Bella Vita in Liguria

noreply@blogger.com (Megan in Liguria) — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 21:08:00 +0000

We’ve Moved!

Please join us at our new blogging home at:

http://bellavitaitalia.com/blog/

See you there!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Megan in Liguria) — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 12:22:00 +0000

Isn’t She Pretty?!

Our brand new web site has just launched! We’re still figuring out a few kinks, but we think it looks fab! We’ve really extended our services so there is a whole lots of fun options to choose from:

Tailor-made Vacations - our 100% customized trip packages

Hosted Tours - Unique food & wine adventures in lesser known areas of Italy

Excursions - Fun, educational tours & activities throughout the boot

Trip Consulting - Perfect for the more independent traveler looking for a little direction

Rentals - Lovely self-catering accommodations in Liguria, Tuscany, Puglia, Umbria, Sicily and Beyond (still a work in progress!)

www.bellavitaitalia.com

We hope you like what you see as much as we do!

***Many thanks to Rob & Kate for their creativity, passion and ability to make teh web world seem a little less overwhelming.

noreply@blogger.com (Megan in Liguria) — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 13:57:00 +0000

Where to go in Italy in 2012?

It is a question I’ve been asked a lot lately. It seems there is a break-away from “the big three” (Venice, Florence and Rome) and a new emphasis on finding the hidden gems of this bel paese, at least in terms of our repeat clients and new requests. So I been asking around to friends and colleagues about what they are hearing is well. Here is a short “hot list” of places to go in Italy in 2012:

Le Marche

Some are calling this the “new Tuscany”. One can visit such "art rich” towns towns as Urbino and Ascoli Piceno, but also enjoy some seaside time in such resorts as Numana, Fano and Porto Recananti or delve into the fine wines (over 13 varieties of D.O.C.) of its rolling green hills.

Puglia

This one has been on the rise for a few years now, and one can certainly understand. Over 700 miles of white sand and terraced rock beaches, a beautiful mixture of east meets west meets south cultural and architect, endless (and I do mean endless) acres of olive trees, some dating back 2,000 years, delicious and somewhat exotic cuisine and an overall friendliness that one feel at home. Our personal favorite destinations: Ostuni, Lecce and Martina Franca.

Riviera Ponente, Liguria

From the French border to Genova with Piemonte hovering just above, once overlooked as the more built-up side of the Italian Riviera, Ponente is making a come back. Doting its coastline are some very charming villages such as Finale Ligure, Noli and Bordighera. Go just a tad inland and you have Dolceacqua and Pigna. It also tends to be a bit less expensive than its sister Riviera Levante.

The Veneto

Arguably the best wines in Italy come from this region (Amarone, Soave, Prosecco, YUM!) plus you have lovely towns to visit such as Treviso and Verona, the east banks of beautiful Lake Garda and the Dolomites adding to a nearly sublime backdrop.

The Dolomites

A mix of Italian and Austrian delight, literally the best of both worlds. For an fun alpine adventure consider visits to Ortisei, Kastelrotto and Merano, but don’t forget the lovely city of Bolzano, one of Italy’s wealthiest and cleanest mini-metropolises.

Would love to hear from you all are your picks for 2012. There are so many to choose, which just makes travelers come back for more and more!

A presto...

noreply@blogger.com (Megan in Liguria) — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 11:08:00 +0000

Blogging Break

If you hadn’t noticed, I’v been taking a blogging break. Between our return to California, the holidays and a whole bunch of unexpected (but welcomed!) work, the blog is on the back-burner for a few weeks. Promise to return shortly in 2012.

BUONE FESTE & BUON ANNO!

noreply@blogger.com (Megan in Liguria) — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 23:13:00 +0000

VERSATILE BLOGGER AWARD

I just discovered I was nominated for the Versatile Blogger Award by Nichole at Cultural Comments...grazie mille! I feel a little undeserving because I have not been at the best of my blogger game for awhile, especially while visiting my family back in CA, but the thought is much appreciated and gives me a chance to nominate some of my favorites as well.

