Four Ways Florentine Cuisine Highlights Tuscan Bread
February 13th, 2018Did you know that tasty Tuscan bread has no salt? It’s one of the details that makes bread in Tuscany so unique. However, without salt it goes stale quickly. Clever Italian cooks handled this problem by inventing delicious traditional dishes that make the best use of old bread. Nothing goes to waste! Why did they ... Read More
4 Great Stops when Visiting the Pantheon
January 15th, 2018Marvel at the Pantheon in Rome, a world treasure, then stay a while in a wonderful neighborhood with many fine delights. Round out your visit to the Pantheon with lunch at a terrific seafood restaurant, some shopping and a gelato all within a 5 minute walk. The Pantheon, an ancient Roman temple, itself is a ... Read More
Favorite Rome Cheap & Cheerful Restaurants
December 18th, 2017There is an amazing selection of restaurants in Rome but we often find ourselves hankering for simple, home-style cooking where we can walk in, catch up after a busy day of looking at apartments and sites and have a simple, inexpensive meal. Our guests often ask “Where do you go in Rome for an a ... Read More
Rome Pasta Favorite: Cacio e Pepe
November 20th, 2017Will we ever run out of delicious foods to enjoy while in Rome? The answer: Never! While there are obvious Roman classics like spaghetti alla carbonara, the humble yet delicious cacio e pepe – a long-time favorite among Romans, is worthy of equal praise. ‘Cacio’ is pecorino in the Roman dialect, and pepe means pepper ... Read More
Favorite Easy Italy Souvenirs – from the Supermarket
October 31st, 2017You’ve had a wonderful vacation in Italy and at the end of your trip you suddenly realize that you need to bring back a little something for the neighbor who took in your newspaper and watered the plants, the friend who gave you a ride to the airport, your cleaning person, your hairdresser and the ... Read More
Real Roman Experience – Traditional Menu + Ancient Location
August 7th, 2017Two for one: Feed your spirit with a trip through history and nourish your body dining on delicious, traditional Roman cuisine. ... Read More
Breaking News: Genoa Thwarts Airport Pesto Restrictions, World Reacts
June 26th, 2017Summer’s Here – Bring on the Pesto! Dramatic news last week with the city of Genoa announcing that travelers departing from Genoa’s Cristoforo Colombo airport are now permitted up to 500 milliliters (about 2 cups) of pesto per passenger in carry-on baggage, thwarting otherwise strict rules prohibiting liquids, creams, gels and oils. Anxious travelers can ... Read More
Embrace Those Carbs! 6 Pasta Favorites & Where to Find Them
April 4th, 2017Italy offers an overwhelming number of traditional pasta dishes. The array of shapes, sauces, meats, and cheeses is daunting, and any true foodie will try them all! Spaghetti al Pomodoro While spaghetti dates back to the twelfth century, the first formal recipe for spaghetti al pomodoro did not appear until 1839. This simple dish is ... Read More
Behind-the-Scenes Italy Perfect Florence Video
February 20th, 2017Enjoy an insider’s view of a vacation rental inspection trip, an important aspect of our service because we pride ourselves on personally selecting every property we represent. Lisa and Pat Byrne, sisters and founders of Italy Perfect, had the good fortune to have sister Madelyn, founder of Paris Perfect and London Perfect, along on their trip to Florence, ... Read More
Italian Soups to Warm the Soul
January 30th, 2017There’s nothing better on a cold winter day than a warm bowl of soup. This week I’ll be making Pasta e Ceci (Pasta and Chickpea), a simple, flavorful soup that is one of our family’s favorite wintertime comfort foods. A hearty Italian soup is not just a starter, it is a meal in-and-of itself with fresh, ... Read More
Mangia! Mangia! Torta della Nonna
December 19th, 2016Eating at Nonna’s – ‘Nonna’ being the Italian word for grandmother – is never a disappointment. The stereotype of the bustling Italian women serving platefuls of pasta until their families are stuffed are not far from the truth. Spot-on, at least, for my family. ... Read More