My story is pretty simple.
I LOVE ITALY.
After my first visit to the boot-shaped land that stole my heart, I became obsessed. I couldn’t stop myself from reading, watching and listening to anything about my beloved Italia.
Naturally, the desire grew in me to live there. And somehow, someway… it happened! My husband and I moved to Catania, Sicily.
Over time, my love for Italy changed. It grew in appreciation for the locals, the simple parts of Italian life, and the deeply embedded passion for food that can be found in all the regions. I found myself in search of the genuine or quieter moments and places, even within well-known areas.
Recently, we had to return to our home country (with a bit of kicking and screaming). For now, I mourn the loss of my self-declared homeland, my beloved Italia, the beautiful boot. So out of longing and a desire to share what I learned and experienced while travelling and eating my way through Italy, this blog was born.
Because there has to be a few others out there who feel the same way I do about the “bella” boot, right?
My Italian Favorites
Region
I truly hate to pick favorites when it comes to Italy’s regions. I really feel that they are all so different and special. But by a hair, I’ll say Sicily. It’s where I lived and it’s the area I’ve explored the most in Italy. When visiting other regions, I’d inevitably miss something from Sicily… the granita, arancini, the markets, the prices, or its rugged, down-to-earth character.
Bar Order
Simply un caffè (an espresso) and un cornetto alla crema (a cream-filled croissant).
City
It has to be Matera. It’s unlike anywhere else I’ve been in Italy. It feels like you’ve stepped wayyyy back in time and the ambience at night is incredibly romantic. I’m also in love with the food and wine from the area.
Gelato Flavor
It depends… if I’m at my favorite gelateria in Catania, it’s zuppa inglese on a brioche. It would be embarrassing to tell you how many of those I’ve had.
But in general… pistachio is always a good idea.
Beach
Spiaggia di Pollara on the island of Salina. Without a doubt. It’s unique and getting there is a stunning adventure.
Small Village
This is a tough one, but I’ll say Randazzo, Sicily. It’s a small town on Mount Etna that you can get to by an old train that goes around the volcano. There’s something special about the food there. Some of the best food experiences I’ve had in Italy were in Randazzo. And it’s not touristy, but unassuming and genuine.