boozy, bite-sized and delicious and can be cooked in a variety of ways. Baked, boiled or fried, they are typically served with powdered sugar or a scoop of gelato and are just the thing to warm you up in the colder weather of this mountainous region. Named for the Slovenian dumplings called štruklji, these small rectangular cookies are a tasty Italian take on the dish. If you want to try them at home while you pack and plan to head off to the perfect holiday rental in Friuli Venezia Giulia, just try out this recipe.

Venice is known globally as one of the most romantic cities in the world and is hugely popular as a honeymoon destination. The absence of road traffic, the characteristic gondola rides, pretty squares, beautiful polychromatic stone buildings, soft light, historic atmosphere, good food and wine all make for a rather romantic and special experience that one cannot find replicated anywhere else in the world. When people fall in love with the city, it is for good.

Romance pervades the entire city and gives it a distinctive atmosphere but one particular activity that heightens this has to the 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. Just find a vacation rental in Venice and you can spend a magical evening going back in time, dining and taking in the spectacular surroundings.