Sep 26th, 2009 by haveninparis
Text by Sarah Raymond
Photos courtesy of La Petraia, Michael Grant & Sarah Raymond
In the US, the vast majority of food & grocery shopping is done in supermarkets. We cook with canned beans or tomatoes, pre-butchered meats, and shrink-wrapped cold cuts – or consume industrially prepared foods – rarely stopping to consider where exactly these things come from. One item could be fresh from a nearby farm, another from halfway across the world. While many Americans are becoming increasingly aware of how and where their food is produced, there is still a sense of detachment between the food we eat and its origins. Recently, however, following an eye-opening Italian dining experience at La Petraia – in Tuscany’s Chianti region – I was inspired to rethink how I purchase, prepare, and consume food.
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Tags: agriturismo, Chianti, farm, Italy, La Petraia, luxury accommodations, restaurant, Susan Grant, sustainable agriculture, Tuscany
Posted in HiP Eats, HiP Travel, Italy tips & suggestions | No Comments »
Jul 26th, 2009 by haveninparis
Text & Photos Erica Berman
Today I learned an interesting coffee tidbit from a couple of Italian friends and coffee connoisseurs; the best coffee in Italy, can often be found in the rest stops on the highway (Autogrill). In fact, some Autogrill/rest stop restaurants apparently even make it into Italian Guide Books! Continue Reading »
Tags: Autogrill, Caffé, Caffe Italia, capuccino, Coffee in Italy, Italy
Posted in Erica's Escapades, Italy tips & suggestions | 3 Comments »
Jul 12th, 2009 by haveninparis
Camogli
Text and Photos Erica Berman
July in Genoa and things are heating up. It is time to find ways to get out of the heat. Temperatures in the sun often surpass 90°F, even with low humidity, it is HOT.
One the best places to be is on my 100m² terrace, enjoying my panoramic view of the city and port. Continue Reading »
Tags: camogli, Cappuccino, Focaccia, Genes, Genoa, Genova, Liguria, Ligurie, Punta Chiappa
Posted in Erica's Escapades, HiP Travel, Italy tips & suggestions | 1 Comment »
Jul 2nd, 2009 by haveninparis
If you’re yearning for a summer getaway, it’s not too late to make the most of the warm weather! We are currently offering 25% off ANY STAY at our fabulous Tuscany villas, Haybarn, Poggio and Capriolo. In the heart of one of Italy’s most popular and historic destinations, enjoy your private pool set among rolling hills in between excursions to the markets and towns nearby, deliciously drawn-out meals and, of course, siesta!
Tags: Discount Summer Holiday, Luxury Summer Vacation Tuscany, Luxury Villas Italy, Luxury Villas Tuscany, Special Offers Tuscany villas, Summer Specials Tuscany, Tuscany Villa Rentals, Vacation Special Offer Tuscany
Posted in HiP Travel, Italy tips & suggestions | No Comments »
Jun 20th, 2009 by haveninparis
Focaccia from le Coq Noir
Photos and text Erica Berman
Focaccia in Genoa is a mouthwatering mix of chewy, salty and olive oily. At its best it is crunchy on the edges and soft and warm in the middle. The Genovese wholeheartedly consume Focaccia all day long, but they especially devour it at breakfast. Initially I was skeptical at this seemingly odd combination of sweet and salty, but I was quickly converted. There is something magical about the combination of focaccia and cappuccino. I should know, I have nicely accustomed myself to the mix – every morning.
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Tags: Baribaldi, Caffe degli Specchi, capuccino, Focaccia, focaccia alla genovese, focaccia col formaggio, Genoa, Genova, Il Botteghino delle Vigne, Pane e Tulipani, piazza delle vigne
Posted in Erica's Escapades, Italy tips & suggestions | 3 Comments »
Jun 17th, 2009 by haveninparis
Photo and text Erica Berman
Have you ever noticed that when the Italians hang their laundry out to dry, they hang it all out? Now, don’t get me wrong, I don’t think I am particularly prudish (al contrario), but I have to admit I am intrigued. I am not sure I how keen I am to have my neighbors, not to mention the neighborhood, sharing intimate knowledge of my bras and underwear.
When asked, my Italian friends see nothing strange about the hanging or the viewing. Hmmm, it is me?
Posted in Erica's Escapades, Italy tips & suggestions | 2 Comments »
Jun 15th, 2009 by haveninparis
Text & Photos Erica Berman
Genoa, June 2009: The search for the perfect cappuccino is on. It’s hard to go wrong when drinking any sort of coffee in Italy, but the smiling cappuccino from the Cafe in Piazza delle Vigne, although good, but not the greatest, takes the award for most adorable. Continue Reading »
Tags: Caffé, capuccino, Coffee in Italy, Genoa, Genova, Italy, piazza delle vigne
Posted in Erica's Escapades, Italy tips & suggestions | No Comments »
Jun 10th, 2009 by haveninparis
Typical Genoa
Text and all Photos Erica Berman
So, what do I do here friends want to know? This is my third trip to Genoa, and I still have not been to the Aquarium, to the famous museums that dot the city, or even to see the house where Christopher Colombus supposedly lived. I have thoroughly walked on the winding passageways (caruggi), in and around Genoa’s old medieval center (said to be the largest medieval center in Europe).
I have criss-crossed my neighborhood Castelletto, and I have made it my mission to find the best gelateria, the best focacceria, the best cappuccino,
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Tags: Camoglie, Castelletto, Foccacia, Genes, Genoa, Genova, Liguria, Portofino, Santa Margherita, Trofie al pesto
Posted in Erica's Escapades, HiP Travel, Italy tips & suggestions | 1 Comment »
May 31st, 2009 by haveninparis
Photo : Erica Berman
To find out more about Liguria, Finale Ligure, Cinque Terre, Valleponci, Bocca di Magra, Forte dei Marmi and many other wonderful, and off the beaten track, places, please click on the following links:
hipparis.com/2009/06/04/bocca-di-magra-montemarcello-valleponci-finale-ligure
hipparis.com/2009/06/02/forte-dei-marmi-sarzana-biaghi-gelato-more
Posted in Erica's Escapades, Italy tips & suggestions | No Comments »
May 21st, 2009 by haveninparis
One of our views & rose bushes by the villa
Text and Photos: Erica Berman
For some reason, one I am not sure of, most Americans (and the majority of tourists in general) come to Italy for Tuscany, Rome and Venice. Don’t get me wrong, these are all beautiful places, and definitely merit a visit, or many, but there are oodles of other places in Italy worthy of discovery.
The Villa
Liguria is a small region of Italy nestled between the French border and Tuscany, and covers a long coastline bordered by mountains. Genova is the capital and Portofino its most known city, followed closely by the spectacular Cinque Terre. Luckily for those who care to sojourn within, few have heard of Liguria – not even most French, whose border touches it. Miles of unspoiled mountainous coastline and sandy beaches, kilometers and kilometers of hiking, excellent food and friendly hosts – this is right up our vacation alley. Continue Reading »
Tags: Carrara, Cinque Terre, Forte di Marmi, Italy, Liguria, Ortonovo, Sarzana, Tuscany, Vacation, Vacation Villa, Villa
Posted in Erica's Escapades, HiP Travel, Italy tips & suggestions | 5 Comments »
