Sipping Espresso

If you are notoriously known for having eyes that are bigger than your stomach, then Italy is the ideal place for you during the holidays.  You will eat some of the most delectable food known to man... but you will certainly eat far too much of it!  If you possess a willpower stronger than mine and think to yourself, "nonsense Greg, I always stop eating when I am full" then you are mistaken. A table like this means it's impossible to pace yourself First, it is impossible to "budget" your intake.  You will definitely want to sample all the delicious and unique treats on the table.  The courses come in waves bigger than Australia's Gold Coast and there is no telling when they will stop crashing on the table.  So even if you simply try a little of everything, you're still going to eat three times more than a normal meal.  But that's hardly the main reason.  If you are a visitor in someone's home, the hostess is absolutely going to give you t...

Robert Downey Jr. will be the first to tell you that you never go full Italian .   But if you’re planning on living in Italy for more than a few months… the chances of going “full Italian” are pretty strong.   Truly being an Italian is rooted deeper than the country in which you live or the ancestors to which you are tied.    Being Italian is a state of mind.   It will affect the way you think, the way you eat and the way you love.   Did I mention that it will affect the way you eat?   If you’re unsure whether or not you’ve gone “full Italian” – here is a list of telltale signs.   The longer you live in Italy, the more susceptible you are to each and every point.   If you’re happy with the changes (perhaps the improved fashion sense and appreciation of wine) – stroll in to your favorite enoteca and plan to stay a little longer.   However, if the changes scare you (perhaps the increased volume at which you speak or your daily cri...

If you've read a couple of our recent Christmas posts, you may notice a consistent theme over and over.  We have been thoroughly enjoying the official drink of the season, vin brulé  from the markets of Trentino Alto-Adige to the lakeside shores of Lugano, Switzerland .  I promise you, we are by no means a pair of winos - but I'm pretty sure it's against the law not to have a  vin brulé in your hands as you stroll through the Christmas markets. Homemade vin brulé We have been having so much fun thawing the chill from our bones with this delicious winter drink that we thought we should make it at home for ourselves.  I have to say, for our first attempt - it was pretty darn good!  And since we enjoyed this easy and delicious recipe so much, we decided it was only fair to share it with you.  Of course, that meant that we had to go back to the test kitchen and whip up another batch! What is vin brulé, you ask?  You may know it better as mu...

Most people visit Europe in the spring or summer.  Of course, these are great times of year to see such a magical and historical place.  But may I suggest to you a unique alternative? Come in December, when the weather is at it's coldest and the people are their warmest.  When the cobblestone streets are strung with lights and the ancient buildings are trimmed with garland. Imagine your most magical place for the holidays - a winter wonderland, if you will.  You will be sure to find something that fits your image here in Europe.  There are amazing markets and festivals across the continent.  Some countries boast cities that are particularly renowned for their holiday cheer.  Finland, Germany and Austria are at the top of the list.  Denmark and Switzerland are there as well.  And of course, our personal favorite place to be for Christmas is right here in Italy.  Before you plan your next Christmas vacation, add Europe into the running. ...