22 December 2024

Christmas isn’t always just about Santa Claus. As wonderful as the tradition of Santa is, there are so many other famous holiday characters all over the world…especially in Italy! As you look up in the sky this Holiday season, you might not be seeing the big guy in a sled with reindeer flying from house to house.  If you look a little closer while your feet are planted on that Italian soil, you might notice he looks a little…different – so much so, you may be wondering if the woman you’re seeing riding a broomstick across the night sky means you somehow traveled back in time to Halloween. Fear not – that old woman on a broom carrying presents for all the kids is actually the Italian Christmas Witch known as Befana!

However, you won’t be spotting Befana on Christmas eve or day – rather, after Christmas and New Years have been enjoyed and celebrated, Befana comes around on the 6th of January. From a religious perspective, this day is the National Holiday of the Epiphany, which is the Christian celebration of presenting the child Christ to the Three Magi (the Three Wise Men) and marks the end of the Christmas period. However, the tradition of La Befana actually starts the night before on Jan 5th – the Epiphany Eve. It is said that Befana was an older woman of small means, soot covered and known to be a witch.  She always had her broomstick (as witches do), however the lore says that she used this broomstick not just for riding, but also for exactly what the broom was made for – sweeping. The theory is that when Befana comes to visit, she sweeps away the bad in order to make room for the good of the next year. Honestly if this is the case…Befana is welcome in my home any time of the year.  

However in order to understand how Befana came to be, we need to go just a bit further back…

The legend of La Befana begins during the Three Magi’s journey to see the birth of Christ. As they were on their journey, they got lost and asked Befana for food, shelter and help to get to Bethlehem.  They invited her to join their search for Jesus in exchange for the help she provided, however she declined to join them. Later that same evening, awoken by a bright light, she took this as a sign to follow the Three Magi. Unfortunately as she ventured out on her search, she became lost trying to find the Three Magi and the manger, forever looking and never finding them.

On the eve of the Feast of the Epiphany ( Jan 5th) it is said that Befana takes to the skies on her broomstick to continue her search for Jesus, dropping off gifts to sleeping children in the hopes of finding him. In return, children leave out a shoe or hang stockings in anticipation of her visit – they even may leave out some sweets and wine for her to enjoy as well. Befana is said to leave sweet treats for children that were nice and charcoal (or dark hard candy) for those children who were naughty.  The following day on the Feast of the Epiphany, presents are exchanged and families celebrate the end to the holiday calendar together.

This 13th century legend has been passed along for generations and was originally unique to just the region surrounding Rome. However now, the festival of La Befana has now grown to become a popular tradition all over Italyr! Right around Christmas time, you will begin to see chocolate filled stockings decorated with pictures of Befana line the hallways of Italian shops, specifically in anticipation of the day. Additionally, because there is of course no skipping an opportunity to celebrate a holiday in Italy without some really tasty treats, you may even see Befanini, which are small, delicious, colorful sugar cookies that sometimes can be found made with rum and vanilla. Befana even has her own signature cake – a fruity, golden dessert with a dried bean or coin hidden inside that is typically served at the family table on January 6th. Whoever finds the surprise in their slice is crowned King or Queen for the day!

Beyond all the delicious bites, there are even different types of celebrations throughout Italy for her – one popular tradition takes place in Rome’s Piazza Navona, where tourists visit the area around midnight in hopes of seeing her. Another takes place in the town of Urbania, located in the Province of Pesaro and Urbino, which known as the official home of Befana. Here, they put together a massive festival every year with over 50,000 people attending and celebrating. It’s even common to see some people enjoying the holiday by dressing up like her!

As you’ve likely been able to tell so far, many of the traditions celebrating La Befana mirror those that celebrate Santa Claus, and as an American living in Italy who didn’t grow up with the tradition of La Befana, it’s been super fun to find these similarities. Personally, it feels wonderful to continue celebrating the holidays into the New Year – but I’m also someone who breaks out the Christmas decorations on November 1st and continues playing Christmas music way past the holidays to continue those Christmas feels!

With any culture, it’s fascinating to see how their traditions and storytelling create a very unique holiday seasons, and one I’m honored to be able to share with others now. This time honored tradition is a perfect example of how the inspiration of historical folklore continues to be celebrated generations later. 

