0 the 1

Narciso: Pasticceria di 3 Generazione

noreply@blogger.com (Katerina Bon Vora) — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 17:09:00 +0000

Its hard not to pass by Narciso if you take a walk around the old walls of Macerata. Its always there, waiting perfectly around the curve right after the grand view of the park and rolling hills, a lucky spot to pause for a shot of espresso or a cup of cappuccino with one of the many delectable sweets - including *SHOCK* those traditional in Sicily. Its important to note that everywhere in Italy, a handful few food items are common like pasta and pizza but local fare is still the staple and it varries not just between regions but also between cities/towns (pizza, for exampe, is best in Napoli. Pesto, in Genova. Risotto, in Milan, and so on). Finding Cannoli and Cassata here in Macerata is almost bizzare, yet what a happy discovery for us!

Then began the story of Narciso.

3 generations of pastry-makers, the first one is the grand-father whos son, as a child, was too cute that they called him Narciso. During the war, he made friends with a comrade from Sicily who then revealed the recipe and technique for creating the Sicilian treats still made and enjoyed to this day many many decades later. Italian foodies are always suspicious about eating something traditional where it isn't but I'd like to think that Narciso was serious about keeping it authentic to the point that years ago they were still using ricotta directly from Sicily.

Throughout those years the bar/pasticceria (and even at some point, restaurant and pizzeria) went through many changes and saw the passing of time. Photos from various periods are scattered around the room like one summer decades ago when so many people came, all the tables outside were filled. Or the time when Italian Tour de France champion Fausto Coppi passed by. Photos of the old buildings, the old grocery showing how they used to buy pasta by the grams. Most interesting for me was the time when the jukebox came out and they had the first jukebox in Macerata. They transformed the space into a Diner and it was the most popular place in town. You can still see the remains of those glory days like the retro light-box signs with various gelato combinations.

Son of Narciso, the only one left taking care of the place and making the pastries his grandfather made. The recipes handed down to him from pastries to local food - all of them he remembers by heart. I hope we can come by again and write some of it down (he did invite us to come by for one of his traditional Maceratese dishes). I sure hope his children will carry on the tradition...

Alphaville

noreply@blogger.com (Katerina Bon Vora) — Sun, 12 Feb 2012 11:07:00 +0000

Welcome to Alphaville by Jean-Luc Godard (1965), dystopian science fiction and film noir (Fra suggests George Orwell's 1984. I say Sin City with a brooding Dick Tracy poet.).

Not a movie for everyone unless your stuck at home with a snowstorm or your really in the mood for some seriously trippy art films. Still, I liked it and liked how it gave a glimpse of what they thought the future would be like (back in 1965). Art Deco and a bit of Space Age design featured and it just feels so strange to think that at that time, this was as modern as they could get. (Like how Back to the Future felt back in 1985, not feeling the same way today 2012. dear LOHRD - this IS the future. or is it? *twilight zone theme playing*). Anyway, Alphaville with its Machine/logic/mind VS Art/intuition/heart argument is still something to think about even today.

----------------------------------------------------------

Sidenote: Snow is back with a vengeance. 2 days of pause just seems so very short and though the sun came to greet us for the first time in days, it just made the next round of ice all the less exciting. No internet for a day the other day, very little yesterday but happy to report that I've gone on my 30 days of yoga (5th day today) without much difficulty (other than sore muscles but it just gets better every day).

2nd day of Yoga. feeling rusty

noreply@blogger.com (Katerina Bon Vora) — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 16:05:00 +0000

Word of warning, personal bits coming in a few..
I suppose its the cold and being indoors for too long thats making me come face to face with myself and all of those things we'd rather brush off, hoping it'll take care of itself. After giving birth I've gone through a total life change (as do all new parents, mothers). I've never felt so much love for another human being and so much responsibility at the same time - its almost scary. No words can fully describe its beauty. Yes, many challenges yet many surprises and new discoveries too.

