Drive north from Verona and watch Italy slowly change its mind about itself. The vineyards shift from Corvina to Blauburgunder — which you may know as Pinot Noir, but they will correct you here, politely, as they correct everything. The architecture thickens, the roof pitches steepen against the weight of alpine snow, the signage becomes bilingual and then, quietly, more German than Italian. By the time you reach Bolzano — which they call Bozen — you have left the Mediterrane

This week, our Tour of Italy takes us to the sun-soaked region of Puglia, dubbed as the “heel” of Italy’s boot, where olive groves stretch for miles, the sea is never far away, and the cuisine is as honest as it is unforgettable. Pugliese cooking is rooted in simplicity, shaped by generations of farmers and fishermen who turned humble ingredients into deeply satisfying dishes. Here, food is not about excess but about making the most of what you have, and doing it beautifully.

This week, our Tour of Italy takes us to the beautiful region of Veneto in northeastern Italy—a place where mountains, countryside, and waterways come together to shape a rich and diverse culinary tradition. From the canals of Venice to its inland farms and vineyards, Veneto’s cuisine is deeply connected to both land and sea. Here, dishes are rooted in seasonality, history, and simplicity, offering flavors that are at once comforting, refined, and unmistakably Italian. A Dish

As part of our Tour of Italy  series, we invite you to travel with us to Abruzzo —a rugged, soulful region often called “The Green Heart of Europe.”  Tucked between the Apennine mountains and the Adriatic Sea, Abruzzo is a place of striking contrasts: wild landscapes, quiet villages, and a cuisine shaped by both land and tradition. This is not the Italy of grand feasts and elaborate techniques. This is something deeper, more rooted—where simplicity tells the story. Where Moun

Few ingredients capture the imagination quite like truffles. Earthy, aromatic, and unmistakably indulgent, truffles have long been prized in Italian cuisine as a symbol of simplicity elevated to something extraordinary. Just a shaving or two can transform a dish—adding depth, richness, and a sense of occasion. But what exactly are truffles, and why are they so special? What Are Truffles? Truffles are a type of underground fungus that grow in close relationship with the roots

Every year on St. Patrick's Day , people around the world dress in green, gather with friends, and celebrate Irish culture with festive food, music, and good cheer. What began as a religious feast day has grown into a global celebration full of colorful traditions. Here are seven interesting facts that might surprise you about this beloved holiday. 1. St. Patrick Wasn’t Actually Irish The man behind the holiday, Saint Patrick , was actually born in Roman Britain in the late 4

Fritto Misto / The Spruce Eats - Cara Cormack With more than 4,700 miles of coastline, it’s no surprise that seafood plays a starring role in Italian cuisine. From the rocky shores of Liguria to the sun-soaked islands of Sicily, each coastal region brings its own flavors, traditions, and techniques to the table. Italian seafood cooking is rooted in simplicity—fresh ingredients, minimal fuss, and a deep respect for the sea. Here’s a look at how seafood shapes the culinary iden

If you’ve ever traveled to Italy—or simply lingered long enough at an Italian café around sunset—you’ve likely witnessed the magic of aperitivo . It’s not just a pre-dinner drink. It’s a ritual. A pause. A way of shifting from the busyness of the day into the pleasure of the evening. But how do Italians really  do aperitivo hour? Let’s step into their world. What Is Aperitivo, Really? The word aperitivo  comes from the Latin aperire , meaning “to open.” The idea is simple: op

There’s something irresistible about fresh-baked focaccia. With its golden crust, airy interior, and rich olive oil flavor, focaccia is the perfect canvas for both simple and creative toppings. Whether you love it classic and herb-forward or piled high with bold ingredients, this Italian favorite is endlessly versatile—and endlessly delicious. Here’s your guide to building the perfect focaccia topping combination. 1. Keep It Classic: Rosemary & Sea Salt Sometimes the simplest