Lazy Italian Culinary Adventures

02/10/2025

Ever wonder where some of our favorite Italian dishes come from? Wonder no more! We got the scoop on favorites like tiramisu, (you’ll never guess where this was started 🤯) and prostitute-style spaghetti! 😳

Italian food isn’t just about ingredients; it’s a living tapestry woven with tales of love, resilience, creativity, and cultural exchange.

01/25/2025

🍷🍝✨ Discover the Flavors of Umbria: A Culinary Adventure Awaits! 🇮🇹 The Heart of Italy Tour - Umbria has your nome on it!

DATES: October 11 – 18, 2025

Picture this: Cobblestone streets winding through medieval towns, golden fields stretching beneath azure skies, and the aroma of freshly baked bread and simmering truffle sauces filling the air. This is Umbria, Italy's green heart, where history, art, and culinary magic collide. Join us on a once-in-a-lifetime gastronomic journey through the region’s most enchanting towns: Montefalco, Perugia, Spoleto, Assisi, and Spello. Here's a taste of what awaits you:

🥂 Montefalco: Known as the "Balcony of Umbria," this hilltop town is the birthplace of Sagrantino wine, a rich, ruby-red treasure crafted from native grapes. Stroll through vineyards, meet winemakers, and savor wine pairings with local pecorino cheese and hearty cured meats.

🍫 Perugia: The capital of Umbria and a paradise for chocolate lovers! Home to Perugina Chocolate (makers of Baci), you’ll indulge in artisan workshops and sample decadent truffles, pralines, and gelato. The historic streets also offer culinary gems like umbricelli pasta drizzled with olive oil straight from the hills.

🍴 Spoleto: A feast for both your eyes and palate! Marvel at the Roman aqueducts before diving into wild boar ragù, hand-rolled strangozzi pasta, and truffle-infused dishes. Don't miss the chance to pair your meal with a crisp Umbrian white wine like Trebbiano Spoletino.

🌿 Assisi: More than St. Francis’ hometown, Assisi is a haven for foodies. Taste artisanal olive oils, truffle-topped bruschetta, and honey harvested from local beekeepers. The tranquility of this sacred town makes every bite even more memorable.

🌸 Spello: Renowned for its flower-lined streets, this gem offers exquisite dishes like frittata al tartufo (truffle omelet) and hearty lentil soups from nearby Castelluccio. Stroll through this picturesque town for the perfect blend of beauty and flavor.

By the end of this tour, you’ll not only have tasted Umbria—you’ll have lived it. From hands-on cooking classes to wine cellar tours and scenic meals, to 5* hotel accommodations, every moment will deepen your connection to this magical region.

🍷✨ Ready to savor Umbria’s culinary soul? Let the adventure begin! 🇮🇹❤️

Email [email protected] for more information.

Or see link in comments for all the details!

01/19/2025

Buongiorno e Buona Domenica!

This week’s article is out and it’s all about the must try dishes on your next trip to Italy!

Click 👇🏻 to see what my favorites are!

Exploring Italy's must try dishes and its food is a journey through the country’s rich culinary heritage. Each region offers its own specialties.

01/13/2025

Ciao amici,

Due to the California fires, I’ve had one couple need to cancel their much anticipated tour of the Italian Riviera.

This means I have an opening in a double superior room in a five star hotel!

Nestled along the picturesque coast of northwestern Italy, the Italian Riviera offers an unforgettable blend of charming towns, stunning seascapes, and rich cultural heritage. This week-long tour, based in the elegant seaside town of Santa Margherita Ligure, promises to unveil the treasures of this captivating region, with excursions to the iconic towns of Rapallo, Portofino, Genoa, and the renowned Cinque Terre.

Begin your journey in Santa Margherita Ligure, a sophisticated coastal retreat known for its colorful buildings, bustling marina, and excellent seafood. From here, venture to Rapallo, famous for its historic castle and scenic cable car ride to the sanctuary of Montallegro, offering panoramic views of the Riviera.

A short trip away lies Portofino, the jewel of the Riviera. This glamorous village enchants visitors with its picturesque harbor, luxurious boutiques, and the serene beauty of the Church of San Giorgio.

No visit would be complete without exploring Genoa, the capital of Liguria. With its maze-like old town and grand palaces this historic port city provides a rich cultural experience.

Lastly, immerse yourself in the rugged beauty of the Cinque Terre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. These five charming villages, perched along dramatic cliffs, are a haven for hikers and those seeking breathtaking vistas.

Join us for an extraordinary tour of the Italian Riviera, where every corner reveals a new wonder, and every moment is a memory in the making.

Dates are May 4-11, 2025.

Tour link with pricing and day to day schedule is in the bio or cut and paste this:
https://www.thelazyitalian.com/tour/italian-riviera/

01/12/2025

Are you joining me in Italy this year?

Here’s your ultimate packing list!

Traveling to Italy soon? By packing thoughtfully, you’ll be well-prepared to enjoy all that Italy has to offer.

01/07/2025

It's a brutally cold day in Boston and I am daydreaming of warmer days ahead!

I've had a cancellation for my Italian Riviera tour for May! If you are interested in joining a small group of foodies in Italy this May, be sure to email me for more info. The week includes 5* accommodations in Santa Margherita Ligure, cooking classes, tastings and winery visits, as well as day trips to Cinque Terre, Rapallo, Genova, Camogli and the adored Portofino! And lots more! A week on the Riviera in May? Yes, please!

This picture is of the recent September trip when we visited Cinque Terre.

