Delta Sale on Flights to Italy

If this Labor Day weekend has you on the hunt for a fall ticket to bella Italia, check out Delta. The airline is offering a roundtrip fare of $758 between New York and Rome. which is pretty decent considering fees and fuel. There may be sale rates available on other Italy routes as well. This fare is valid for travel …

Mama Mia! Pasta Prices Rising

The price of gas ever-rising? Italians have taken it in stride, not letting it faze la dolce vita. But rising prices of pasta? Mamma mia, che casino! Pasta prices have risen more than 30% in the first half of this year, reports the Italian news agency ANSA, nearly the highest rise in any product in Italy, and second only to …

Efforts to Legalize Moonshine Grappa in Italy

Looking for a taste of the homemade hard stuff? Two Italian Northern League senators can empathize! ANSA reports that Enrico Montani and Sergio Divina presented a bill last week that would allow individuals to distill 30 liters of Grappa for their personal consumption and for that of their guests. Grappa, a clear brandy made from the skins, pits and stalks …

Tourist Calls Police Over 10-Euro Sandwich

10 euros for a panino? Believe it: A British tourist reported a bar in the Sicilian seaside village of Tusa to police after he was handed a bill for 30 euro for three sandwiches, reports Italian news agency ANSA. “We told the cashier there had been a mistake, but he said everything was correct and that we had to settle …

My Dog is Trying to Tell Me Something

Back from Puerto Rico at 2 a.m. this morning. I went out to get coffee earlier and came back to find my dog Cooper sleeping soundly inside my suitcase. Do you think he’s trying to tell me that he definitely wants to come on the next trip? Want to see what he looks like when he’s not napping? Click here …

Italian Summer Treat: Pistachio Gelato

Pistachio gelato is the benchmark by which many gelaterie are judged. You can tell at a glance if an artificial base has been used, just by the color. If the gelato maker is using real pistachio nuts, the color will be almost drab green. If the bin flashes a neon green, keep walking. 1 cup (6 ounces) shelled pistachios, lightly …

My First Visit to Milan, Italy

When I came to Milan, I had
witnessed the contained chaos of Naples, the modern/ancient mix of Rome
and the artistic pride of Florence. Milan is a different animal from
them all.

A Special Offer From La Tavola Bella

At La Tavola Bella we provide you with the finest hand-made Italian dinnerware, tableware and gifts. Ask us about custom orders and having your initials added to any piece. Dream of Italy readers who order before Sept 15th, will get FREE shipping. Upon checkout enter “Dream” in the discount code. Order now and have it shipped for free. (This is …

Farm Vacations Grow in Popularity with Italians

As Ferragosto — August 15th, the Italian holiday celebrating the Feast of the Assumption — draws near, vacation farms and agriturismi are expecting full occupancy. Italian news agency ANSA reports that approximately 550,000 overnights are anticipated in the 18,500 holiday farms in Italy over the three-day holiday weekend this year. These numbers may be impressive, but they may not spell …