If you’ve visited Italy, have Italian friends, grew up in an Italian family, or if you’re just an Italophile, then you know how important food is in Italian culture. It’s no surprise that the country’s cuisine has crept into its language – read on for the top ten Italian sayings…
On a recent trip to Verona, we ate at Osteria del Bugiardo. A cozy spot near Porta Borsari, it was perfect for a small afternoon meal during the period when lots of restaurants close. It can be difficult to find a place to eat sometimes in Italy during the post-lunch,…
Happy New Year, Luggage and Lifers! I’m back today after a few blissful weeks of relaxation in Maine with my family. I’ve always been a big fan of New Year’s, and not just because it’s also my birthday. I love the feeling that a pure stretch of one year lies before…
This is my first post about Padua. There’s no better way to start writing about my second Italian home than posting about Sotto il Salone, the city’s 800-year-old shopping center. Located in the very heart of the city center, Sotto il Salone is a must-see on your visit to Padua….
Over the summer, I had a vegan friend visit, and we traveled to Florence and Rome while he was here. I put together a list of some great restaurants with vegan options that we ate at in Florence, and this week, I thought I’d write about where we ate in…
[Updated September 2021] Venice can be a bit of a mystery. I’ve been there countless times, and I still get lost. It can feel like one giant tourist trap in some places, with no authenticity in sight. The first time I went to Venice, my friends and I were a…
A few weeks ago, I had a friend from overseas who is vegan come and spend two weeks with me. When I started to plan his visit, I panicked a bit about what he’d be able to eat while he was here. Would he be confined to eating pizza rossa…
On our first night in Lisbon, we had a seafood feast at Cervejaria Ramiro, which was featured on an episode of No Reservations, hosted by Anthony Bourdain. Normally, I might shy away from a place that has been featured on a TV show, as I’m not one for lines and touristy…
Now that I’m living in the Eternal City again, I’ve decided to keep this post on where to eat in Rome as a living document. I’ll update it whenever I have a good meal (which happens constantly). Contrary to popular belief, it is possible to eat badly here, owing to…
On our visit to Lisbon, Jeremy and I stayed in the oldest neighborhood in the city, Alfama, and you should too! Read on for all the reasons why you should consider staying in Alfama on your visit to Lisbon. Staying in the Alfama District of Lisbon The history of Alfama…