You don’t have to go all the way to Italy to enjoy one of Raphael’s drawing classes. If you’re on the east coast, the drive to MD’s beautiful Eastern Shore is well worth it for this.
Links
To Seed or Not To Seed?
Perhaps some confirmation bias on my part, but I was glad to read this. I don’t bother peeling or seeding either. My pomodoro sauce is world famous (by “world” I mean my one and two year old and wife can’t get enough of it), and I use the whole tomato. Just seems like more trouble than it’s worth, and nutritionally I’m a fan of using as much of the plant as I can. A good pomodoro is a blend of sweet and bitter, savory and spicy–the flavor contrasts come together to really hit you, and it wouldn’t surprise me a bit to learn that seeing/peeling tomatoes is one of those venerable but dispensable myths.
Don’t Skip Pisa
I’ve noticed quite regularly the “experts” on TripAdvisor suggesting people avoid an excursion to Pisa, which strikes me as unfortunate and misguided advice. It’s a wonderful little city, and there’s a lot more to enjoy besides the obligatory holding up the tower photo op, with culinary delights pretty high on the list.
Check out the ” il Ristoro di Frate Cipolla” blog. Definitely on our list of places to take you for some good company and grub in Pisa.
Pappa con Pomodoro
This is a great recipe–it’s interesting how Italian cuisine is often presented here in the US as expensive, prepared for the erudite, upper-crust food served with refined linens and exotic presentations by guys wearing tuxedos. That sort of thing certainly has its place, but one of the best parts of the food you’ll experience in Italy is the rustic, simple, and non-wasteful element. Some of the most flavorful dishes are peasant-inspired recipes passed down over generations by people who couldn’t afford to waste food.
Fresh basil, stale bread…delicious! Think we’re making this tomorrow.
This Blog Is Why The Internet Is Good
This Blog Is Why The Internet Is Good
So glad Lesley saw and liked one of my posts! It gave me chance to read about (and be very, very jealous of) her travel adventures and her commendable wanderlust. Check out her blog and read up on her approach.
The insular world we live in is getting less so thanks to the Internet, but it’s still so darn mission-critical to actually GET OUT AND TRAVEL, and she’s encouraging people to do it. Leading by example!
Go give her page a follow/like!
Fracturing in the EU
Turmoil in the EU. As noted, it’s unlikely this can carry on unabated much longer. I’ll be curious to see what comes of this for the travel biz. While I suspect our dollars will go further as the euro takes a beating, who knows what sort of levies will be enacted to try to prop up the Italian economy.
It’s not like you can bail out the 8th largest economy in the world and still have your currency mean anything.
Super Mario!
What a goal. What touch!
Brazil: I’m no expert, but I’m guessing four defenders camping around Balotelli waiting for the other guy to press the attack at the top of the box isn’t a good strategy.
Positive Paul
A plug for my buddy Paul’s fitness and MMA blog. Give it a read!
Sassi Italy Tours 