So, where were we? That thing I'd been brushing off? Its me. I feel like I've been neglecting myself.

To be honest, its actually been nice not having to put on makeup or care much about the way I look for the last couple of months. I'm less self-conscious and thats a load off my mind and allows me to perform other things like work and being a mom with ease. My baby guru teaches me to live in the moment all the time - every wail, every diaper change, every giggle, each of his wriggly toes mesmerizing me and putting my mind off silly things like getting a haircut. He helps me focus on what matters. That being said, I think I matter and lately I've been feeling a bit lost, a bit elsewhere, waiting to come back to earth and inhabit my body once again.

Alison, an expat like me, wonderful being living in Tuscany, had this 30 days 2 change 1 thing program and I've been wanting to participate but couldn't nail down that one thing (I had several things in mind). I finally decided that doing yoga everyday for 30 days would do me good. Why? Its me making time with my body, giving it back some love and respect, and just being quiet with myself without judgement - peace is the word, I think. :) Its my 2nd day today and boy do I feel rusty.
A very quick report here.

And if anyone shares this dream of living sustainably in an open-mind/heart community, you'll be pleased to find out that it exists in reality. My friends in the Philippines are making it happen. Take a look and share your thoughts/dreams if you like.

Recipe: Avocado-Kraut Salad with Greens

noreply@blogger.com (Katerina Bon Vora) — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 14:13:00 +0000

Snowstorm coming says the news and while today the snow went from fluffy to melty, its dreadfully only the beginning. Its not that bad, I think/hope. Just not much of a home-buddy and all this time cooped in makes me wish I was a yeti frolicking in winter wonderland.

Anyhoo, I felt like I needed a good dose of greens so we had some lightly steamed greens and a deliciously spicy Avocado-Kraut salad. Sounds like an episode of Bizzare Foods you say? Just think: pickled veggies/fruis. Its really good, no joke. *wink wink* Plus sauerkraut is packed full of good stuff and if you can get a hold of them in your local microbiotic shop/center or whole foods supermarket (or make your own) you can get creative and mix it in your salads or as a condiment, side-dish -- endless possibilities really.

Spicy Avocado-Kraut Salad

1 Avocado. Carve a grid and scoop into a bowl.
4-5 Cherry Tomatoes chopped.
1/4 cup chopped spring onions or leeks (which I had)
3 tbsps or scoops of Sauerkraut (mine is a mix of cabbage and apple)
1 tsp of Tamari (or soysauce or salt to taste)
dash of paprika (a bit more for me coz I like the flavor) and chili/peperoncino
Juice of 1 lemon

Instructions: Mix all together. Let sit for a bit for flavors to mix well before serving.

Savory Greens

4 big green Savoy Cabbagge leaves chopped into rectangle bits
1 bunch of Broccoli florets chopped roughly
1 red onion chopped
2 big garlic cloves chopped
2-3 tbsps extra virgin olive oil
salt to taste
squeeze of lemon juice and dash of chili/peperoncino (optional)

Instructions: Steam greens over boiling water for about 5-7mins or until it turns bright green and slightly wilted. In a hot pan fry chopped onions for a bit until it turns slightly brown on the sides, add salt (I dont use very much, maybe half a tsp) and chili (if you want. i do, i like it hot.) and then add chopped garlic and cook for a minute before turning off the fire, adding steamed greens and mix all together with a squeeze of lemon (if you want.). Serve.

Happy foodie.

About

noreply@blogger.com (Katerina Bon Vora) — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 18:21:00 +0000

My official introduction with arms, legs and head combined.

Hello, I’m Kat. Born and raised in the Philippines, multi-media creative*, new mom to the beautifullest (superlative of superlatives) boy, married to my love, my match, making things happen together in Italy and beyond.

Zero the One is for them and those that inspire me, a creative outlet, a way to stay curious and open, a habit I'd like to maintain like how people write on their journals/diaries or paint on canvas.

