Aperitivo in Milano
August 8, 2012
Americans traditionally think of happy hour as a time to enjoy discounted drinks once the workday is over. Italians however, have an entirely different (and far better) concept for these pre-dinner, post-work hours. I was first introduced to aperitivo, or drinks with complimentary food, in Milan a couple years back when visiting my friends. I imagined bowls of chips, pretzels and popcorn. I should have known better that this would be a disgrace to the Italian culture, and rather we would feast upon an open buffet of various pastas, meats, cheeses and vegetables. Fast forward to 2012, and I found myself once again in Milan, enjoying an evening with friends at Luca e Andrea Cafe on the Naviglio Grande. Although meant for just a warm-up to dinner, their macaroni and cheese and pasta salad left me far too full for anything else.
Cocktails on the canal
Pasta, couscous, chicken and vegetables
Navigli
Pasta
Macaroni and cheese
Breakfast on the Beach
August 6, 2012
Now if only I could transport myself from the office back to Cinque Terre on this lovely summer Monday morning for some breakfast sandwiches on the beach… Have a wonderful week! x
Ham and cheese sandwich
Bar Eden Gelateria
Ham & Cheese
A Taste of Cinque Terre
August 2, 2012
You can’t get much more Italian than starting off a morning with an espresso, taking a mid-day break for pizza, and cooling off with some gelato. After parting ways with France, it was Italy-bound to the little tourist destination known as Cinque Terre, most famously known for their five cliffside towns, breathtaking views and crystal clear water. Our first day we decided to hike from the town of Monterosso through the cliffs to Vernazza. Breaking a sweat and working up quite the appetite, here is all the deliciousness we were able to enjoy along the way.
Espresso at a sidewalk cafe
Espresso
Croissants
Lemons for some fresh squeezed lemonade
Honey filled croissant
Pizza
Gelato
Gelato
Chocolate Milkshake
a camera in the kitchen 