Cappuccino Experience

Internet Woes

I still haven’t got the internet sorted out in my new flat so I apologize to all my readers for the lack of posts. I’ll definitely get back on track in February.
Ciao a tutti.

The Two Churches – Padova

Thank you everyone who commented last week. Antonella, you guessed correctly, it was the beautiful city of Padova. I lived there for a period of three months way back in 1999 and was where I fell in love with Italy. However, the church in the background is not the Basilica di Sant’Antonio (also know as il Santo). It is Santa Giustina. They are easy to confuse and both are just off Prato della Valle. Click the photos below to enlarge them.

L'Abbazia di Santa Giustina

La Basilica di Sant'Antonio

Where in Italy?

Last week’s photo was the Duomo in Milan. Thanks MD for guessing correctly.

Who will guess where this week’s photo was taken? This is one of my favourite piazzas in the whole of Italy and I lived in this city for 3 months once upon a time. It is famous for Giotto and … Well, you tell me. To see a larger version of the photo just click.

Where in Italy?

Thanks all of you who tried to figure out last week’s photo. I guess it wasn’t as easy as I thought. The answer is Assisi in Umbria.

I’ll try and give an easier photo this week to make up for it. This is one of my favourite photos and a place I used to pass on a daily basis. We became good friends. To see a larger version of the photo just click it.

Where in Italy?

I have just recently started a new job and am in the middle of moving house. Unfortunately I have been too busy to dedicate any time to writing articles. However, I would like to keep the site moving forward so for the time being, until things settle down a bit, each week I will publish one of my photos and ask the question “where in Italy?” You can click on the photo if you want to see a larger version.

Please leave your answers in the comments section and we’ll see who is first with the correct answer. Let’s start with a very easy one. I promise they’ll get harder after this.

Why not study …

… truffles!!

At the Centro Nazionale Studi Tartufo in Alba, Piedmont, you can learn all about this costly delicacy:

• what it is
• the various species available
• the difference between the white and black varieties
• stories and legends
• discover the technical terms using the glossary
• when to pick them
• download an information leaflet

Whilst enquiring about the centre I was taught how to distinguish (using the sense of smell) between a freshly picked (not ready), mature (perfect for eating) and old (rotten and past it!) truffle. Now I shouldn’t get ripped off when I go shopping for them!!

What do you think of truffles? Please let me know your experiences of them.

Remember Remember the …

… 13 December. Ok, it’s not the date most of us associate with the famous Guy Fawkes saying, but it is an important date all the same. On this day Italy will become a little bit shorter.

La Freccia Rossa or Red Arrow high speed train will introduce some new lines and services, which will offer a viable alternative to the plane.

Continue reading …

Rules for the Perfect Coffee: Translation – Part 2

Way back in May I published two sets of rules for the perfect coffee (as promoted by the Istituto Nazionale Espresso Italiano). I only made available one translation. Belatedly here is the second. I apologize for the delay.

“The Italian espresso is characterized by a hazelnut-coloured cream with a tendency towards very dark brown & yellowish-brown hues. Its texture is very thick so that it meshes without bubbles. It gives off an intense aroma and it is possible to detect a variety of notes: flower, fruit, toasted bread and chocolate, all of which are persistent and remain even after swallowing – a sensation that can last for several minutes. The flavour is full, solid and velvet-like, the bitter taste is well balanced and there is no sharpness.”

The Golden Rule: 25 millimetres in 25 seconds.

The Big Interview

Three weeks ago I attended Cheese 2009 in the city of Bra, Piedmont. Whilst there I was lucky enough to snatch an interview with the Big Cheese himself. Here’s what he had to say.

What is “Cheese”?
It is a yearly event that teaches visitors all about the making of quality cheeses, like myself. In particular it emphasizes respect for the environment and local cultures and pays tribute to the skill of the master cheesemaker. This event alternates yearly between Bra and Turin.

How long does it last?
This year it takes place from 18 – 21 September. Four days usually is long enough for people to have a good time surrounded by cheese. I myself, am quite worn out by the end of it. There’s so much to do. Lots of interviews too.

Who is exhibiting?
Many regions and countries are here to display their produce, filling the streets with wonderful aromas. Visitors can browse and taste. It’s like a busy marketplace. But it’s not just about cheese. Slow Food, the movement founded by Carlo Petrini and organizers of this great event, have set up workshops, wine and beer tastings, dinner dates and other attractions.

Can you expand on that a bit?
Of course.

Continue reading …

What’s On

I have decided to add a calendar page to the site. Currently it only contains Italian national holidays. However, I am going to expand it to include dates of interest: exhibitions, literary and cultural events, shows, meetings etc. Suggestions are always welcome.

This could also be a useful tool for the cappuccinoexperience community as a whole. If anyone has an event of interest that they would like to be included then please let me know. It can be shared here, for everyone to see.