Tag Archives: Italy

Two In A Row

Juve, on top of Serie A once again.

Ever been to a soccer match in Italy? It really is exciting…and occasionally a bit rowdy, but also just an amazing spectacle even if you’re not a sports enthusiast.

Prosecco vs Prosek

Prosecco vs Prosek

Interesting.  They’re two different languages and clearly describe differing products, so as much as I’m sympathetic to the Italians’ need to protect the integrity of their product and it’s naming convention, the Croatians seem to have a legitimate case as well.  

October is a Great Month

Putting together a couple special things for that month–if you’re thinking about a fall trip, inquire about special offers as it’s looking like a promising month for travel.

Jim’s Spanish Steps Shot

Jim's Spanish Steps Shot

Jim Brandano takes the best Roma photos I’ve ever seen. Like him on FB here; if you asked us to hire a photographer for your event in Italy, he’d be choice numero uno.

And This Is How We Eat Hummus at Sassi Italy Tours

And This Is How We Eat Hummus at Sassi Italy Tours

Jasper wasn’t going to let his sister be the only kid featured on the blog today. He took a break from shoveling hummus into his mouth with his hand (and smearing it on his giant Legos) to let me know. What a handsome fellow!

We’re thinking about taking the kids over to Italy next year. Anyone done a trip with diaper-age kids overseas? Thoughts on the challenges it presents?

Fresh Herbs and Veggies are the Key!

Fresh Herbs and Veggies are the Key!

One of things you’ll invariably notice as you travel in Italy is how fresh everything tastes. While you can’t always feasibly duplicate the ingredients list you’ll enjoy in Italy (my meager kingdom for those anchovies and sardines you can get in Venice), you can still get the essence of the Italian palate on your dinner table with the proper sourcing and use of fresh sage, nettles, basil, onions, peppers, tomatoes, artisanal cheeses, etc found at your local farmers’ market or organic grower. One thing I’ve learned–the aromatic ones like basil really profit from freshness and being added to the dish as late as possible. If you toss chopped basil into your sauce while it’s still cooking, the kitchen will smell great, but that great smell is the essential oils being boiled off and leaving little of their joyful flavor in the dish.

Here Sawyer helps daddy by pulling the wagon as I thought about how many types of basil I could get to grow in the back yard. She didn’t seem super enthusiastic about my request to keep moving down the aisle. What’s the hurry daddy?

Forza Juve

Forza Juve

They’re still the class of Serie A despite all the controversy a few years back, but a long way to go yet to once again be the class of Europe as a whole.

Pan Seared Tuna

Pan Seared Tuna

Not a typically Italian preparation given my ingredients list but I’ll share it here anyway as it’s ridiculously tasty.

Olive oil, a pat of butter, and minced garlic in a stainless skillet. Warm it up and toss in the ahi tuna fillets and warm them up. Sprinkle of salt, ground black pepper, and a splash of teriyaki. Wet the butter and oil with a few ounces of sherry. Flip the tuna to cook evenly and add a few capers and a pinch of red curry paste for some spice. When it’s ready to serve toss in the spinach and wilt it, and serve.

It’s good.