Archive for the ‘Culture’ Category
I love a good happy hour. Then again, what's not to love? Cheap drinks. Cheap nibbles. And all before 5 o'clock. On our first day in Florence we strolled aimlessly down the cobbled streets looking for some light fare and a glass of Italian vino. We asked a gentlemen moseying by where we could find just that [...]
My husband Peter and I own an Italian restaurant. And pardon my bluntness or lack of modesty, but it's a pretty damn good Italian restaurant. We have spent many sleepless nights working on creating a memorable experience for our guests that focuses on reinventing traditional Italian dishes. This is why dining in Northern Italy was [...]
I am having a serious love affair with Venice. I lay awake at night fantasizing about our next date. This is not just lust. This adoration happened even though all the naysayers warned me of my loves potent sewer smell, pricey restaurants and overcrowded streets. But, all I could see was the fantastical labyrinth of canals. Maybe after dating [...]
After loading up on the essential focaccia carbs at the Mercato Centrale in Florence, Peter and I headed to the Duomo, the cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiori. A so-called “friend” had told us that climbing to the top of the Duomo was an experience not to be missed. What he forgot to share was [...]
I originally wanted to spend our fourteenth wedding anniversary sipping champagne on the veranda of a cozy B&B overlooking the coast, but eating lambs brain in San Francisco was a close second. Though I was unaware of Locanda’s offal menu, I have to admit that my eyes sparkled as I read; pig’s head, tripe, oxtails [...]
I was school-girl giddy about going to Mercato Centrale in Florence. This is one of the most impressive indoor produce, vegetable and meat markets in Italy, a foodie masterpiece. It is the principal marketplace in town, where you can buy your groceries, oils, vinegars, etc. or eat a meal on the fly at one of the focaccia or pasta booths. Immediately upon entering the [...]
I had severe anxiety trying to decide which Mayan Ruin I wanted to tour on our Western Caribbean vacation. Both Belize and Mexico boast some of the most awe-striking. Do I make my choice based purely on beauty or vastness of the site or the rare opportunity to climb such delicate remains? Or do I decide based on the [...]
The Arrogant Butcher Phoenix, Arizona An “urban grill that meets updated comfort food and bold flavors marry perfectly with a mix of hearty to healthy items.” 1. Grilled Salmon with Farro, Fennel & Roasted Apples 2. Olde Thompson Salt & Pepper Shakers. Buy here… 3. Potato Fritters with Bacon, Cheddar & Truffled Creme [...]
I have this fascination with having High Tea like the English, with snooty women, eating frilly bite-size sandwiches and our pinkies held way out out as we sip our Earl Grey. I have now learned that HighTea (“meat” tea) is actually meant to be served as a light dinner in the early evening and reserved for the lower [...]
When I think of dinner theater, I think of a cheesy murder mystery evening where attendees attempt to win Oscars with their lack of acting ability, dressed in make-shift costumes from their childrens closets and by the finale no one really gives a crap “who done it”. Maybe…just maybe…I have attended a few of these events, wishing they [...]
