Caffe’ Sospeso: Kindness Pending
How appropriate that during the season of giving we celebrate the day of the Caffe’ Sospeso. Translated to pending or suspended coffee, this is beautiful anonymous act of generosity and solidarity originated in Napoli. Caffe’ sospeso is ordering one coffee but paying for two. The barista will later give the already paid coffee to the […]
Canada Gets a Taste of Cracco
Famed Italian Chef Carlo Cracco plated up some of his unique and innovative dishes for Canadian palates recently. The Michelin Star Chef was the special guest of honour for the Italian Chamber of Commerce in Canada (CCIC) Gala earlier this month in Montreal. Guests were treated to an exquisite menu crafted for the event by […]
The Ruling on Spaghetti alla Corte D’Assise, Delicious!
What’s saucy, spicy and Calabrese in origin? No, it’s not me (insert chuckle here), but rather one of my favorite pasta dishes, Spaghetti alla Corte d’Assise. A simple yet satisfying primo that to me epitomizes southern Italian cuisine. It is a recognized staple of the Ionio region, where it is said to have originated. The […]
Be Our Guest – Disney World Dining
Be our guest! Be our guest! Put our service to the test Tie your napkin round your neck, cherie And we’ll provide the rest…… And a dinner here is never second best To paraphrase the signature Disney song, a dinner, breakfast, lunch, and snack here are never second best. After spending 6 days dining around […]
Family is the Recipe
“Food and family nourish our bodies and souls” I recently returned from a long overdue trip to Calabria (nearly two decades since my last visit) and was asked about my favourite meal during my time there. Over the course of two weeks I enjoyed countless moments punctuated by delectable meals, but more than the flavours, I […]
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 […]