La Befana truly is a beautiful way to close out the holidays here in Italy – as long as you’re not waking up with any coal from her 😉

5 December 2024

It’s that time of year again friends – the time to stress over finding the perfect gift for the loved ones in your life. It’s no secret that while the action of physically giving the gift may be fun, the process of actually finding it may not be. 

Don’t worry – I’ve got you covered. 

Living in Italy, I’m often asked for recommendations of authentic Italian products to gift to those that love travel, Italy, or both – and so therefore over the years I’ve created a (very) long list of my favorite Italian artisans and companies that produce top quality products in order to ramble off to the most stressed of gifters. If that’s you, you’ve come to the right place. 

Whether it be this Holiday season, next, or any occasion year-round, here are 10 of my favorite Italian products that ship internationally and will be sure to please even the toughest of critics. 

(and hey, if this is a gift for you…pop off queen. You deserve it.)

First on this list is none other than Emozioni in Liberta, a small, female-owned and run business located in the region of Puglia, near the city of Salento. Not only do they make beautiful, hand-crafted leather bags that stand the test of time (I personally own three of their bags on my own and they still look just as new as the day I got them), they also sell other products such as leather-bound notebooks and ceramics. The unique aspect that sets them apart is all their products incorporate the classic tile design typical of Salento, making it a unique conversation-starter piece for years to come.

Unfortunately their website is not available in English, but a quick translator incorporated onto your web browser solves that problem, and if you need any help, the staff are able to jump in with English whenever you need.

You simply cannot go wrong with gifting classic, authentic olive oil, and BelleMille is the way to go. A small, female-owned business (see a trend here?) located in the hills of Tuscany, BelleMille olives are carefully sourced from one single family farm in Tuscany – the same family that has been producing our olive oil for generations. The olives go from the farm, to the on-site mill, to the bottle, to your doorstep. Bellemille never sees the inside of a factory and uses sustainable farming practices so that there is minimum waste and maximum respect for the farmers and the land. No fillers, no preservatives, no gimmicks or tricks – their only objective is to deliver the very best Italian olive oil to your doorstep. And I can tell you from experience – they succeed. 

As you can imagine, I’ve had the pleasure of trying many olive oils from all over Italy since I moved here, and without a doubt, BelleMille is one of the best. This is the olive oil that I break out when I want to impress guests – and it never fails. 

Located down south in between Naples and the Amalfi Coast, Palazzo del Corallo creates beautiful, handcrafted pieces of jewelry that are carved entirely out of seashell. No joke – the ring you see in the picture above was carved by hand from a shell. The method of creating pieces of jewelry out of shell is very typical from this area, but the thing I love about Palazzo del Corallo is that they are a family-owned and run business that takes immense pride in their work – the last time I visited the showroom and workspace, sitting and carving a beautiful necklace-to-be was none other than the Nonno of the family.

Seriously, Every time I wear their pieces, I receive so many compliments. It’s sure to be a knockout. 

Speaking of unique jewelry pieces, Sara Amrhein may give everyone a run for their money. Based out of Florence, Sara makes stunning and detailed statement jewelry pieces out of clay by hand. Inspired by the lavish eras of the Renaissance and Baroque periods when Florence was the epitome of grandeur and splendor, each piece is meticulously handcrafted and emulating royal vibes in every detail – a true labor of love and a testament to her passion for quality and craftsmanship.

Her pieces are perfect for your friend that loves to command a room and express their personality through what they’re wearing, but if that’s not so much your style, she also has a variety of more subtle, but still stunning pieces as well. 

If you’re an art fanatic, look no further than L’Ippogrifo Stampe d’Arte. For over 40 years, L’Ippogrifo has created magnificent art etchings using time-honored traditional techniques. Master artisan Giani Raffaelli, along with his wife and son, hand-engraves original illustrations on copper plates, and then prints limited editions of the images on high quality paper. These prints are then hand-painted, signed, and numbered, keeping alive the tradition of old Florentine workshops. Images from their site can either be purchased unframed or as a complete framed product with attractive handmade frames. This isn’t your local Homegoods, kids. 

Admittedly this isn’t an Italian product, however my collaboration TRTL Travel Pillow is the perfect gift for your friend (or you) that travels a ton!