Why Zero the One?
I got into zen through a designer friend and the notion of zero, the nothingness so infinite that everything cannot escape it - embracing all, all of the whole which is one. It eluded me so, still does. Yet it keeps me awake, alert and present in the world whenever I'm feeling cloudy.

Multi-Media Creative* - the shortest set of words I can use to describe what it is that I do that includes: art/illustration, design, animation, video, photography, music, performance, a mix of these and more. I like having the freedom to use different kinds of materials whether its outside of me or a part of me. I'm open to creative/design projects and collaborations. Feel free to contact me here.

First Bread. Snowed In.

noreply@blogger.com (Katerina Bon Vora) — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 11:17:00 +0000

Eh. 4 days snowing, 4 meters of snow nearby Macerata, 4 reasons why its cool (and not just cold):

Torta Salata con Cime di Rape e Cipolla (Brocolli Rabe and Onion Quick Bread adapted from this recipe I found through pinterest. substituted some ingredients and added cumin, tumeric, ajwain seeds, lets just say its more spicy indian style) my first bread attempt though its a cheat because its "quick" and not 4 hours plus kneading, the complete bread story is yet to come.
Watching classic black and white films like Red Beard by Akira Kurosawa.
Sharing the couch with the whole family (the three of us, that is). Keeping warm and close.
Witnessing the strangeness of things like how snow accumulated on the laundry lines - and so thick too.

Also, happy happy HAPPY birthday to the awesomest embroider, artist, woman hero Smallest Forest. I have yet to write her an official fan-post. very soon though. :)

Recipe: Perssimon Banana Muffins

noreply@blogger.com (Katerina Bon Vora) — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 23:55:00 +0000

Visual learners unite! This here is an experiment in both design and baking. With all the Perssimons we

brought home from Roberto's, I thought I'd bake some before they rot. My first experiment was a hit. I didn't write down anything so this next batch was an improvisation of the first. Still yummy good. Also, Jillian asked if I could share some Perssimon recipes so here it is.

Anyway, to close this:

- bake in muffin/cupcake pan on 180C or 356F for 15-20 mins

- yields 6-12 depending on the size of your pans

Enjoy and share your experiment if you give this a try. :)

Cold Frog

noreply@blogger.com (Katerina Bon Vora) — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 12:57:00 +0000

Its that time of the year. Play the song and sing la la la la

Lunch in the Country

noreply@blogger.com (Katerina Bon Vora) — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 16:12:00 +0000

Last weekend our friends Roberto and Patricia invited us over for lunch at their country house. Despite the cold I was all YAY! I love Patricia's cooking!! hehehe.. Lets not even begin to discuss about food this cold wintery season (THAT and breast-feeding a growing 7monther - FAM..ISHED). The best part of lunch was, not only, the Risotto con Ortica e Peperoncino (warming and spicy, mmm) but the fact that most everything came fresh out of their vegetable garden.

How I'd love to have my own little Orto and grow our food, interesting varieties of veg and fruit such as those you'll see here. The house is truly carina, small yet bright and cozy. Roberto's handiwork.

No country-house is complete without home-made preserves. Tomato sauce and nocinello, sweet liquore made with walnuts. mmm..

After a bit of sweet and caffè Fra went out with Roberto to pick some Perssimons. There were so many! So many they were that we brought home a crate-full. :) Happy indeed to be enjoying much of my favorite winter fruit. Also, if you care to explore this part of Marche, check out Fra's blog on this.

Hitting the streets of Turin

noreply@blogger.com (Katerina Bon Vora) — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 10:15:00 +0000

A Short and sweet entry with some photos I posted over here for Poppytalk. Thanks to Pugly Pixel for showing the waay. :)

Altars on the Highway

noreply@blogger.com (Katerina Bon Vora) — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 18:24:00 +0000

Altar on road cliff in Kythnos.

