En route from Capri and Napoli to Toscana, a recommendation from a friend was a great way to unwind from our tour on the Amalfi Coast and Capri. At 7.30pm, usually far too early for Italians to be out dining, there were already groups gathering at the door of Meid in Nepols, a Napolitana Cucina and Pizzeria, not far from the Stazione Termini.
Luckily, I was snuck in on the condition that I'd be out by 9.15pm. A glass of their good local (to Napoli) house red, a half bottle of Acqua Nepi "effervescente naturale", grilled zucchine flowers fillled with ricotta, and a serve of Napolitan fried vegetables and sardines was all I needed after eating generously and very well for 11 days with a fun group. On the large screened wall, instead of raucous game shows on TV was a a slow slide show of personal photos and scenes of Napoli, Capri and surrounding areas. Some dating back to early 40s, a variety of modern and old. Suddenly a full screen of the owners' dog, his hair swept back, leaning out of a fast moving car, smile on his face.
At 8.15 three generations of a family started to arrive, the first being mother and baby girl in a pram, the latter of course becaming the focal point of the group. The table was set for 16, although the stroller and chairs moved continuously, as the pride of joy moved around. The 6month old was a little overcome with so many relatives pinching her cheeks in greeting. A game of peek-a-boo by Nonno saved the day. Together with many "chee chees" . All drank local water, not bottled.
By 9pm the trattoria had filled up with groups of young people - all Italian. Eventually young Uncle arrived apparently with a new girlfriend, as she was introduced to all members of the family.
At another table set for 4, the early arriving couple who had been waiting since 8pm, finally greeted their friends' arrival with much kissing and laughter. I wonder what happens in Italy if one doesn't have a partner?
It's a particular bull, made of ceramics, with the power to bring women happiness in their emotional and love relationships. Or good luck to anyone, who knows the secret .
At 8.15 three generations of a family started to arrive, the first being mother and baby girl in a pram, the latter of course becaming the focal point of the group. The table was set for 16, although the stroller and chairs moved continuously, as the pride of joy moved around. The 6month old was a little overcome with so many relatives pinching her cheeks in greeting. A game of peek-a-boo by Nonno saved the day. Together with many "chee chees" . All drank local water, not bottled.
In October six of us on Ciao Bella Tours' "Food for Thought: Wrapping Emilia Romagna" tour dined at the best restaurant in Italy. Or, more accurately, nominated as the best restaurant in Italy according to the 2013 Michelin Guide, the Espresso Guide, and the Pelligrino Guide. And the 3rd best in the world. Chef: Massimo Bottura
So tonight, alone after a wonderful fortnight of dining with our fellow travellers, what better than a "Pizza alla Norma", delivered to my door at a cost of only Euro4. Hard to believe! So here's a promo for Pizzeria La Principessa, in via Sebastiano Catania, 175 - in case you're ever in Catania searching for an excellent wood fired pizza.
Lunch in sunny Alghero, Sardegna at MoVida ristorante on Bastioni Magellano (the fortress walls) overlooking the port.
Only 900 metres from busy Malpensa airport is the small town of Vizzola Ticino and Parco Ticino.
dream), this green woodland/park is a delightful way to relax after a long haul flight into Milano Malpensa airport. Heading off down via Don A Sacconago towards Piazza Giulio, where is the fresh water pump, handy for locals to bring their bottles to fill. Onto Mulino di Ferno, past the 2006 shrine to the Madonna di Medjugorje (a new Madonna for me!). There are 6 walks or roads listed, ranging from 5.9km to 18km in length, and the road appears well used by cyclists. Past the once-beautiful cast iron gates now almost overgrown with ivy, to the iron bridge built in 1883 by the "Societa nazione delle officine di Savigliano", the Canale Villoresi, and finally via Strada del Salvetto - far enough for me. Then back to my hotel, Villa Malpensa.
Well, not really new, but maybe a new one to seek out. No doubt you've walked past it many times - right in the centre of the city. Ponte Fabricio (not far from the Ponte Garibaldi).
Piazza Navona is one of the main hubs of Rome, and usually filled with locals and tourists alike. But if you get there early (like, before 10am!!) it's interesting watching the stand holders setting up their wares. Quite a social occasion for them, chatty, finding the best spot - or at least the best one available without honing in on someone else's pad. 
www.ciaobellatours.com.au
After we arrived at our villa in the hills behind Lucca, and decided to make bruschetta to snack with afternoon drinks, we immediately noticed the absence of salt at the villa. It's usually provided. So yesterday when in San Gimignano we headed off to buy some. With no supermercato to be found, we bought some excellent local Extra Vergine Olive Oil, and enquired after salt. Where can we buy it? None of the many delicatessen type shops were selling it. "Tabaccheria" a young woman outside a leather shop told us. I knew that's where you go not only for tobacco, but also postage stamps, SIM cards and to purchase recharging, but salt?? With a little trepidation, I found a tabaccheria nearby, and asked if he sold salt, expecting to be looked at as if yet another strange or stupid straniero. To my surprise , not only did he stock salt, but I had a choice of fine or coarse, big or small packet. And even more surprising , the cost was only Euro 1.20.