Here’s how this works:

Rule #1: Link back to the person that gave you the award

Rule #2: Pass this award on to 15 other deserving blogs

Rule #3: Give seven facts about yourself

Blogs I adore and nominate:

7 (mostly little known) facts about myself:

1. Ok, known fact first: I live in the beautiful beachside resort of Lerici on the Italian Riviera, just south of Le Cinque Terre. It’s a near perfect place in my opinion, as you feel far remove from things there, but the truth is you can be in a decent size city (La Spezia) in 15 minutes, on the autostrada in 10 and within an hour there are so many fabulous places to visit. Also, the views and position cannot be beat! But I am originally from Laguna Beach, CA. I consider myself still a bit of a “surf rat” and am most comfortable in beach attire and flip flops.

2. In my former/pre-Italy life, I worked for MTV, Motley Crue and Sony Pictures. While it might seem all glamorous, it was a lot of organizing, negotiating and babysitting. Fun while it lasted but don/t miss it a bit. (And by the way, MC were some of the nicest dudes I ever met!).

3. I am obsessed with the old 90’s Japanese (and original) version of “The Iron Chef”. Watching Chef Masaharu Morimoto come up with an amazing dish from one ingredient is food porn for me! :)

4. When I first moved to Italy, I went to school in Florence and worked at a B&B near Montecatini. Loved going school but had to pull the plug on the B&B thing when the owner threatened me with a knife in hand!

5. I wish I knew how to sew and could speak French! I get great clothing and housing design ideas but no way to make them come to fruition. The french is on the “to do” list for 2013.

6. The other country of my dreams is Thailand: beauty, grace, exotic, amazing food, tropical, colorful and some of the friendliest people you will ever meet.

7. Come March 2012, we are expecting our first baby, Pietro. A long time coming and a dream come true. I am sleeping a lot these days as soon enough that won’t be the case (and would love anyone’s feedback on balancing motherhood and a business!).

noreply@blogger.com (Megan in Liguria) — Thu, 24 Nov 2011 17:47:00 +0000

Gratitude...

As I thoroughly enjoy our annual trip to the motherland (Laguna Beach, California), visiting family and friends, I cannot help but be grateful for all the blessings I’ve had in my life: health, beyond happiness, a beautiful family (on both continents!), a husband who brings me joy every single day, the unconditional love of the best dog on the planet, a job I love, fabulous friends, stability, and this year an even extra special gift, baby Pietro, arriving in March. THANK YOU!!!!

My month here is always so precious, but when the time comes, I’ll be ready to head back to my adopted home, bell’Italia.

It is also a day to say prayers, send good karma and even help those less fortunate. Please continue to send support to the villages affected by the October 25 floods in Liguria and Tuscany:

Italian Red Cross

Buongiorno Monterosso

Save Vernazza

noreply@blogger.com (Megan in Liguria) — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 00:19:00 +0000

SAVE VERNAZZA

This is a great blog/site (created by a group of expat women who live or have lived in Vernazza) for updates on its rebuilding progress, stories of its history and people, as well as a chance to donate specifically to its restoration:

http://savevernazza.com/

We hope her beauty will soon shine as bright as ever!

noreply@blogger.com (Megan in Liguria) — Sun, 06 Nov 2011 15:06:00 +0000

TOO MUCH IN TWO WEEKS

It’s been a hell of a two weeks here in Italy, weather-wise, morale-wise, financially, etc. I won’t go into the political or financial end of it too much, because 1) I am not an expert and 2) I don’t like to go there anyway. My only remark will be to say how “pleasant” and reassuring it is to have politicians come to physical blows during a senate session the day after 9 people lost their lives in the floods of Liguria and NW Tuscany (and no, they were not related stories).

Two weeks ago today marks the death of one of Italy’s (deserving) “golden boys”, Marco SImoncelli, a champion of motorcross (and wonderful role model) that took a bad turn during a race and lost his life in the process. The country started to mourn that day.

RIP Marco...

Two days later, the nightmare began for Liguria & the Lunigiana area of Tuscany, as the land was pounded with a frightful amount of rain which unleashed a series of landslides turn tsunami. Villages and lives were destroyed. Some of Italy’s most picturesque coastline was churned into a stew of mud, cars, and trash. It was/is horrific.