Inspired by lemon gelato, pink sunsets, warm Mediterranean sun and endless laughter, designed to get you excited for your vacation – starting by helping you sleep on the plane so that you can wake up ready to make some memories. It’s supportive, lightweight, AND we made it with machine-washable, cooling thermoregulating viscose fabric so that you stay nice and cool. I travel long-haul flights a lot and am not a plane sleeper at ALL, but TRTL changed the game for me. 

Available in the U.S., UK, and Europe for a limited time through the Holidays! 

Scuola del Cuoio is one of my favorite places in Florence to get handcrafted leather goods, however I’ve included it on this list specifically for the men in your life that are hard to shop for.

Scuola del Cuoio creates a plethora of beautiful leather goods using traditional Florentine techniques, including a variety of wallets and belts. Now you may be thinking, “Kacie, I can get him a wallet anywhere. How boring” – wrong. Beyond this wallet being genuine leather handcrafted in Italy, they also offer the option of personalizing your item by “stamping” their initials or a symbol of choice into the item using a technique of fire and metallic bits. If you ever get the chance to visit the school in person, they’ll do it right in front of you. In the meantime though, you can tell your giftee all about it when they gleefully open their new special wallet or belt engraved with their own initials. 

It may be surprising, but one of my favorite products to recommend as a gift is Traditional Balsamic Vinegar di Modena. I’m often met with confused looks (which you may be doing right now), so let me explain.

What a lot of people may not know is that to legally be called Traditional Balsamic Vinegar di Modena D.O.P., it must be produced in a very specific area within the region of Emilia-Romagna in Italy, and undergoes a minimum 12+ year production process before being blind-tested by a panel of professionals. If approved, only then is it allowed to be bottled (in a specifically shaped bottle) and sold as Traditional Balsamic Vinegar di Modena D.O.P. The result is a thick, syrup-like consistency with a slightly acidic, almost sweet taste, and is put on top of everything and anything in Italy, from risottos, vegetables and eggs to cakes, ice creams, and desserts. No food is off limits, shall we say.

Acetaia Gambigliani Zoccoli is a completely family-run and operated business located just outside of the city of Modena that operates their business completely out of their family home and property (no joke – the olive trees are grown on their land and the balsamic vinegar barrels are located in their attic). If you’re ever lucky enough to visit, you’ll be eating amongst family photos and memories while the children of the family skate around the table. They offer two different balsamic vinegars: 12+ years old and 25+ years old, both of which vary in taste, consistency, and what food they pair best with, but at the end of the day it comes down to personal preference. If you’re having trouble deciding, don’t fret – they also sell a box with both. This liquid gold is sure to please even the toughest of critics. 

La Limonaia Sorrento is one of my favorite restaurants in the city of Sorrento located on the Sorrento Peninsula next to the Amalfi Coast. The entire property is a massive lemon grove and garden, offering a peaceful and tranquil dining experience within what can sometimes be a hectic and busy environment. Since they grow much of the produce they use in the restaurant from their own garden, they also make their own products from it too, such as jams, honeys, and limoncello! They even sell ceramic cups and mugs that are decorated with the iconic Amalfi Coast lemons so that you can feel as though you are living La Dolce Vita right in your own home. 

Ok ok ok – while it may not be an Italian product, I can’t let a list of Italian products go by without including my book, You Deserve Good Gelato. This book is my stories of lessons learned while traveling and living abroad, many of which are my experiences adapting to a new life and culture in Italy. 

I wrote this book for anyone who has ever been scared to take the leap. It’s a travel book that will encourage you to see the world and embrace new cultures, but it’s also a book about empowerment, and reminding you that you are so much more capable than you think you are. 

Available everywhere books are sold (including the audio book, read by me!). More info here. 

Happy Holidays from me to you! <3 

17 November 2024

Grab your glass and cheers! It’s time to celebrate the vast and exciting cocktail culture in Italy. 

The Italian experience is of COURSE so full of incredible food and wine, BUT what you may not know is that their cocktail scene is just as strong. During your travels around Italy, you’ll come to discover that alcohol culture in Italy is not one of quick fixes and fleeting moments – it is an art, and treated as such. The social nature of sitting and sipping, one ingrained in every Italian, is designed to inspire you in more ways than what it may seem on the surface level. The same passion and artistry that lives within Italy’s historic cities can also be found inside your next drink – after all, Aperitivo, the OG Happy Hour, is so ingrained in daily Italian life that the image of people-watching with a spritz in hand as the sun sets below the auburn rooftops of 17th century buildings is iconic enough to sway even the most reluctant of homebodies. However, even Aperitivo is really be just a jumping off point – speakeasies, grungy cocktail bars and many more have evolved the art and craft of this cocktail scene to become a natural part of the tradition. 

