There are some perfect pairs out there: Malbec and steak. Bloody Marys and brunch. Netflix and the couch. As its pours outside on this cold, dark Thursday eve, I am reminded of another one: Rainy days and sad songs. The second track for our Italian mix tape, following Paolo Conte's Via Con Me, is a song that I learned while living in Italy, "Ma Che Freddo Fa" ("How Cold It Is"), made famous by the Italian singer Nada at Italy's Sanremo Music Festival in 1969 when she was just 16-years old. Though singing about unrequited love, her performance--at times timid, at times feisty--can't help but warm your heart.
Read moreThankful for Italian Wines at Thanksgiving
If I were to say "Top Thanksgiving Wines. Go!", chances are Pinot Noir, Champagne, Zinfandel, Sancerre and Anything-that-gets-me-through-dinner-with-my-extended-family would be shouted out with zeal – and with good reason. BUT, what if I were to tell you that there is a whole other world out there: not in the creepy, Stranger-Things-upside-down way, but in the Aladdin-on-a-magic-carpet way.
(Hop on and I'll explain.)
Read moreLabor of Love | Wine Women of Piemonte
In honor of Women's Month (can we all just agree that every month is women's month?), I wanted to present Suzanne Hoffman's incredible 15+ year research project on the wine family women of Piemonte, which was recently released in the form of a beautifully-detailed book entitled Labor of Love. Many people have heard of the Barolo Boys phenomenon, the term given to a group of friends who revolutionized the production of Barolo—Piemonte's most famous wine—and brought it into the international spotlight in the 80s and 90s. But, who this title excludes is all the women who played pivotal roles and continue to do so in the history and culture of Piemonte, wine-making and otherwise. In Labor of Love, by highlighting the nurturing nature of Piemonte's wine family women across two hundred years, alongside their husbands, fathers, brothers, neighbors, Hoffman offers a thorough history/ herstory of this incredible wine region.
Here are short excerpts from Labor of Love on several of my favorite wine women in Piemonte:
Read moreThe Venice Carnivale Unmasked!
Happy Martedì Grasso (Fat Tuesday), Everyone! It's days like this one I would happily trade in the California sun for the wintery setting of Venice (my old stomping ground) to see the spectacle of those parading around the labyrinthine calle in full costume during Carnivale. Below are a few fun facts about the centuries-old tradition, and a peak into the festive hearts of the Venetians.
Read moreBouquet of Roses...in Your Wine Glass
Yes, red roses are romantic...and also so terribly cliché. So this Valentine's Day, why not gift your guy or gal or pal a bouquet of roses in wine form. And, since we all know that Italian is the language of love, then Italian wine must be the wine of love, right? [Resounding] Right! Below are several Italian grape varieties known for producing wines with rosy bouquets that will win over the palette of your beloved...not to mention pump those healthy antioxidants into their hearts...
Read moreWhere to Eat and Drink in Turin
Photo by Oddur Thorisson for Conde Naste Traveler February 2017
Every once in a while a travel magazine manages to masterfully capture an authentic slice of Italy – not the cliché, nor the sugar-coated sales pitch – but an honest portrait (albeit one of a lover). This time, the often overlooked Turin takes center stage in Oddur Thorisson's article for Conde Naste Traveler. Having traveled extensively in Italy and been fortunate enough to have had an insider's view every step of the way (thanks to friends, family of friends and friendly strangers), I was impressed with Thorisson's observant overview of this grand old gem...of course, I have my edits: ...
Read moreMix Tape | A Little Escapism with Paolo Conte
Last week was rough. While we all figure out our next steps, I thought a moment of escapism was called for. Via Con Me was written in 1981 by Paolo Conte, the beloved singing, composing, piano-playing lawyer (we need more of those!) from Asti, Piemonte in the northwest of Italy. His deep, raspy voice is the perfect vehicle for...
Read moreField Notes | Haunting Polaroids of Venice
Before heading to Italy this past September, the romantic in me bought a vintage polaroid camera to capture the beauty of Italy not only instantly, but physically – a retaliation against my iphone and photo apps. Unfortunately, I bought the wrong film.
Read moreLeslie's Black Book | Best Wine Bars in Venice
September is one of the best months to visit Venice: warm, sunny days and evenings that feel like a soft embrace. Even the occasional thunderstorm isn't so bad: it gives you the excuse to linger under a romantic sotoportego, soak up a little more culture in one of Venice's incredible museums....or count how many bottles of wine on the wall there are at that cute little wine bar down the calle? Yes, please. When in Venice, do as the Venetians do: drink!
Read more