Guide Books For Foodies - Italy, Paris

When we were traveling around Italy on our honeymoon, Fred Plotkin's: Italy for the Gourmet Traveler was our bible. Encompassing all of Italy, it covers bakeries, markets, wine bars, restaurants of all price ranges, local cheese shops, regional culinary specialties, and so much more. If you are traveling to Italy and want to eat your way through, I seriously recommend you buy this book. It's hefty, but you'll be so happy you packed it. 

I have been searching for a similar guide for Paris and was not having any luck until I came upon Clotilde Dusoulier's new guide: Clotilde's Edible Adventures in Paris. If you are not familiar with Clotilde, she is the author of one of my favorite blogs, Chocolate & Zucchini. 

 And if there is one thing this girl knows, it's food. The new book is organized by arrondissements cataloguing  her favorite bakeries, restaurants, ice cream shops, chocolate stores, cheese shops, cafes, bars, and markets. She even gives tips for French etiquette and ordering. The best part is that you are getting advice from a true Parisian who loves food. C'est bon!

Paolo Olbi Shop - Venice

When people think of beautiful Italian paper goods, they think of Florence, but Venice has equally lovely photo albums and journals. Paolo Olbi is one shop in particular that exhibits excellent craftmanship and elegant designs. His patterns remind me of the friezes decorating the aging palazzo's.  EyeItalia, a california based company imports several of his above albums, which can be found on their website. I have been eyeing the blue byzantine album. 

Paolo Olbi

Venezia, San Marco 3653

Tel: 041 5285025

email: olbi@libero.it

Dolci e Dolcezze Sweets - Florence, Italy

Continuing on my quest to find the best sweets around the world, I have decided to add Dolci e Dolcezze, a little gem in Florence. This tiny bake shop is old fashioned elegance with sweets laid out in pristine glass cases like the jewels they are. Decorated with ornate gold mirrors, crystal chandeliers and mint green walls, Dolci's ambiance conjures a dream out of the nutcracker. Service is the most civilized with treats served on antique sterling silver trays accompanied by dainty sterling spoons. Only in Europe can you find such luxuries. A little off the beaten path, and a cornetto will cost more than at your average bakery, but Dolci and Dolcezze is worth it. Dolci e Dolcezze, Piazza Beccaria 8/r , Santa Croce Tel: 055 234  54 58

Peck Food Emporium - Milan

Peck in Milan, is the Dean and Deluca of Italy. Their huge food emporium sells everything from coffee, cheeses, olive oils, vinegars, and prepared food all under the Peck label. Everything is of the highest, freshest quality. On my trip to Milan, I bought a bottle of the white truffle oil, which actually had a big hunk of white truffle floating in the bottom. I don't think you can find that many other places, at least not for an affordable price! Certain items on their website can be shipped to the U.S. such as wine, oils (including the aforementioned truffle oil) and aged vinegars. Peck also has a gourmet restaurant and tea room upstairs where they will make you a perfect cappuccino. If you're lucky they'll even swirl the foam into a heart. Perfecto!

Books & Movies to Get You in the Mood - Florence

 I thought I would start a new category on this blog for inspirational movies to watch before you travel, and books to read either before your vacation, or to pack in your suitcase. So, without further ado:

Florence, Italy

What to Watch Before You Go: 

A Room With A View - One of the most Romantic movies of all time, set in one of the most beautiful cities in the world. It will make you want to roam the Italian countryside and kiss foppish English men. Key scenes in the movie are filmed in the Piazza Della Signora, Santa Croce, and Fiesole (the countryside outside Florence.)

Books to Pack in Your Suitcase: 

1. Birth of Venus, by Sarah Dunant - This book is set during the Renaissance in Florence, at the time when the Medici were over thrown, and Savonarola ruled the city. The plot gets a bit soapy, but the historical details are accurate and fascinating, particularly the depiction of the Bonfire of the Vanities. After reading the book, you can visit Savonarola's cell (along with his hair shirt) at San Marco Church in Florence. 

2. Portrait of A Lady, by Henry James - I read this book on my first trip to Italy and loved it. The heroine travels the continent, but spends a good deal of time in Florence.

3. A Room With A View, by E.M. Forster - See above. Even if you've watched the movie, the book is still wonderful.