Spaghetti and Meatballs, an Italian Myth?
Q. Could you please tell me where spaghetti and meatballs came from? As far as I can tell, it doesn't exist anywhere in Italy and none of the Italians I've met have even heard of it -- at least in the north, I've heard Italian-Americans swear that it is a family recipe going back to Italy. Maybe it was a legitimate recipe in the south of Italy in the early 1900's and got phased out of the popular cuisine between now and then in Italy while it continued here? I thought maybe you would have the answer.
World Cup Soccer
Q. The World Cup Soccer matches are so exciting to watch. While the game is so loved around the world, it is especially ingrained into the fabric of daily life in Italy. Can you tell me a bit about its origin and history?
Roman Holiday
ASK MR. ITALY June 2006 * * * * * * * * * * Q. My wife and I are traveling to the South of France for 6 days and then to Rome for 5 days this summer, staying near the Spanish Steps. We love good food and wine, but always seem to pick the wrong places. We’re not looking for anything too fancy on this trip, as we want to pack light summer clothes. Any suggestions? A. I love everything about the South of France, especially the food and wine. But unless you are fluent in French or are with
CAPRI: Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow
QUESTION: This year my wife and I will celebrate our 25th anniversary. I'd like to celebrate this special time with a trip to Italy, as we are both of Italian decent. Can you suggest a place that would be the utmost in relaxation and celebration? R. De Blasio Boston, Mass. ANSWER: Buon anniversario!!! Congratulations on your anniversary and I wish you many more years of happiness to follow. The Italian peninsula offers are wide variety of romantic, relaxing destinations to celebrate such an occasion. Places like
Pizza Quest
Q. Some friends and I are heading over to Italy soon on a “PizzaQuest”. I understand that your family is from Napoli (Naples) and that is where to find the best pizza? Also, are there any “do’s and don’ts in the pizzerias? Can you please give us a pizza tutorial?
The Pigeons and Gondolas of Venice, Italy
Ciao Amici (hello friends), Every major city in the world has its iconic town center, square or plaza (piazza in Italian). New York has its Times Square, London has Trafalgar Square and Piccadilly Circus and Paris has Place de la Concorde. However, possibly the greatest of all is Venice’s Piazza San Marco, surely my favorite and not just because of its historic architecture. When there, you have the opportunity to sit at the outdoor cafes, people watch all day, feed the pigeons and all this can be done in silence due to having no automobiles for miles. Napoleon had called Piazza
Italy for Dummies 101
Q. I am going to visit Venice, Florence and Rome this summer and it will be my first time in Italy. Is it better to rent a car or take the train between these cities? Q. On our last night in Rome, I would like to treat my wife to a wonderful farewell dinner. Can you suggest a very special restaurant for this occasion? Q. I have always heard the lake region in Italy is very enjoyable. Do you have any suggestions?
Italy for Dummies 102
Q. When flying into Italy, is there any way to avoid the large airports like Rome and Milan? We often find it so stressful to travel through the major hubs? Q. If I only can get away for four or five days to Italy and this will be my first time there, which is the one city or region I should go and visit.