Picture this: enjoying a beautiful aperitivo stop (fun fact – aperitivo is derived from the verb “aprire” which means “to open” – thus, “aperitivo” is meant to “open” your stomach for – you guessed it – dinner and drinks!), followed by a delicious dinner and ending the night with an incredible cocktail. Sounds like a perfect Italian evening, right? Additionally, the wonderful social energy of these great bars might even make you feel like a local –  in fact, some of my favorite memories since being in Italy are sitting at the bar, meeting new friends, learning great tips from the awesome local bartenders and giving me nights out in Italy I’ll never forget. And to think I found all of that in the search for a great Negroni.

Now let’s be real – it would be impossible for me to share every single bar with fantastic cocktails across the entire country of Italy, because let’s face it – you’d be reading for days if I did (which like…I’m also not mad about but I do recognize you may have other things to do), so instead, let me break down some fantastic places to take you on a cocktail journey if and when you find yourself in the iconic cities of Milan, Florence, or Rome for now, with the full promise that there will be plenty more where that came from.

If you’re looking for something tasty to follow that iconic spritz, then pull out your notepad and let’s great crackin’.

Ok I lied – before jumping in to WHERE to get a good cocktail in Italy, it’s first important to know WHAT cocktails you should try here:

Spritz: 

Made with the base ingredients of Prosecco and a Liqueur of choice and brought to you by every Instagram influencer’s trip to Italy feed (Including myself, lol), a spritz is the defining cocktail of Aperitivo. Possibly the most iconic of Spritz among the bunch is the Aperol Spritz, made with equal parts Aperol and Prosecco with a splash of club soda. It’s the most classic of all the spritz in Italy, however I’ll be honest…I am not a massive fun of Aperol Spritz. *cue the gasps*

If you’re like me, never fear – did you know that there are many different types of Spritz’s in Italy where Aperol is no where to be found? Some classic Spritz cocktails to try on your next Aperitivo 

• • Select Spritz: Made with Select and Prosecco. Slightly more bitter and less sweet than Aperol, and is served with an olive (yes, an olive!) inside. Fun fact – Select Spritz originates from Venice and is what you will most likely be served in Venice. It’s also what most (if not all) Venetians will tell you is the classic, OG spritz, NOT Aperol. If you disagree…don’t shoot the messenger. 

• • Campari Spritz: If Select Spritz is the cousin or slightly jaded aunt of Aperol Spritz, Campari Spritz is the older and more wise brother of Aperol Spritz. Made with Campari and Prosecco, Campari Spritz is more bitter, darker in color, has more depth, and most importantly, has about 2-3x the ABV (Alcohol by Volume) than Aperol Spritz does.

• • Hugo Spritz: If you really don’t like any of the above Liqueurs and really can’t do bitter in any sense of the word, then a Hugo Spritz is for you. Made with Elderflower Liqueur (like St. Germain), Prosecco, club soda, and served with mint and lime slices, a Hugo Spritz is gentle, sweet, and very easy to suck down quickly if you’re not careful. You’ve been warned. 

• • Limoncello Spritz: I saved my personal favorite for last – the Limoncello Spritz. Made with Limoncello and Prosecco and most commonly found in Southern Italy due to the vast amount of lemons grown there, the limoncello spritz is tangy but gentle, sour but sweet, and is my personal favorite aperitif cocktail. 

It’s likely you’ll see many other variations of Spritz around Italy – passionfruit spritz, pomegranate spritz, etc – as well as per bar depending on what creations they personally like to whip up. The above are the most classic variations you’ll find throughout Italy, but let your heart lead you to whatever spritz you feel is best for you <3  

Negroni:

Negroni’s is another typical aperitivo cocktail and famously was created in Florence! With the idea to enhance a refreshing drink, the Negroni adds in Gin with Campari and sweet vermouth to make a delicious cocktail
that’s great to drink not only at Aperitivo, but at anytime during the night. Similar to the Spritz, you’ll find many bars throughout Italy playing on different variations of a Negroni, such as substituting with Mezcal for a fantastic smokey experience. There is also a Negroni Sbagliato (🎵 A Negroni…with Prosecco…Sbagliato…🎵), which is, as you guessed, made with Prosecco instead of gin. There’s a fascinating story behind how this drink came to be – check out the video I made on it on it here)

Americano: 

The cousin of a Negroni, an Americano simply adds gin in with the Negroni recipe – you know, just to give it a little something extra. Whether it’s for Aperitivo or after dinner, an Americano is good at any point in the festivities. 

