Fav Reads On Italy This Week: Jan 31

Favorite Reads on Italy (FRI) is a weekly roundup published on Fridays featuring interesting articles, fascinating experiences, and handy resources that I’ve come across that week.

Postcard from Italy: Fresh, seasonal produce in the markets

This week’s roundup includes some amazing archaeological finds in Milan and Rome, discovering towns often overlooked by visitors to Italy, regional dishes, stunning sunrise on the Amalfi Coast and more.

Culture and Travel

Sicilian sites to be named UNESCO World Heritage soon by Ansamed – I was very excited to read about the inclusion of these two churches in Sicily. I visited them when we were in Sicily a few years ago and they are stunning.

The Marvelous Works of Rossana Petrillo by Mozzarella Mamma – While the art is fascinating and unique, this author  also took the time to visit the artist and stepped into her studio that’s a “whimsical land of voluptuous women with valentine lips, elaborate hats, floating hot-air balloons, and mini men”. Learn more about this talented artist based in Caserta.

Italian cities often overlooked by tourists by About.com Italy Travel – I can understand that on a first visit, most tourists would want to hit the major cities. However, add a few smaller cities and even towns which have their share of fascinating sights. The article mentions Matera in the region of Basilicata, and our visit there was one of the most unforgettable. I was in awe.

Pagan temple remains unearthed under Milan Cathedral by ANSA – Devoted to the goddess Minerva, this annoucement was made “during the presentation of other archaeological finds”. Considering that many places in Italy are steeped in history, it should come as no surprise that what lies beneath is often as fascinating.

Archaeologists Unearth What May Be Oldest Roman Temple by NPR – On the topic of what lies beneath, here is an incredible discovery and a “mission impossible” task that archaeologists are faced with.

Superhero Pope graffiti appears on Vatican street by The Telegraph – This SuperPope graffiti has been making news here in Rome and another sign that the Pope is extremely popular and loved.

Gone in 60 seconds: Huge boulders flatten 300-year-old house by MailOnline – The images are pretty dramatic! It destroyed the barn and stopped “mere meters before crashing into” the main section of the building. Fortunately, no one was hurt.

8 Easy Travel Tips for Italy by Eating Italy Food Tours – These may sound simple but they are guaranteed to come in handy! From tips such as leaving some free time to wander on your own to learning a few Italian phrases, you’ll be glad you came prepared.

Why Birds Attacked the Peace Doves in Rome by National Geographic – Last Sunday when two peace doves were released at the Apostolic Palace in Vatican City, they were immediately attacked by other birds. It got coverage in the evening news and while some may say it’s a bad omen, it’s really more natural than you think.

Food and Drinks

Italian geography, dish by dish by CNN – I’ve said it before that there’s really no such thing as “Italian food” as dishes are regional. Each region has their own specialty and while they are similar dishes shared by neighboring regions, the minor changes make each dish unique. Do you have a favorite dish?

Stuffed Calamari {Calamari Ripieni} and Cooking in Puglia by Food Lover’s Odyssey – I would never thought about stuffing the calamari with mozzarella and Parmigiano Reggiano. An interesting combination which I am sure is absolutely delicious.

Making homemade ravioli by Domenica Cooks – I can understand why Domenica stands back and admires her work of art, they are simply beautiful. While it does take time to make ravioli, the ingredients are simple and served with sage and butter, it’s a delightful dish!

Meet the first female master chocolatier: Cecilia Tessieri by Epicurious – Congratulations to Cecilia and her determination in breaking through the barrier in a male-dominated business. It’s fascinating to learn more about her and as well as the process in making chocolate as “This is long work because it starts at the plantation. I select the beans and at the factory I create the recipe. Every chocolate I sell, I create the recipe.” And every year the recipes change slightly because the beans change. “I readjust the recipes like a champagne maker or a parfumerie”. Read more to see where you can get a hand on her creations.

Extra virgin suicide by NYTimes – While I dislike being the bearer of bad news, this is a real disgrace and the reason why we have been buying olive oil from friends who own an olive grove. We know that it’s 100% olive oil and not some mixed concoction.

Sagrantino wine and a perfect food pairing by DiscoveringUmbria – Who doesn’t love being part of a wine/food pairing event. Read on to find out about an interesting snail sauce!

Life in Italy

Italian working lunch by Aglio, Olio e Peperoncino – What a wonderful article and a great insight into life in Italy. What Italians don’t have 5-course meals during the work week? Nope…read on to see what they often have for lunch.

Orange Sunrise on the Amalfi Coast by Ciao Amalfi – And here’s another reason to love the Amalfi Coast. It’s hard not to fall in love with this spectacular stretch of coastline.

Couchsurfing in Maremma by Tiana Kai – Always lovely to hear stories of two people who are friends online and finally get the chance to meet up in person. How can you not fall in love with the Tuscan countryside!

Have you come across any great reads or resources on Italy this week? Share them with us in the comments below.