All that remains of one house in Vernazza,

the top of the chimney...

We were fortunate here in Lerici taking a mild pounding, a few small mudslides but no major damage. My in-laws place (and my husband’s warehouse) were a different story. Both are located just a few 100 meters from the Vara River which bloated beyond its capacity sending nearly 2 meters of water onto the banks of the Val di Vara, again destroying homes and businesses. Lui raced to the area (despite the torrential downpours in which no one should have been driving) to see what he could do to keep the water from entering into his warehouse and parent’s home. When he got there, he realized very little, but God was on his side. Two houses down was submerged in 4 feet of water, and brick and ceramic factory, just 200 meters from his place, lost over €1,000,000 euros in product. A slight, unnoticeable slant in the road left Lui’s business and parents home in tact. I cannot state enough the relief felt that evening, but also the overwhelming sense sadness and almost guilt that succumbed all of us knowing, we were the lucky ones when so many others were not.

A break of sunshine and good weather blessed the area for about 10 days so the villages could begin a very long and pain cleaning process. It was a time of reflection and reinforcement of one’s beliefs and love for their hometowns. Despite mother nature’s wrath, everyone seemed so determined to rebuild and overcome the aching sorrow felt inside.

Then came this past Friday. Another awful storm that brought the city of Genova “to its knees” as stated in the headlines here in Italy. If you read my blog in the past, you know I have a semi-love affair with Genova. I find it to be a beautiful, raw, fascinating and very real city. Watching the videos and pictures of a city submerged in water and out of control waves of water from what are usually small flowing streams, was like a horror film. 6 lives were lost and countless business gone.

Downtown Genova at Brignole Train Station...

Saturday, towns in Piemonte were evacuated and here on Sunday, everyone is still on pins and needles hoping the storm passes without further damage, especially to those areas who cannot afford or resist anymore. We think the worst is over, but rain is still predicted over the next two days. Lui can barely sleep thinking about the Vara River swelling over again. My dear friend, Kate, who has done so much to help in her former hometown of Monterosso, now has to tend to her own home in Levanto, which was partially flooded, again by a little stream turn vicious wave of water and earth. I am sure the people of Vernazza, Monterosso, Borghetto di Vara, Brugnato and Aulla are even more desperate.

Clean up begins...

I feel incredibly fortunate, but also exhausted by so much destruction and sadness here in Italy. I also feel a bit of anger at the lack of coverage by the press outside of the country. All they seem to report on is the “buffoon-ery” of Berlusconi and the financial woes (that yes, are also eating away at this country). It would be nice to have the world know that Italy is not all about pasta, under-age escorts, tax evasion and good wine, but rather about the people who have worked their fingers to the bone to make ends meet or to even succeed fantastically (as many have in Le Cinque Terre), only to have their world shattered in less than 15 minutes of horrendous weather. Real Italy is dealing with some serious problems and heartache, and could use a little empathy, prayers and understanding from beyond its borders.

Ok, off my soapbox now...

noreply@blogger.com (Megan in Liguria) — Fri, 04 Nov 2011 09:26:00 +0000

LIGURIA & TUSCANY

FLOOD UPDATE

It’s been an exhausting 10 days for the people of Monterosso, Vernazza, Borghetto di Vara, Brugnato and Aulla. These people have been working night and day to clean up as much of the damage as possible before a new storm arrives today.

There are two blogs which I highly recommend for getting a first hand insight into what is going on in Le Cinque Terre:

Nichole in Vernazza at Cultural Comments

Kate at Little Paradiso in Levanto & Monterosso

I will continue to update what I learn as well and try to find someone in Lunigiana for information about that area (Sheila at Ciao Lunigiana is a good place to start).

Eventually I will start blogging again about life here in Italy and in particular my little corner of paradiso in Lerici on the Italian Riviera, but right now these villages and people take precedence.

Wish them all well as the storm clouds roll in once again.

