Only in Italy is a small jar of peanut butter $9, while fresh mozzarella is $1. Only in Italy are strikes announced in advance and always planned for a Friday, giving you the excuse to take a long weekend. Only in Italy are you expected to drink your coffee in 25 seconds and gtfo, but […]
Author Archives: Natalie
10
Mar
Mar
I find myself most often intimidated by the simplest recipes. Only 3 ingredients to make something delicious? Then there must be some secret perfect combination of the items that makes for the perfect ‘basic’ treat. Gnocchi is a prime example of this fear. I refuse to try to make them. Potatoes Flour Salt Egg No […]
05
Mar
Mar
I was surprised by requests for coffee information when I posted about my little Italian kitchen. I’ve never mentioned coffee before?! I have a bit of a caffeine addiction that I’ve been nursing since undergrad. I love coffee. I love how it’s impossible to get a bad coffee in Italy. But deep down, I miss […]
01
Mar
Mar
The other week, I was skipping along to the piazza and I paused at the corner. Always pause at the corner. Those motorinos come out of nowhere, man. As I stopped and checked for speeding vespa drivers with little regard for pedestrian safety, I smiled. Right there in front of me was the cutest ‘No […]
20
Feb
Feb
Have I mentioned that I’m from California? To me, there is no such thing as “alternative lifestyles.” It’s not alternative, it’s simply whatever you yourself enjoy doing. “You’re into vegan free-trade sword-swallowing at the Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster? Cool.” And old habits die hard. Do you have any idea how long it took […]
20
Feb
Feb
Rome is an amazing city, but sometimes you just have to get out. Via Appia, or the Appian Way, is a short bus ride outside of Rome’s city center but once you get there you’ll feel completely removed from the craziness of Piazza Venezia. Parts of the ancient road are well preserved and you can […]
19
Feb
Feb
Thank you to everyone that is keeping me on my toes by pointing out my recent lack of posts. Somehow, when I wasn’t paying attention, my ‘Italian Life’ became simply my life. Friends and dinners and sunny days in the park and work and even a little bit of studying have combined to take up […]
15
Feb
Feb
I steered clear of what I secretly thought was “water-y cheese” for some time. Not wanting to be rude at dinner one night, I apprehensively took my first bite. I’m pretty sure my exact words were: “Oh my God! It tastes like string cheese! Without the stringiness!” Ever since that eloquent awakening, I’ve become addicted […]