Its been a busy week. A bit of perspective on which things to prioritize has led me to get back to work on our Greece project from eons ago.. I know, its been a year and a baby later and still so much needs to be done. Hours of footage have been cut into bits and now piecing them all together (plus animation). Small steps like this series of photos which I took during our trip of over 50 different altars, compiled and prepped for something to be launched soon - posting just a few here. These altars are like headstones for those who died on the road. Considering that throughout our journey (about 2000kms of driving) we saw many of these everywhere we went - a clear sign of how easy we can cross over to the other side, on the road.

A well-kept altar in Mani.

On the edge of the road in Delphi, looking over the valley. Contents shown on the right.

Chance Encounters: 8

noreply@blogger.com (Katerina Bon Vora) — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 10:30:00 +0000

New Year's day we met them on the road taking photos of each other, so happily married. I thought I'd give them a hand, took a photo of them together with their camera and asked to take another from mine. Sudan, they told Fra and he remembered someone telling him "Sudan is in the middle of Africa". Then I remembered this documentary we saw on the lost boys of Sudan called God Grew Tired of Us.

Il Baratolo (Flea Market) | Muffin Snobs

noreply@blogger.com (Katerina Bon Vora) — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 12:14:00 +0000

Early last week Fra was rummaging through the house (in a state of mess after the crazy holiday rollercoaster) ready to just put everything in a box and send it off to another place. The trash bin seemed to be the nearest exit so I had to put my foot down and convince him its better to try and sell them, surely there will be others who'll fancy some of these things (and many of them I really like.. still.. we'll be moving out of this apartment come April and whats the use keeping stuff for a house we don't have - yet). Spared from this diaspora of stuffage were my paper cutouts collection, some craft materials, fabrics, and treasured books. Lucky also on that sunday there was the Baratolo or monthly flea market. So for roughly two days I set off to pack everything we could let go off - one table and a rack for display and the night before the big day, I thought - hey why not I bake some muffins to give away to whoever buys something? Clever marketing strategy isn't it? I wanted to sell, thats for sure.

But anyway, it was KOLD and while the provincial and local "nobles" of Macerata walked around and inspected our wares, my grand muffin attraction only encouraged quizical looks (and smirks from our neighboring sellers. inside joke spread out about my muffin-fail without even having tasted it) we had some sales and not surprisingly from eclectic folk but really, if it weren't for that couple from Kosovo with his pregnant wife, we wouldn't have sold a basketfull of Adamo's baby stuff just like that.

Still, better to try and learn for good than theorize everything in the mind. Italians just aren't the kind who like freebies like food in a flea market intended for used and vintage items - it just doesn't fit! Some cultural rules have to be understood like eating is inside the house or restaurant and only at these hours: 1pm and 8pm on the DOT. No breakfast because thats usually just a shot of cafe espresso and a brioche (or some other sweet). It was a good day for a few good lessons on Italians and Italian behavior towards muffins (unheard of by many). Some friends who came by enjoyed eating them though and even brought home some for next day's breakfast.

suddenly we're here

noreply@blogger.com (Katerina Bon Vora) — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 23:07:00 +0000

We've crossed over to... 2012! What can I say, I hardly had any time to brace myself for (last) christmas let alone new year but here we are and there it was. Wella flew in from Abu Dhabi and spent some time with us during the holidays. A bit of Marche countryside action, fresh cool breeze filled our lungs, my throat was out of order but all the better to keep the silence and allow the rest of the world to resume the flow. Abandon all sense of control and notice how it all goes on anyway, even without you. Free we are indeed.

To Wella and to all seekers of the world, your calling will take you anywhere you want to go. The line goes on and on and on and on... Much love and light to you all and a great new year!

Yard Sale! for a cause

noreply@blogger.com (Katerina Bon Vora) — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 17:24:00 +0000

Its a serious thing that just happened recently in my hometown. Of all places, I would never have expected something as big as this (711 dead and hundreds still missing). As shocked as I am, I'm glad my family is safe. However many have lost their homes and families. Real help is needed now. This online Yard Sale will hopefully help raise funds fast. I'm glad I have several handmade and vintage items I kept for my etsy (which I stopped because I wanted to focus more on my baby) available for this cause.

