From supermarket dross to the go-to white in the wine bars, how did Pinot Grigio?s transformation come about? Paul Pettengale explains that it?s all about quality… Though it?s rather hard to believe it, it wasn?t that long ago when any wine with Pinot Grigio on the label would be parked firmly at the bottom of […]
The Marketing Manager of De’Longhi UK offers up some delicious coffee cocktails that can be made easily at home… Q. I’d like to try making some coffee-based cocktails after trying a particularly good ‘Espresso Martini’ recently. Do you have any suggestions? A. The flavours of coffee are very versatile and lend themselves to liqueur and […]
In this Q&A a reader has a quesiton about going on a fitness holiday. Measured to fit Q. I?m keen to try a fitness holiday but don?t really know what to expect. I have average fitness that I would like to improve ? would this type of holiday be too hard for me? A. Don?t […]
February is carnival time across Italy, which means an array of celebrations to suit all tastes and ages. You can get messy in Ivrea, get romantic in Verona or get singing in Sanremo ? plus religious days and food festivals galore? Venice Carnival 26 January-12 February Venice, Veneto Embrace the elaborate masks of this dramatic […]
?Here we have a selection of our favourite blogs about the beautiful city of Rome. WWW.YOUNGINROME.COM ?Rome is chaotic. Come along for the ride? is the tagline of this hip blog. From the title, you can see that the site focuses on the younger Rome visitor, but really it?s aimed at anyone who wants to […]
An adaptable condiment that can dress up any recipe, try this selection of ideas for balsamic vinegar courtesy of The Vegetarian Society… Butternut squash risotto with asparagus in a balsamic dressing Risotto alla zucca con asparagi balsamico Serves 4 I Preparation 15 minutes I Cooking 40 minutes 2 small-medium butternut squashes 2 shallots, finely chopped […]
Although less well-known than its fellow Piedmontese wine greats, Barbera is a fine expression of just what this region is capable of, as Paul Pettengale discovers… Piedmont is an absolute star in the vast world of wine. Some of the greatest wines on the planet originate there ? notably the ?king? and ?queen? of wines, […]
Luxury B&B owner Maureen Scheda moved to the quiet rural town of Casperia from Rome in order to set up her own business, and 17 years later it?s still going strong? What first persuaded you to move to Italy? I left Wales for Rome in the Sixties as Italy with its art history and wonderful […]
This month we review a brand new guide from Lonely Planet, unlock the secrets of the Roman Empire, learn how to cook with Katie Caldesi and much more in our latest Italian book releases? The Italian Cookery Course? by Katie Caldesi, Kyle Books, ?19.99 (paperback) Review: This is a cookbook that does exactly what it […]
We put a coffee question to the Marketing Manager at De?Longhi UK… TAKING THE PLUNGE Q. I am about to buy my first coffee machine, so am looking for something easy to use and affordable. I?d like it to last a long time, too, and make a range of different drinks if possible. What can […]