Week 4 of What I Ate This Week kept me grounded in St. Pete. From fresh Italian market finds at Mazzaro’s to homemade dinners and a return visit to Colony Pizza, it was all about good ingredients and coastal comfort. Even a quick stop at Cover Two back home rounded out the week.
What I Ate This Week: July 14 – July 20
From steakhouse indulgence to Italian markets and beach bites, this week’s journey across Charlotte and St. Pete brought comfort, flavor, and a few unexpected highlights worth revisiting.
What I Ate This Week: July 7-July13
Week 2 of What I Ate This Week took me to Charlotte, NC. I visited a local brewery, grabbed a slice of NY-style pizza, survived airport eats, and capped it off with snacks under the sun at a Sunday polo match.
What I Ate This Week: A Yearlong Culinary Diary Inspired by Italy
Join me each week as I document What I Ate This Week—a culinary diary inspired by Italy and the joy of seasonal eating. From home-cooked pasta to travel bites, it’s a flavorful adventure that brings together taste and tradition.
A Journey from Nicastro: My Great Grandfather’s Legacy
Born in Nicastro, Italy, in 1892, my great grandfather Vincenzo immigrated to America alone at 17. From coal mines in Scranton to building a large family in Norwalk, his story is one of courage, resilience, and deep Italian roots. This personal journey through generations explores our Italian-American heritage and the powerful legacy of family.
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.
Mario the Organic Lemon Farmer: A Slice of Amalfi Sunshine at Il Gusto della Costa
Il Gusto della Costa in Praiano is home to Mario, the organic lemon farmer whose handcrafted limoncello and citrus-based products capture the essence of the Amalfi Coast. Discover his shop, tasting tours, and a heartfelt homemade meal shared beneath lemon trees.
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!