CLICK HERE TO DONATE TO THE REBUILDING

OF THE LIGURIAN & TUSCAN FLOOD ZONES

noreply@blogger.com (Megan in Liguria) — Sun, 30 Oct 2011 16:52:00 +0000

ITALIAN RIVIERA (& beyond) FLOOD DISASTER:

DONATION UPDATE

Donating to rebuild this beautiful corner of the world just got easier thanks to the Italian Red Cross:

http://cri.it/flex/FixedPages/EN/Donazioni.php/L/EN

The instructions are in english and donations can be made by credit card.

Your help is greatly appreciated!

noreply@blogger.com (Megan in Liguria) — Fri, 28 Oct 2011 20:23:00 +0000

MOTHER NATURE'S WRATH

ON THE ITALIAN RIVIERA (and beyond)...

On Tuesday, October 25, Southern Liguria and NW Tuscany were violently hit by a freak rain storm that turned into horrid mudslides and floods, in some places more than 3 meters of water and mud. The count of today is 7 dead and still several missing. This is a miraculous number considering just how bad the damage is. The famous seaside villages of Monterosso and Vernazza were virtually destroyed. It will take a very long time to rebuild, but please help us to do so...

The town of Monterosso has set up an account for donations:

MUNICIPALITY OF MONTEROSSO:

IBAN: IT64W0603049870000046275829

HEADING: “Un aiuto per Monterosso e Vernazza”

CAUSAL: “Alluvionati 5 Terre”

and/or

IL SECOLO XIX AND BANCA CARIGE

IBAN: IT11 Y061 7501 4000 0000 3452 080

BIC: CRGEITGG040

CIN: Y

CAB: 01400

HEADING: Società Edizioni e Pubblicazioni (S.E.P.) Spa

CAUSAL: “Alluvione Spezia”

noreply@blogger.com (Megan in Liguria) — Fri, 21 Oct 2011 10:08:00 +0000

Zuppa di Zucca e Porri

(Pumpkin & Leeks Soup)

It’s that time again. The weather has taken its turn into fall with crisp days and low sun. This is when I love to make soups! One of the best things about soups is you can make big batches and freeze part so that you have some for the next time you have a craving. I tend to make 3-4 of them over the course of two weeks and then use them throughout the month. This week started off with Pumpkin & Leek soup as the “zuccas” are in season, and so yummy right now.

Ingredients:

One medium size zucca (about 2 kilos or 4.5 pounds)

2 leeks

3 springs of thyme

1.5 liters of broth (I prefer vegetable)

olive oil

salt

red pepper flakes

Pre heat the oven at 200° celsius (about 400° fahrenheit).

Cut up the pumpkin into 2 or 3 inch wedges and place on a cookie sheet (with carta al forno). Bake the pumpkin wedges for about 45 minutes. You can do this even hours beforehand as you want the pumpkin to cool a bit before adding to the broth.

While the pumpkin is in the oven, cut up the leeks down to the green part. Add them along with the sprigs of thyme and 2 tablespoons of olive oil to a pot. Simmer on low heat for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally so the leeks do not burn. The add your broth, some red pepper flakes and let the whole thing come to a mild boil.

Once the pumpkin has cooled down enough to do so, scoop out the pulp and add it to the broth. Let the whole thing come to a mild boil once again for about 30 minutes.

Cover and let cool. You can do this part in the morning and leave all day as the flavors just become more intense.

Before serving, first taste to see if you want to add some salt (usually a little as the pumpkin tends to be quite sweet). Remove the sprigs (mostly likely all the leaves have fallen off) and then take your handy-dandy hand mixer (cuisinart will do too but imo is a bit messy!) and blend into a creamy mixture. Reheat and serve warm with a dollop of robiola cheese or creme fraiche. Some other nice accruements include fried bacon pieces and chopped chives on top.

