Why not study …
Written by admin on 9 November, 2009 – 11:59 pm -
… 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.
Posted in Food & Drink, Interactive | 2 Comments »
Remember Remember the …
Written by admin on 30 October, 2009 – 7:11 pm -
… 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.
Posted in Travel | 5 Comments »
Rules for the Perfect Coffee: Translation – Part 2
Written by admin on 26 October, 2009 – 10:46 am -
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.
Posted in Food & Drink, Language | 2 Comments »
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 »
What’s On
Written by admin on 9 October, 2009 – 8:35 am -
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.
Posted in Experience, General | 1 Comment »
Berlusconi: Vado avanti.
Written by admin on 7 October, 2009 – 11:53 pm -Posted in News & Weather | 2 Comments »
Great Italian Television
Written by admin on 3 October, 2009 – 4:00 pm -
Great Italian television – strange words to hear together, especially these days. This month I will lose all my television channels as the move to digital begins. But I have not bought a digibox. Why? Well Italian television is quite poor. There are only a few programmes throughout the week that are actually worth watching.
Having said that, occasionally there are some great television films “made in Italy” and ten of these, in collaboration with La Gazzetta dello Sport, are being released on dvd. The collana begins with probably the best film I have seen whilst living in Italy – Giovanni Falcone, l’uomo che sfidò Cosa Nostra. I have been unable to find this film in any shop and I don’t think it has been repeated (they tend repeat only the same few things). This is definitely and opportunity not to miss.
Available weekly from Tuesday 6 October.
Posted in Entertainment | No Comments »
Is English corrupting the Italian language?
Written by admin on 29 September, 2009 – 9:30 pm -
It’s time for another guest blog. Ainsley Okoro has written a very interesting and amusing article about how the Italian language is being corrupted through the overuse of English words. I thoroughly enjoyed it and trust you will too.
Brits don’t do foreign languages very well – which might explain why they spent centuries making sure everyone else learnt English.
So as a 40-something-year-old Brit, the four years I spent trying to master Italian were a struggle. Frankly, I half-wished that way-back-when we had made Il Bel Paese part of the British Empire as well.
Continue reading …
Posted in Language | 3 Comments »
Santa Maria Nuova
Written by admin on 22 September, 2009 – 10:45 am -
The 2009 Palio di Asti was won by Santa Maria Nuova. It is the fifth time in the history of the event that they have been victorious (they recently had back-to-back wins in 2005 and 2006). Tele Cupole, Piedmont’s regional television channel, showed the event live but had to leave before the climax as there were too many false starts (at least three)!
Posted in Entertainment, History, Travel | 6 Comments »
The Oldest Palio in Italy
Written by admin on 17 September, 2009 – 9:17 am -
A Palio, an annual historic contest between the neighbourhoods of a town usually involving horseracing or other medieval sports, is literally the silk banner awarded to the winner of the contest.
The most famous Palio in Italy is that of Siena which is held every 2nd July and 16 August. It dates back to 1644. However, Italy’s oldest palio is that of Asti, Piedmont, and dates back to 1275. It takes place on the third Sunday of September and comprises of 21 competing Rioni or neighbourhoods. About 1200 locals, including the famous Sbandieratori or flag-wavers, parade through the streets in medieval costume and a bareback horse race takes place in Piazza Alfieri in front of a large crowd (ticket holders only). After three preliminary heats and a display by the Sbandieratori the final race is run and the Palio awarded. Last year the winning rione was San Lazzaro, who, as tradition dictates, have been celebrating for the whole year!
Posted in Entertainment, History, Travel | 4 Comments »
