La vita italiana

There is a document that identifies and defines us throughout the world: the passport. The passport is required to enter into other countries and provides the authorities with the important details of our lives. For those who commit serious crimes, …

The Romagnoli people have been eating piada or piadina flat bread for centuries. Indeed, it’s thought that the recipe might even date back to the Etruscans, ancient precursors to the Romans. Increasingly others are catching on to the piadina’s signature …

Most of you probably know him better as “Chef Boyardee,” the name and face behind a popular brand of Italian style canned foods.  Established in 1928 in Cleveland, Ohio, by brothers Ettore, Mario and Paul, “Chef Boyardee” (spelled phonetically to …

If you have ever been to Rome in the summer you surely have walked along the waterfront of the Tiber river at dusk. It is a happening place! It is a ideal spot for both city dwellers and tourists alike …

From Queen Elizabeth II to restaurateurs in the L.A. area, everyone offers support to the people hit by last week’s deadly earthquake. The tragic events of last week’s earthquake in central Italy touched the minds and hearts of a large …

Regattas have been popular in Venice since at least the 13th century when the first one was documented. And the water races probably date back much further as Venice has always, by virtue of its location, been a spectacularly successful …

On the first weekend of September the wonderful, historic city of Verona, in northern Italy, celebrates a special birthday. The party sees singing, dancing and lots of fancy costumes. And this year it’s commemorating the 1298th birthday of Verona’s most …

If you have good reporting skills and are available to travel to Italy next week, we’ll get you on a flight to Italy with all travel expenses paid as our magazine’s ambassador to follow Saint Francis’ footsteps from Assisi to …

One of the most macabre and moving self-portraits in the world is in the Borghese Gallery in Rome. It’s not labelled as a self-portrait – it’s David with the Head of Goliath. This late painting by Caravaggio depicts the young …

Among all the American “italophiles” that have contributed to the shaping and defining of our current idea of Italy over the last centuries, Henry James seems to be an outstandingly meticulous observer. Not only has this great writer detailed the …