Category: Blogs and Blessays

Vidal admits he didn’t speak Italian well – but is convinced they don’t have a word for wit. Vidal had many Italian friends and his partner, Howard, not only spoke fluent Italian, he understood different dialects – they did get nuance… The only word I know that comes close to wit – is arguzia, but…

The treasure beneath our feet. How often do we think of that way? The Piemontese I interviewed for my next book, they think of it that way all the time. That’s how artisans like Fabrizio think of it while making their world famous Robiola cheese in Roccaverano. They till the soil with care, and dearly…

If you’re traveling between France and Italy you may find your croissant tastes a bit better in France and your cappuccino superior in Rome. Yet I read an alternative reality to the birth of the croissant recently. The exact origins of the croissant are somewhat disputed, but it’s widely believed that it was created in…

The day after Muv died my father asked me to make the calls. The most prescient conversation was with a cousin, who grew up with my mother. She said, “you will assimilate her, Bailey” I had no idea what she meant; until I did. We thank them for the love, and the lessons…. they never…

Hadn’t made sushi since Seattle. Here on Lake Garda, our Italian friends enjoyed the rolls and sashimi, the meal turned out well – thanks to a sushi chef providing fresh tuna and salmon. And, my sushi rice rose like a souffle…..all you have to do is study those youtube vids with insect like determination. The…

I’ve never been to Iran but everyone I know who has – loves it. The world may be an ocean of current, above, filled with bad actors, but beneath, there is change happening and it is fascinating. Seyed Mohammad Marandi is always worth a listen.

photo from 2009

Cruisin through Italy on my moto – it’s a sin to have such fun.