Amaro:

This famous Italian herbal liqueur is really used as a digestive (better known as a digestif). Sometimes you can get it in a small glass, usually after a meal or for a nightcap. It’s smooth, sometimes bitter or sometimes sweet with many types to choose from. The biggest thing to remember is to NOT SHOOT IT. Slowly enjoy your amaro and feel just like a local. 

In Rome, Milan, & Florence

Just to really drive the point home – there are SO many amazing cocktail bars all over Italy making it quite impossible to list them in total. BUT – we have to start somewhere, right?! Here, I want to focus on some of my favorite bars in Rome, Florence, and Milan: places where Italy’s art and hospitality come together to create an unforgettable cocktail moment.

Freni e Frizioni,  Via del Politeama, 4, 00153 Roma RM

Rome has a thriving cocktail scene and so many awesome bars but I think starting off with aperitivo at Freni e Frizioni in Trastevere is a great option. This grungy spot serves up all kinds of creative cocktails (the Montagna Spritz is a refreshing alternative choice) while hosting a whole buffet of snacks which as we’ve concluded, nothing says aperitivo more than small bites and refreshing sips. They have more liquor-forward drinks when compared to other aperitivo cocktail bars as well, so there’s plenty to try. This paired with the bar’s  overall vibe, accompanied with great 90’s music, makes for an awesome visit.

Jerry Thomas Speakeasy, Vicolo Cellini, 30, 00186 Roma RM

Italy’s nightlife is full of crowded streets with people catching up and socializing late into the evening so after dinner is perfect for a speakeasy moment. There are some great speakeasies in Rome, but Jerry Thomas Speakeasy is hands down the best. After you’ve made a reservation and obtained the password, venture down this quiet street to find its door. Buzz in and enter a jazzy cocktail world where there’s no WiFi because drinking and socializing are the main event. This bar is serving up signature drinks, fantastic classics and some of the best old fashioneds and Negronis in Italy. Before you know it, it’s 3am and you’re leaving the bar with new friends and lots of memories.

Wisdomless Club, Via Sora, 33, 00186 Roma RM

Wisdomless in Rome is an exciting and eclectic cocktail bar. Classic, vintage sitting rooms fill this two story space while being accompanied by its own in house tattoo parlor (making those tipsy spontaneous decisions so much easier huh). The space feels like a library, cigar room and tattoo shop all in one. If you’re not looking for some new ink, simply sit and savor one of these distinct and beautifully crafted cocktails.

Drink Kong, Piazza di S. Martino Ai Monti, 8, 00184 Roma RM

This fun and eclectic cocktail bar located in the hip neighborhood of Monti is made extra unique by its Japanese street style themed food and drinks. Simple cocktails packed with flavor and skillfully crafted, make sure to save room for the great food they’ve got pumping out of the kitchen to pair with. 

Manifattura, Piazza di S. Pancrazio, 1, 50123 Firenze FI

In Florence there are all types of different cocktail bars to choose from, from grungy study-abroad bars (IYKYK) to classic, old-style cocktail spots. Personally, I’m partial to the fantastic Manifattura, a stylish cocktail bar serving ONLY Italian liquors. They’re whipping up creative drinks with some fun theming and the local products make for some unique cocktails. Plus, the team here is a blast! 

Rasputin, Borgo Tegolaio, 21R, 50125 Firenze FI

There are great speakeasy moments to be had in Florence, such as Rasputin, a hidden speakeasy where you can enjoy a dark, cozy cocktail in an
underground bar. As like all speakeasies, the door is unmarked and requires you to channel your inner Sherlock to figure out exactly where the door is. But hey, what’s a little mystery-solving when you know there’s a cocktail at the end of it waiting for you? 

