Truffle dog
Posted in: Central Italy Curiosities Food and Wine Slow Food Tuscany

Tuscany's reputation as a haven for truffle enthusiasts is well-established. Truffle-infused delicacies are available in eateries and stores all throughout the region and especially during the fall. You can join expeditions to hunt for truffles if you want a more hands-on approach. Plus, there are various events and even entire festivals dedicated to the food and San Miniato, in particular, is known for its globally-acclaimed annual truffle festival and as a general truffle haven.


Those who choose to book a vacation rental in San Miniato to visit this truffle hotspot and delve into Tuscany's culinary culture will find that there is a particular company that will probably help you plan some perfect foodie outings and properly introduce you to the world of truffles: Truffle In Tuscany.

Cannoli
Posted in: Food and Wine Main Islands Sicily and Sardinia Slow Food

Cannoli are among the most beloved Italian desserts and are now available in restaurants and bakeries all over the world. However, it is always best to try a food where it comes from...


Well, I guess we just have one more reason to book a villa in Sicily, then...


Coming from the Sicilian word, cannolu, which is a diminutive meaning, “little tube,” these classic treats are called cannolo in the singular form in Italian and cannoli in the plural but generally just referred to as cannoli in both singular and plural in English. A tube-shaped fried pastry that is filled with sweet ricotta, it is considered a staple of Sicilian cuisine and for good reason – they’re incredibly delicious!

Caprese detail shot
Posted in: Campania Food and Wine Recipes Slow Food Southern Italy

A quick and classic summer dish from Italy that is easy to make, refreshing, tasty, and perfectly light and satisfying is the Caprese salad. Recently, we mentioned this beloved appetiser in our post all about mozzarella. A famous product that is made in many different regions of Italy, it is an EU-protected food made using traditional recipes with slight variations in the kind that comes from each place. First developed in the South of Italy, it is thought to date back as far as the 1st century AD. The Caprese salad itself, meanwhile, is made with mozzarella as well as tomatoes, basil, and olive oil (and often balsamic vinegar) and is named for the island of Capri, from which is it thought to have originated.


As the summer continues to sizzle on, we suggest making yourself a Caprese salad with our recipe while you browse our villas in Campania and then coming and making it in its home region with the freshest and most sun-ripened ingredients from local markets for the full Campania culinary experience. A place where basic ingredients are perfectly ripe and impossibly delicious so even the simplest dishes absolutely sing with flavour, this gem of a destination is a must for foodies looking to vacation in Italy during the summer...

Chocolate
Posted in: Central Italy Food and Wine Must See Attractions Restaurants & Cafés Slow Food Tuscany

This week, we are talking all things chocolate when it comes to Tuscany. For some, chocolate is not the first culinary delight that they might associate with this beloved region of Italy. However, it is actually a spot that boasts some incredible chocolate brands and shops and cafes serving up the most remarkable chocolate treats. There is, in fact, a whole area known as the Chocolate Valley of Tuscany where there is an intense concentration of these brilliant chocolate producers. So, if you have a sweet tooth and you want to vacation in Tuscany, then these are the destinations and brands to keep in mind.

Chocolate ice-cream
Posted in: Central Italy Food and Wine Must See Attractions Restaurants & Cafés Slow Food Tuscany

Tuscany is famous for her food, in general, but many people do not know that she is also a perfect destination for chocolate-lovers. Many of Italy’s most beloved chocolate brands come from Tuscany and those with a sweet tooth will find plenty of delicious things to sample during a vacation in Tuscany. So, browse Italy Villa’s amazing selection of villas in Tuscany and then come and tour these chocolate hot-spots around the region...