Sambartini: Calabrese for Christmas
I am immensely proud of my southern Italian heritage and love all things Calabrese, particularly the cuisine, which is not only rich in flavor but also tradition. Those culinary traditions seem to really shine through during the Christmas season. Some of my most beloved dishes are prepared at this magical time of year, savory spuntini, […]
Santa Lucia and Season’s Eatings
December 13th is the feast day of Santa Lucia (St. Lucy) where Italian lore says that very early in the morning on this day, she, a donkey and an escort named Castaldo, deliver gifts to good children and ashes to bad children. Children are asked to leave coffee for Lucia, flour for the donkey and […]
Sant’Ambrogio: Panettone Patron
Another day, another celebration in Italy. December 7th is the Feast Day of Sant’Ambrogio (St. Ambrose) who happens to be the patron of the metropolis of Milano. On this date, that is also the Eve of the Feast of the Immaculate Conception (another highly celebrated day across the peninsula), the northern city is alive with […]
Savouring Saint Nick
He’ll have a big fat pack upon his back And lots of goodies for you and for me So, leave a peppermint stick for old St. Nick Hanging on the Christmas tree The classic carol by Andy Williams is merely one of many that reference jolly ol’ St. Nick who is said to have been […]
The Tuscan Quartet: A Symphony of Flavours
Until recently, I would have associated the word quartet with a musical composition of four instruments or voices; now however, the composition of a quartet for me also implies a union of flavours that celebrate the authentic taste of Tuscan excellence. The symphony of flavours is comprised of Finocchiona IGP, Olio Toscano IGP, Prosciutto Toscano […]
Sugo and Song: The Connection Between Food and Music
I’ve been to an unprecedented number of concerts this year; perhaps it was making up for lost time (two years without any live entertainment at all), or the nostalgia factor (most of the shows were bands or artists whose music made up the soundtrack of my 80s upbringing), and maybe even a YOLO component (sadly […]
Memorable Menz’Agustu-Ferragosto Food Memories
Mare o montagna, (mountains or seaside)? This is typically what Italians ponder when trying to decide where to have the annual scampagnata (picnic) celebrating one of their most revered festivals, Ferragosto. I’ve had the good fortunate to take part in the mid-August festivities in Italy, but even here at home, this feast is a time-honoured […]
This Gelato has a Pizzo of my Heart
Have you ever heard of, or better yet tasted, Tartufo di Pizzo? Tartufo di Pizzo as its name suggests, hails from the Calabrese city of Pizzo – a small fishing town on the region’s west coast. It is also affectionately referred to as the “city of ice-cream” because of this very particular confection, which was […]
With this Ring…. Ginetti
With this ring…..these words might conjure up images of a wedding ceremony and the exchanging of gold bands, however, in Calabria there is another type of matrimonial ring, a dessert by the name of Ginetti (not to be confused with the lemon knot cookies known as anginetti). These treats are traditionally enjoyed for Easter, prepared […]
Pasties for St. Paddy’s
Irish playwright George Bernard Shaw once said “there is no sincerer love, than the love of food”. His famous words could very well be my personal slogan for I am truly consumed with a passion for food that encompasses a global spectrum. While my truest fondness will always be Italian food, I do enjoy taking […]