Amsterdam is often called the “Venice of the North,” but the connection goes deeper than canals. From a love of the good life to a thriving Italian culinary scene, the Dutch capital embraces Italian warmth and flavor in ways that might surprise you. We’ll take you through the city’s Venetian echoes, its vibrant café culture, and three restaurants—Sapore Italiano, Il Pacioccone, and Ceppi’s—that transport you to Italy, one perfect plate at a time.
Lifestyle & Culture
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Discover the Charm of Osteria, Trattoria, and Ristorante
What’s the difference between an osteria, trattoria, and ristorante? Learn the types of Italian restaurants, their rich history, famous examples, and how these classic dining styles have influenced Italian-American cuisine.
Lifestyle & Culture / Products & Finds
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The Italian Coffee Ritual: Espresso, Culture, and the Joy of the Brew
Explore the rich tradition of Italian coffee—from its espresso origins to modern brewing at home with machines like the Breville Barista Touch. Learn tips for perfecting your cup, understand how coffee shapes Italian life, and discover the best beans to use.
Lifestyle & Culture
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Dean Martin: A Life of Song, Cinema, and Italian Soul
Dean Martin, the King of Cool, was more than just a Hollywood legend—he was a proud son of Italy. Born Dino Crocetti to Italian immigrants, Martin’s music, movies, and image were shaped by his deep love for Italian culture, especially his family’s Neapolitan roots. Explore how Italy influenced every part of his storied life.
Lifestyle & Culture / Stories
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Castello di Volpaia: Wine, Heritage, and Hospitality in the Heart of Chianti
Explore the historic charm and exceptional wines of Castello di Volpaia, a medieval Chianti village transformed into a renowned vineyard estate. We enjoyed a personalized tasting and tour hosted by the Mascheroni Stianti family, and sampled their bold reds and exquisite olive oil. It’s a must-visit destination for wine lovers exploring Tuscany.
Lifestyle & Culture / Recipes
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The Art of the Negroni: A Classic Italian Cocktail with a Stanley Tucci Twist
Discover the bold, bittersweet charm of the classic Italian Negroni cocktail, and why Stanley Tucci’s shaken version became a viral sensation. Learn about its origins, how to make it like Tucci, and how this iconic aperitivo became a symbol of Italian sophistication around the world.
Lifestyle & Culture
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Chianti Wine: A Deep Dive into Tuscany’s Most Iconic Red
Chianti is Tuscany’s most famous wine, and its rich history, DOCG status, and iconic Sangiovese grapes have made it a favorite among wine lovers worldwide. In this guide, we explore the Chianti region, explain DOCG labeling, and uncover what makes Chianti so special—from its rustic roots to refined riservas.
Lifestyle & Culture / Stories
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The Hunt for the Aperol Spritz Umbrella: How We Brought La Dolce Vita to Our Backyard
Transform your backyard into an Italian oasis with the story behind our unforgettable hunt for the iconic Aperol Spritz umbrella. Inspired by a beach club sighting in Connecticut, our family became obsessed with capturing that unmistakable Italian summer vibe. From scouring eBay to tapping into secret sources, this post shares how we finally scored the bold orange umbrella and brought la dolce vita home. Perfect for lovers of Aperol, outdoor entertaining, and Italian style, this fun tale will inspire your own aperitivo hour dreams—one spritz at a time. Viva l’Italia, right from your patio!
Lifestyle & Culture / Products & Finds
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La Pasqua at Home: Easter Traditions in an Italian-American Family
Celebrate La Pasqua, Italian-style, with a heartfelt look into the Easter traditions of Italian-American families. From baking rich ricotta pies to gathering around tables filled with roasted lamb and symbolic dishes, this holiday is a vibrant blend of cultural heritage and cherished memories. Discover how Old World customs meet New World creativity in kitchens and homes across the U.S.—where faith, food, and family take center stage. Whether you’re honoring generations past or starting new traditions, this guide to Easter in an Italian-American household will inspire your own joyful and flavorful celebration of the season.