The Big Interview
Written by admin on 13 October, 2009 – 4:11 pm -
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.
Posted in Culture, Food & Drink | 1 Comment »
italyitalia.com
Written by admin on 4 September, 2009 – 10:14 pm -
I recently discovered this Italian travel website which I feel would be very useful to many of my readers. It’s definitely worth checking out and has both an Italian and an English version. Stefanie D’Angelo explains more about the site:
ItalyItalia.com is a fast growing Italian travel portal who offers the possibility to deepen your knowledge on Italy. Every region has a section filled with articles and travel guides, with the purpose to inform and help our visitors to organize the perfect vacation. For example, if you are going to Campania and you want to learn more about the region. Instead of going out to buy a travel guide you go to our Campania section and there you will find travel guides and articles on the Amalfi Coast, Capri, Ischia and much more.
ItalyItalia.com also have a careful selection of hotels, with the possibility to book directly online in a fast and easy way. We are currently concentrated in the Southern Italy.
What is our purpose with ItalyItalia.com? Italy is a magnificent country, from the amazing history of Rome, to the impressive art heritage in Florence. We want to help our visitors discover the best Italy has to offer. Our staff of Italian and foreign journalists has undertaken to update the contents of the portal to provide an information service that is always varied and to help you fulfill your dreams.
Visit ItalyItalia.com for the latest and up to date information on travel to and within Italy.
Links
Campania section
Amalfi
Ischia
Rome
Florence
Posted in Culture, Travel | 2 Comments »
Young Sailors
Written by admin on 20 July, 2009 – 3:10 pm -
Yesterday I spent nearly 9 hours looking around flea markets in Piedmont. In Nizza Monferrato I came across this vintage speed boat for children. It would make quite an unusual present don’t you think? If anyone is interested it will set you back €3900! A bit excessive maybe. Maybe I should check with David Dickinson to see if it is a good investment or not!
In the end I bought another small espresso cup, emptying my wallet of €1.50.
Posted in Culture, Travel | 3 Comments »
My Local Guide – Torino
Written by admin on 15 July, 2009 – 10:37 am -
Following on from my article about culture and coffee in Turin, last weekend I came across this new series of travel guides. It claims to be the first tourist guide to be written by the inhabitants of the city in question.
My Local Guide Torino, which is just the right size for slipping into your pocket, is divided into three sections:
- Young writers from the Scuola Holden explore the different quarters of the city, looking at curiosities and giving their personal reflections.
- Advice from actual Torinese on topics such as:
- Eating and drinking
- Local flavours
- Art and design
- Shopping
- Night life
- Esoteric Turin
- 24 hours in Turin
- Useful facts and figures plus a map.
Some of the Torinese interviewed for this book include: Luciana Littizzetto (perhaps Turin’s funniest export – she is brilliant), Patrizia Sandretto Re Rebaudengo, Chef Kumalè, Davide Scabin, Riccardo De Giuli, Oscar Farinetti, Luca Beatrice, Andrea Veglia, Eva Christillin, Luca Cattaneo, DJ Pisti, Marcia Caines, Massimo Introvigne, Steve Della Casa, ùpaolo Giordano and Margherita Oggero
This book looks like it will be a great read. I am looking forward to discovering things I didn’t know about my own city, away fro the tourist traps. I will be sure to share this knowledge with you.
Currently these guides are available (only in Italian) for the following cities: Florence, Milan, Rome, Venice, Verona. Coming soon: Naples, Trieste, Barcelona, Berlin, London, Paris. For more details visit www.mylocalguide.it
Posted in Culture, Travel | No Comments »
Coffee & Culture. Exploring Italy’s First Capital.
Written by admin on 30 June, 2009 – 8:59 pm -
A couple of weeks ago my aunt and uncle came to Turin (Piedmont). It was their first time here and they had no idea what to expect. They were pleasantly surprised by the baroque architecture of many of the palazzi and the overall elegance of the city. Combining culture, coffee and ice cream: that was our goal. You’re invited to retrace our footsteps on this short tour. Enjoy with us the delights of Italy’s first capital.
To view the images at full size please click on the thumbnails. Take advantage also of the many links included throughout the article – they give more detail about the topic or show a 360 degree panorama.
Posted in Culture, Exhibitions, Experience, Food & Drink, Travel | 9 Comments »
Italianissimo
Written by admin on 3 February, 2009 – 10:13 am -
Want to know why queues are non existent in Italy? Who is La Donna Italiana and why the obsession with La Bella Figura? What number do Italians considered to be unlucky? Discover superlatives and diminutives Italian style. Plus Italian fashion, cuisine, cinema, hand gestures, patron saints and much more…
Posted in Culture | 9 Comments »
