Category Archives: Italy

7 Essential Rules for Tipping in Italy in 2021

Ah, tipping. Gratuity. A little something extra. But exactly how much extra should you be leaving when you’re tipping in Italy? If you are coming from a country where tipping is common, you may be prepared to leave a lot of extra cash behind when tipping in Italy. While tips are (almost) always appreciated, leaving […]

Merry Christmas from Rome! (2016)

The Christmas decorations are quite understated in Rome this year. Gone is the Christmas fair in Piazza Navona, but the carousel spins on. It is an austerity Christmas, thanks for the most part to Rome’s newish mayor. And the Romans, who will tolerate quite a bit, are not. having. it. It has brought me much […]

How to Make A Wine Cork Wreath

I have been in Rome for 6 years. One of the first Italian words I ever learned was “corkscrew.” I recently rounded up the best wine bars in Rome. All of this to set the stage so that you understand: I. Drink. Wine. And for the last 6 years, I have also saved all of […]

Decaf Pocket Coffee

As a whole, I think that Italian candy is pretty terrible. There are no good fruity candies. No skittles or starburst or equivalent. And there are very few chocolate choices that do not include hazelnuts (which I despise). However, then there is Pocket Coffee. I love Pocket Coffee. That day I found a Pocket Coffee […]

Fave dei Morti: Italian Cookies for the Day of the Dead

While Halloween is gaining in popularity, there are other Italian holidays that take precedent this week. The 1st of November is All Saints’ Day (Ognissanti), with the Day of the Dead following straight behind on November 2nd. One of the traditional foods to eat on the Italian Day of the Dead (la commemorazione dei defunti) […]