Tales from Italy: Restoration Project

Tim Elster had long dreamt of a property abroad, but once he found Tuscany his mind was made up. Now he has ample advice for others looking to take the plunge?   Can you tell us about your restoration process? My farmhouse is about three hundred years old and had been modernised about forty years […]

Inspirational Breaks: Get Creative in Italy

Italy is full of inspiring landscapes and stimulating history, the perfect place to immerse yourself in the culture and enjoy an artistic retreat. Abruzzo School of Creative Art Abruzzo School of Creative Art is offering five fabulous days of art classes mixed with fun cultural activities, such as a cooking class, a visit to the […]

Life in Italy: Tuscany

David Harrison and his partner Peri Eagleton divide their time between London and southern Tuscany… They own a farm on the slopes of Monte Amiata, where they grow organic olives and make extra-virgin oil sold in Britain and elsewhere. The couple?s Seggiano brand, named after a nearby village, is a familiar name on fine Italian […]

Italian Book Review: Novels, Recipes & Stars

This month we dive into the new guides by publisher Marco Polo, check out the best Michelin-starred chefs across Italy, get cooking with Neil Perry and much more with the latest books for Italophiles? Easy Weekends by Neil Perry, published by Murdoch books, ?20 (hardback) This chunky cookbook is packed full of ideas designed to […]

Home Espresso Machines: Which is Best?

The Marketing Manager of De’Longhi UK explains everything you need to know if you are thinking about buying a home espresso machine. WHAT MAKES THE DIFFERENCE Q. I am thinking of buying an espresso machine for my home but am unsure of the quality. Is there a notable difference between these and machines in a […]

Italian Restaurant of Mayfair: Banca

Hannah Bellis heads to Banca in Mayfair, London to sample their new evening aperitivo. Celebrate this Italian tradition in your own home with a tasty selection of recipes for titbits and light bites created by their talented chefs… On a weekend evening in Italy we would often have seven or eight Negroni cocktails,” the barman […]

Chocolate Review: Italia!’s Top Picks

This month we have delved into the irresistible world of Italian chocolates, uncovering along the way some heavenly treats for you to enjoy at home… The month of April is commonly associated with chocolate as families stock up on Easter eggs, ready to be consumed in a frantic morning of over indulgence. But if you […]

Italian Regional Guide: Lazio

Lazio sits on the western side of central Italy, a longish region that in many ways is the geographical divide between northern and southern Italy…  It bridges the two parts of the country and is home to the nation’s capital Rome, the sublime Eternal City. The region has a population of a little over five-and-a-half […]

Italian Products: Top Selection

Take a look at the latest Italian products that have caught our eye this month… If you’re looking for a crisp summer sparkler to encourage the balmier days ahead, look no further than this delicious new wine from Planeta. This Sicilian producer has brought us this Brut Metodo Classico just in time for the warmer […]