Gucci Giardino, P.za della Signoria, 37r, 50122 Firenze FI

Or if you’re looking for some style inspo, try Gucci Giardino, a beautiful cocktail bar connected to the Gucci store and restaurant that’s offering up some high end mixology. Speaking of aperitivo, Gucci’s delicious purple Memoire di Negroni is a total standout.

Locale Firenze, Via delle Seggiole, 12r, 50122 Firenze FI

Possibly one of the most popular cocktail bars in Florence due to the fact that it was once ranked #36 in Top 50 bars in the entire world, Locale is a must-visit for any cocktail enthusiast. Located in a stunning medieval villa in the center of Florence with a rich history (ask to see the cellar, if you can), the 20 Euro minimum cocktails you will find at Locale are well worth the price point. Although the bar begins as a restaurant early in the evening, serving up elegant and creative dinner and aperitivo dishes, around 10pm the bar begins to transform into a bumpin hotspot with lights and cocktails being shaken to the beat of the live DJ. Definitely make a reservation in advance as the line outside to enter without one gets long. Little tip: go for aperitivo or dinner  and simply stay through the evening if you wish to enjoy the nightlife here in the later hours! 

Djaria American Bar, Via dei Serragli, 100r, 50124 Firenze FI

I know I know – you may be scuffing at me for including an American Bar in the list of bars serving up great Italian cocktails, but in my personal opinion, Djaria may be serving up some of the best cocktails in all of Florence. Run by Florence-born Nicolo and New Jersey-born Sarah, the couple run this bar with sleek efficiency of their individual skills. While Sarah is cooking up the best American food you’ll find in all of Italy (I said what I said), Nicolo is a skilled mixologist, changing the menu often with his new creations that will knock your socks off. The precision of care he takes into creating each individual cocktail is not to be missed. 

Bitter Bar, Via di Mezzo, 28/30r, 50121 Firenze FI

Lowkey, chill, and filled with comfy mismatched couches and bar stools, this easy 1920’s themed cocktail bar just off the main roads serves up great cocktails with skill, creativity, and a little jazz on the side. If you’re feeling daring, ask to have them whip you up whatever cocktail they’re feeling like making that evening. Definitely make a reservation in advance, as the spot is small and once you’re in, there’s no time limit to how long you can stay! 

Tripstillery, Piazza Alvar Aalto, 20124 Milano MI

Listen – being the economic city of Italy, you’ll be pressed to find a bad place to grab a cocktail in the bustling city of Milan, however Tripstillery is one of my favorites. Beyond the vibe being very inviting, they’re set on crafting their own gin and amaro in house, which feels as contemporary as the city around it. 

Camparino in Galleria, P.za del Duomo, 21, 20121 Milano MI

Camparino, the home of Campari, is a whole institution right in the center of Milan. Do like the locals do and grab a cocktail at the bar and stand outside with your spritz or Negroni basking in the view of the Duomo. Make sure to try the Campari Shakerato. It’s fantastic!

Mag Cafe, Ripa di Porta Ticinese, 43, 20143 Milano MI

Located in the lively nightlife neighborhood of Navagli, Mag Cafe is a cozy, intimate spot that is great not only aperitivo, but for after-dinner cocktails as well. The cocktail list is large and inventive, but the plus is that while you sip and snack, you also have a great view of one  of the many canals typical of this neighborhood. Make sure to get the Negroni here – it’s top-tier.

While traveling all over Italy to these historic cities and towns, you can always find something great to drink. A cocktail with a view can be grabbed at Il Tridente inside the Hotel Poseidon in Positano, a breathtaking view over the Amalfi Coast that’s perfect for sunset. In the magical city that is Venice, Il Mercante is crafting up specialty drinks with all sorts of different local ingredients. If you’re still hungry from all that walking around, they can even heat up a little panini to enjoy with your, wait for
it…old fashioned. And speaking of old fashioned, Harry’s Bar near St. Mark’s square, a classy bar where Hemingway used to frequent and the home of the iconic Bellini, is an institution in Venice. 

Truly, this list can go on and on. If you’re like me and really enjoy the artistry and experience of a craft cocktail bar, Italy offers up so much. In these places where they are mixing and stirring, you can learn so much more about this incredible country.

It’s a sip that can feel good. A sip that feels special. And maybe a sip that becomes unforgettable.

Salute!