Franco Pepe spent most of his childhood in his family’s pizzeria in the tiny town of Caiazzo. While his friends were vacationing at the beach, Franco was helping his father. That sacrifice has paid off. Today, Franco Pepe is considered one of the best pizza makers in Italy. Antonio Lucisano , Director of Consorzio della Mozzarella di Buffala D.O.P., introduces him as ‘the philosopher of pizza.’ I am ready to be indoctrinated. Read More…
The World of Fabio Picchi
5When you live in Florence, it is impossible not to know Fabio Picchi. He is the genius behind Cibrèo ristorante, Cibrèo trattoria, Caffè Cibrèo and Il Teatro del Sale. His four eateries are housed on opposite corners of the Sant’Ambrogio food market. It’s where Fabio created his own world of simple Italian cuisine. Four different settings each with their own identity, but united by the mind and taste of Picchi. Read More…
Not just a coffee …
0An Italian coffee bar is so much more then enjoying your [very good] ‘caffe.’ It’s a delightful peek into Italian culture: a constant buzz, timeless habits and making time for the small pleasures of life. Read More…
The Art of Balsamico
0I met Cristina Crotti for the first time at Taste. Her bright smile immediately caught my attention: she was the first portrait I took that day. A few weeks later she invited me to her Borgo del Balsamico. Located in the heart of Reggio Emilia, it’s a fairytale setting. You sense something special immediately. Her father started producing balsamic vinegar as a hobby; experimenting with its flavors, but retaining the tradition. Read More…
In great company: Tenuta Dell’ Ornellaia
2A wine bottle can hold a story that is difficult to unravel. Fortunately there are people like Sergio Di Loreto who made wine their passion, and who enjoy sharing their discoveries. A few weeks ago, he was so kind to invite me for a visit at the acclaimed Ornellaia winery. Read More…
Be curious about Gelato!
4Simone Bonini, owner of the two Carapina gelato stores in Florence, arrives on his vintage looking Triumph. Everything he does, he does with style. From his store design to the selection of his products. His choices reveal he is a wild child.
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The Catch of the Day
6It’s not easy to find a good place to eat seafood in Florence. ‘The catch of the day’ is all about freshness. Finally I can enjoy a wonderfully prepared ‘merluzzo’ in my neighborhood. Read More…
Firenze4Ever: Food meets Fashion
4Food and fashion is an unusual pairing. The people of Luisa Via Roma thought differently. This year it is the chosen theme for their legendary ‘Firenze4Ever’ fashion event. Read More…
Never give up
3A few weeks ago personal chef Arturo Dori and I decided to collaborate on a photo story for The Curious Eater. The setting for the shoot was his private home. On the menu his elegant interpretation of a classic Tuscan ingredient: pigeon. Read More…
Family style: Savigni Macelleria and Azienda Agricola
0There’s nothing more organic than family. In a way, your family defines who you are and what you do. In Italy, it’s also the foundation of numerous food producers. I spent last Saturday with the Savigni’s, owners of Macelleria Savigni in Pavana Pistoiese. Read More…
Drink Different
0For most of us, too much alcohol makes us irresponsible. For Iacopo Lenci, founder of the Brùton brewery in Lucca, it was quite the opposite. It gave him a livelihood. Read More…