Email or send me a message here for all the details.
[email protected]

01/06/2025

Drive by any neighborhood in the US a few days after Christmas, and you’re likely to see Christmas trees at the curb, ready to be picked up by the town’s waste management team. I’ve seen my share with tinsel or fake snow still on them. For many, the day after Christmas is the day they un-decorate their home, and remove Christmas from the house, as some might say. Having been raised in Italy, where the season is celebrated until January 6th, this is a sad sight for me to see.

January 6th, which is exactly 12 days after Christmas, is when Italians and all Catholics celebrate the feast of the Epiphany. This is the real last day of the Christmas season, not December 26th, as some might want to believe. If we want to get technical, the Christmas season starts on Christmas Day, and lasts until the Epiphany. The days prior to Christmas are part of the advent.

While Italians and Italian Americans conjure up images of a friendly witch on a broom delivering small gifts to well-behaved children; the Epiphany of course, has a much deeper, religious meaning.

Continued in comments…..

01/05/2025

New in the blog this week! An entire post dedicated to the heart of Italy, Umbria!

Whether you’re a history buff, a foodie, or a nature enthusiast, Umbria invites you to slow down and savor the moment.

01/01/2025

Happy New Year everyone!

Wishing you all nothing but health, happiness, love, and travels! 🎆🎊🥂🍾

12/29/2024

Dear 2024, thank you!

As I look back on my thousands of pictures from this past year, it’s impossible for me to pick a handful to highlight on a social media post.

As I approach the end of the year, gratitude fills my heart as I look back on these images of moments in Italy with my dear clients, collaborators and friends. These moments serve as reminders of how much I have to cherish, and be grateful for.

As the new year approaches, I look forward with optimism and excitement. It’s an opportunity to build upon the foundation of the past year, to continue learning and growing. And the opportunity to chase new goals. Not to mention, realizing old goals that have been many years in the making.

I am hopeful that the new year will bring even more moments to be thankful for. New beginnings, deeper connections, and more opportunities to love and be grateful for. For us all.

I carry the gratitude of the past year with me, eager to see what the future holds, and ready to embrace all that the new year has to offer.

And as great as 2024 was, I’m going on the assumption that the best is yet to come.

12/29/2024

Looking to start the new year on the right foot? Follow the Italians with these easy and healthy tips!

Adopting Italian healthy habits isn’t about overhauling your life overnight; it’s about making small changes that enhance your well-bein

12/26/2024

Merry Christmas! Buon Natale! I hope you all had a wonderful day filled with love, family, gratitude and of course, some delicious food!

📷

12/24/2024

As we near the end of the year, I want to offer my heartfelt thanks to my clients and followers for your trust and support this past year. Here’s to new beginnings and continued travels!

12/22/2024

Cortona, Tuscany, is all dressed up for the season!

Cortona, a small town in Tuscany, is a gem that embodies the rich history, culture, and scenic beauty. Cortona is one of Tuscany’s oldest towns, located on a hilltop overlooking the Val di Chiana and Lake Trasimeno. Its enchanting charm, architectural wonders, and artistic heritage have attracted visitors for centuries.

📸 pictur credit for this amazing shot goes to Filippo Aretini.

12/20/2024

Assisi is all dressed up for the season.

Among the unmissable places to visit in Umbria is the city and birthplace of San Francesco, the patron saint of Italy, and Santa Chiara. Assisi is a fascinating village that seems to live in a world of its own, separated from the clamor and chaos despite the numerous visitors. A kingdom of peace that can be perceived when walking through the city streets. It’s as if there is an impalpable sense of respectful silence, so much so that in some corners of the city, you almost feel like you should be whispering. Assisi attracts pilgrims from all over the world, and it will immerse you in an atmosphere of profound spirituality.

📸 by Ingrid Henzler.

12/18/2024

Christmas in Tuscany is pure magic! 🎄✨ From sparkling piazzas adorned with twinkling lights to age-old traditions like the Presepe (Nativity scenes), every corner radiates festive cheer. 🎁 Families gather for lavish feasts, indulging in panettone and torrone, while kids await gifts from Babbo Natale. Don’t miss the midnight mass in stunning cathedrals or the enchanting Christmas markets filled with handmade crafts and treats. La Befana, the kind witch, extends the celebrations into January! Christmas in Italy isn’t just a day—it’s an experience of faith, food, and family. Buon Natale! ❤️🎅

12/08/2024

Oh Christmas Tree! 🎄🎄

The Rockefeller Christmas Tree stands high and mighty in the middle of New York City. Did you know that it was influenced by Italians?

12/07/2024

Happy National Prosciutto Day! (If you don’t like looking at meat, you might want to skip sliding through these images.)

Prosciutto di Parma is a premium Italian dry-cured ham, renowned for its delicate flavor and tender texture. It’s probably one of my all-time favorite foods. So, not surprising, during our tour of Emilia Romagna, a visit to a prosciuttoficio is always on the schedule.

Produced in the Parma and Modena areas of Emilia Romagna, prosciutto is made from specially bred and fed pigs, sea salt, and no artificial additives. Its production follows strict guidelines, including aging for at least 12 months, to develop its exceptional taste. Protected by the European Union’s PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) status, only hams meeting these standards bear the iconic Parma Crown mark. Often served thinly sliced, it pairs well with some delicious crusty bread, fruits, or cheeses. Prosciutto, as well as other products from this amazing region such as Balsamic Vinegar of Modena and Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, really embody the artistry and tradition of Italian culinary craftsmanship.

During the tour of this incredible facility, we learn all about the production process. They produce some 4000 hams per week! Afterwards, we sit down and enjoy a feast of amazing meats, all made inhouse, of course. It’s a memorable lunch for sure!

I’ve had private tours in Emilia Romagna for the past few years, and one more in 2025, but I hope to run a public tour here in 2026. Stay tuned!