Ciaotraveler

Story of two guys traveling round to gorgeous regions of Italy in their Mini Cooper while tasting food.  Now that's a job I want!  But since they have the job, take a peek at some of the places they visited... The men start their journey in the Tuscany region. Cinque Terre region I still think I'd be great at this job. See my Cinque Terre and Tuscany posts by using the search bar on this page above.

Giada, of Food Network fame, has a new cooking and travel newsletter called Giadzy .   Here is one of the location photos in Capri that inspired her lemon spaghetti recipe. I love Capri on a non-touristy day- which is never. Its a beautiful island and there's really a lot to do other than shopping and eating (wink). Hope you visit my photos of Capri here .  

While in Venice, Italy, take a break to visit the original Harry's Bar.  The staff is warmly hospitable and will make your visit seem very personal.  They'll share the history of their delicious invention, the Bellini cocktail. You'll see photos of the many classic movie stars who've frequented the bar since 1931.     Harry's has a very unassuming entrance just off the main St. Mark's piazza and nearby marina.  It's worth entering this very famous classic bar for an original Bellini and a bit of culinary history... The shelves are stocked just as they were in 1931 according to the staff, same order and volume as Harry desired.   Now that's consistency!   The  wood bar reminds me of being on a very exclusive, old yacht.   T he only thing missing are the Captain's hats. The Bellini Cocktail: This Bellini drink was created 1943 at Harry's Bar in Venice in honor of the pa...

Doesn't this remind you of a rustic meal you'd experience in the Tuscany region of Italy? Ree Drummond (The Pioneer Woman) cooked up this dish on the Food Network and it reminded me of dining at a farmhouse in Fiesole in Tuscany.  Fiesole is perched on a hill with many olive groves just 10 minutes outside the beautiful city of Florence... This is super savory and a healthy one dish meal.   Here’s Ree Drummond's basic recipe for Italian Sheet Pan Chicken , I think you'll love. NOTE:  I made these changes to the recipe: I used equal to only 1/2 cup liquids (it also makes liquid on its own) I used olive oil infused with basil; I substituted lemon balsamic (see below) for the plain balsamic; I added green olives; I used whole wheat bread for the croutons. I marinate mine over night.  Here it is ready to go into the oven. Allora!  These were extra large chicken thighs, my goodness! Serve with a nice Chardonnay! ...