Life in Italy vs. Life in France: part 1.

August 23, 2010  by Erica Berman

Photos Erica Berman – cappuccino Genova

I’m back in Paris after 2 months of learning Italian in Genoa, Italy. The cool Paris weather is a shock after the heat of Italy, but I’m excited to be home.

Naturally, I can’t help comparing the (Genovese) Italians to the (Parisian) French with whom I have cohabited for almost 18 years. Little differences and similarities between the daily life in both countries are entertaining, endearing and often surprising.

Doggy love Italian style

Things I have noticed: Life in Italy vs France

• You will be scoffed at in both countries for ordering a cappuccino in the afternoon. Mind you, I do it anyway. How gauche is that?

• Both Italians and French cut lines with zeal. Little old Italian ladies are surprisingly cunning. Be alert!

• Taxis in both cities can, and will, try to rip you, the foreigner, off even if you speak the language. Be aware.

• Both Italians and French love their doggies and bring them in trains, restaurants and just about everywhere they can physically go. In both countries you will see many a person out and about deep in conversation with Fido. Continue Reading »

Posted in Italy tips & suggestions, Parisian Living | 29 Comments »

I Know How To Cook – Ginette Mathiot’s Classic Cookbook translated: Chocolate & Zucchini’s Clotilde Dusoulier at WH Smith in Paris – Tuesday, Nov. 17

November 14, 2009  by Tory Hoen

Our friend Clotilde Dusoulier (of Chocolate and Zucchini) has helped to edit the English version of Ginette Mathiot’s classic french cookbook, Je Sais Cuisiner. This book is the bible of French cooking and can be found in just about every French kitchen (Fanny Farmer or The Joy of Cooking would be the American equivalents). When I spoke to Clotilde last spring, she was wrapping up the project, and this Tuesday, November 17, at 7pm, she will be at WH Smith to publicize the book—on shelves now in France and the United States. The event will also mark the 6th anniversary of Chocolate and Zucchini, Clotilde’s wildly successful food blog that put her on the map as one of today’s best culinary bloggers. Continue Reading »

Posted in Events, HiP Recipes | No Comments »