Also, for anyone needing design services - you can contact me and part of that fee will go to this cause as well. For more information and ways to help view this page: http://www.rmp-nmr.org/index.php/help-northern-mindanao.asp updates available for all relief work efforts HERE.

You can help also by passing on this information through facebook or tweeting this link: http://t.co/u9OA5ct #HelpNorthernMindanao

Thank you..

Chance Encounters: 7

noreply@blogger.com (Katerina Bon Vora) — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 12:20:00 +0000

Some time ago on a walk around Tolentino we saw this little shop with stacks of this really dense kind of giant donut/bagel. A woman behind the counter was talking to this old woman in a dialect that was incomprehensible (a sort of italian with a lot of djshhh shha shhe - can't really explain it throught text). But anyway, she had us try this thing called Pizze di Natale and true enough it was dense with lots of walnuts, figs, raisins and a thick dough mixed with some liqoure. A local treat, a very delectable one.

Black and White Truffles

noreply@blogger.com (Katerina Bon Vora) — Sat, 10 Dec 2011 09:07:00 +0000

Some weeks ago we went out looking for a Sagra dei Funghi (Mushroom Festival. ehem) and found a Sagra del Tartufo instead. Not bad considering that Truffles are such gems (worth gold especially the white ones), a flavor you cannot mistake and a taste so divine. Amandola is the right spot. Set high up beside the Sybilline Mountains, you can tell with its lush greenery that many treaures are bound to be discovered and not just in the shape of Tartufi but also of.... cheese. Mozarella Buffala. The creamiest white blob in the whole world.

In little tables, truffle hunters display their finds. Maybe a small basket of black ones and a handful of white ones and a weighing scale - perhaps the most high tech device they carry (gotta count all those teeny milligrams). Occasionally the dog sniffer meister sits under, the real hunter BTW. Of couse we could just watch and sniff.

Saw the first of the Presepe-s (nativity scene) which is originally a tradition from Naples. A nice preview of what is to come. weeehihi

Painted Portraits

noreply@blogger.com (Katerina Bon Vora) — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 18:00:00 +0000

I recently had the opportunity to photograph someone's collection of paintings. There were sooo many and mostly big (showing just a few here). I think the time and technique it takes to create just one of these is.. Mastery. But then I'm just not the kind of artist who does (or can do) this sort of thing. I find myself a bit of a raggedy pauper standing beside such work with my mouth open, awed. Anyone whos a bit contemporary or should I say "as of 2011 soon-to-be 2012" would have seen or cared very little about paintings like these or classic art in general. Its not just "dated", its also hidden away in someone else's collection, or covered behind the walls of a museum, rarely to be seen in public (because who goes to musuems anymore anyway), fading away in silence only to be remembered in books and forgettable pieces of paper. Where do they exist in realms such as the internet for example? I'm here (there) bearing witness to figures frozen in frames, a different time and space. Once they sat and looked and someone looked back and painted.

What does Mastery mean anymore? Who has the time, a scarce resource for many, to dedicate soley for the creation of beauty. To face the same canvas for days without end, painting the light, the shadow and everything in between. And somehow at the end, making sense. Making more than just sense - sensations!

Eh.. what can I say.. Boh. Nothing more. Maybe just - Grazie. for beauty, love, and art.

Da Maria Trattoria Ponterosso

noreply@blogger.com (Katerina Bon Vora) — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 22:37:00 +0000

I never imagined a fish restaurant to look like a witches' tea room. Everything from the wall hangings to the chandeliers was either symbolic mystic or frou frou, a combination realized completely here in Maria's Trattoria. Her food exists on a different plane entirely (NOT frou frou), simple yet divine rustic cooking. Fresh fish and some local fare like a polenta fritata with clam meat and salad greens with freshly made olive oil. How did her trattoria land in the lists of must-visit trattoria's in Italy (surely its not the interior design)? Its in the fine selection of the best and freshest ingredients. No need to embellish something when its already so good no?

