Over the summer, I was watching TCM and found an old movie that was set somewhere in Italy. I honestly don’t remember what it was called or who starred in it, luckily it isn’t important. The main character kept ordering a drink that I had never heard of before called Strega. After researching online, I learned that it was an herbaceous liqueur that according to legend…
According to the notes app on my phone, I created this dish on Jan. 18, 2016. I was watching an old episode of Rachael Ray’s 30 Minute Meals and she was trying to make a money-saving dinner of beans and rice. Her version was a spin on Louisiana Creole dirty rice. The whole premise of the show was that few things are as cheap as beans and…
Like most avid travelers, I’ve been obsessed with checking the daily news about border re-openings, quarantine restrictions, and the delta variant. In April, I found a great deal on business class seats to Italy in late August, and I jumped on them. The Italian border wasn’t even open and we weren’t vaccinated at the time, but I couldn’t resist. Luckily, the…
Carefully planning a vacation can be the difference between a good trip and the trip of a lifetime. Rather than taking on this important task on your own, let me help. I’ve been visiting and studying Italy for nearly 20 years. I’ve experienced every range of the Italian travel spectrum from backpacking and hostels to flying first class and staying in luxurious accommodations. With my first…
Who knew that a simple piece of paper looking like an oversized business card could bring me so much joy and hope for the future? I’ve suffered from asthma since I was a kid, and I’d be lying if I said I haven’t been terrified of getting COVID-19. After anxiously waiting for my number to be called for months, I finally received my…
I’m absolutely in love with Luciano Pavarotti. Even for people that don’t appreciate opera, I think everyone can admit that this man’s voice was a gift from God. His passion for perfecting his craft reminds me so much of Michelangelo. His range, diction, and intense perfection produce a rich sound that is often referred to as “squillo”- an opera term for a…