Chance Encounters: 6

noreply@blogger.com (Katerina Bon Vora) — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 19:24:00 +0000

She went out of the kitchen to see the baby (and made him smile!), she - the chef, the queen of Da Maria Trattoria Ponterosso, was glad to have her photo taken but was worried about her hair. She was so sweet and looking over her kitchen, you can tell this is her life's work (also the restaurant is.. what can I say - esoteric). More on that later.

winter dress-up

noreply@blogger.com (Katerina Bon Vora) — Sat, 26 Nov 2011 20:46:00 +0000

since I gave birth, I haven't really bothered to dress-up as much as I used to. so one time before going out for a walk I thought, hey why not use that thrifted shrug top and those camper heels Fra got you for your birthday? so yeah. nothing major here, just feels nice. under I have a warm wooly dress with wooly buttons in the middle (sweee) and leggings, grey socks, red/orange neck warmer. collage-smage.

Piemonte: Pian Muné & Monviso

noreply@blogger.com (Katerina Bon Vora) — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 15:19:00 +0000

With the lovely Francesca at Pian Muné, Celtic sacrificial spot up the mountains of Piemonte. Holes on rocks correspond to star formations or constellations. During that special moment when the stars are aligned exactly the way they are drawn on the rocks, the Celts would offer an animal as sacrifice to the gods. Blood would be poured onto the the rocks and would fill these holes and the lines connecting the "dots". As morbid as that may sound, there is a very powerful and peaceful feeling in this land.

I'm very happy to have found these photos from our trip last year. Also very happy to have met Francesca, Fra's brilliant ex-girlfriend, who was so generous to host us in this part of Italy, her home. After all that I've seen, its become impossible to stereotype Italy - whatever that is or what it means. Its much too complex and diverse - north and south are like two ends of the world. :)

Baa-Baad Art

noreply@blogger.com (Katerina Bon Vora) — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 11:07:00 +0000

At the beginning of Fall, the first cold winds and the sniffles it brought with it, I felt a saddish feeling. This is only my 2nd winter upcoming and the 1st one was charming (as all first times) and filled with many travels. It was also grey and cold and defined by this nostalgia only someone away from home can truly understand. It didn't dawn on me upon arrival to Italy that I would make it my new home. I always felt that nothing was ever set in stone and if it was, I would insist and life would resume its flux. I'm guessing now is a time for something else, a new kind of period to be defined later when I can look back at it and reflect.

I thought I'd paint again and since its been a while since I last used a brush, I got several small canvas panels and set out to paint all at once - throwing all caution and intention, just painting, getting back that rhythm, dirtying the hands. Funny how I ended up making some kind of slogan. After completing everything in 2 days and looking at what I've accomplished, I see that 1.) It Sucks and 2.) I needed to let that out. I tried to use little of my brain while working but ended up conversing with my work instead. So yes, these panels are but a transcript of that conversation.

I'm glad I did this. Now on to the next project.

Chance Encounters: 5

noreply@blogger.com (Katerina Bon Vora) — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 16:08:00 +0000

Guess what dad brought for dinner? Hitchhikers! Suprise feast 2 nights ago when Fra came home bringing 2 guests from the other side of the galaxy. One from Norway and the other from Scotland, northerners wandering near the WW2 cemetery in the cold dark, looking to find the best spot to fold out their sleeping bags and start a fire. hmmm.. in humid Ancona - alrighty then! Anyway, Fra driving on his way home saw these figures in the dark and thought - hey, why not bring them over for dinner? It turned out to be an interesting night. Philosophy, religion, bogs, and elks were among the topics covered. Definitely a chance encounter. AND a reason to travel up north.

2 years

noreply@blogger.com (Katerina Bon Vora) — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 08:21:00 +0000

Who wouldve thought everything could change in such a short time. well it did and what a wild ride that was. Heres to my two loves and to the beginnings ahead of us. :)