BUON APPETITO &

BUON WEEKEND!

noreply@blogger.com (Megan in Liguria) — Fri, 14 Oct 2011 10:16:00 +0000

My Top Ten Places in Italy

People ask me this all the time and you know what, it’s not an easy answer! There are so many places that I love in this country, the list really could be a few pages long. But last night, I decided to take the first ten that came to mind (in no given order):

1. Portovenere, Liguria

My bias is big here as it’s where I met my husband, but the place is just magical. An 1000-year old + seaside village characteristic of Liguria and its “pirate-like mentality” Anyone who visits the region should spend a day here.

http://www.portovenere.it

2. Mendolia Beach, Sicily

A simply beautiful cove just down the hill from Taormina where you can swim in crystal clear waters, soak up a little sun, enjoy a good meal ( the beach clubs makes some of the best canoli I’ve ever had!) and even visit the villa of Isola Bella.

http://www.mendoliabeachclub.it

3. Mercato Centrale, Florence

Built in the 1860‘s, this is a considerably new addition to Florence. It was my “life line” when I first moved to Italy as a student. I would get up early to do a little shopping before school, when it was full of little old ladies fighting over the produce! You can find just about everything here, food and drink wise. It’s an attraction all on its own.

http://goitaly.about.com/od/florenceitaly/ss/florence_walk_3.htm

4. Any beach in Puglia

With over 800 km (500 miles) of coastline, one is bound to find that perfect little beach spot. Be it on a white sand beach or craggily rock formations, the Adriatic sea will command you to enter her sublime waters for a swim or two.

www.discoverpuglia.com

5. Rooftop at Rinascente, Milan

Whenever I’m in Milano, this is one of the first things I do...head to the top of this department store for a caffè or glass of wine overlooking the Duomo. The view stuns me as it feels like you could actually touch it!

http://www.rinascente.it/foodandrestaurants/

6. Da’Adolfo, Positano

This private, little beach can only be reach by boat (look for the one with a red fish on it in the Positano harbor). Here you can take a lounge chair for the day and enjoy a fantastic lunch right on the beach at it’s little shack restaurant (try the pasta with clams and pumpkin or spaghetti with calamari and tomatoes). Make a day of it - you will really feel as if you are on vacation!

http://www.daadolfo.com

7. Ortisei, Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol

Charm does not even begin to describe this mountain resort village with its cupcake like building set in a dramatic valley surrounded by steep peaks and ski slopes. Additionally, you do not want to miss their fabulous breads and desserts such as “Le Fanziëutes da mëiles” (fried pastry with apples inside) and “Crafons da pavè” (krapfen with poppy seeds).

http://www.val-gardena.net/ortisei_en.htm

8. Salina, Sicily

Basically anywhere on this island could be summed up as paradise for me. In my dream world, we would have a second home there. Lush, rustic, lively, relaxing, beautiful beyond words and home to my favorite hotel in italy, Hotel Signum. And there is nothing quite like the granite with gin you can get on this island!

http://www.thinksicily.com/guide-to-sicily/islands-and-archipelagos/the-island-of-salina.aspx

9. Piazza di San Marco, Venice

I know, I know, it’s so popular and it can be a zoo, but is there anywhere like it (or Venice on the whole)??? In my opinion, no. I love to sit down outside in one of the bars with a “spritz con aperol” and enjoy the music and atmosphere. Despite its hefty price (at least €10 per drink), it’s a priceless scene.

http://www.venice-tourism.com

10. Solaro di Lerici, Liguria

Where you might ask?! That would be my borgo on the hill above Lerici. To be specific, our terrace. In the summer, it becomes my office, my refuge from the heat, my inspiration for meals, and our hand holding sanctuary after a long work day. There is something hypnotic about it.

What about you? What are your top 10 favorite places in Italy?

Would love to see some other bloggers out there come up with their list!

BUON WEEKEND!

noreply@blogger.com (Megan in Liguria) — Fri, 07 Oct 2011 09:11:00 +0000

La Spezia Train Station Parking

Good news for visitors of Le Cinque Terre arriving by car. After an extensive 3 years of construction, I am happy to report that the new parking lot at the La Spezia train station is finally open for business. This will make a day in Le Cinque Terre much, much easier for those coming from farther afield (Lerici, Tuscany, etc.)

There are 116 spaces and a very nice, well-kept structure. Even with clean bathrooms as you have to use a code on your ticket to enter them and well as the parking area. While a bit pricey (about €13 for 8 hours), you are able to use credit cards as well as cash, and the convenience outweighs the cost in my opinion.

noreply@blogger.com (Megan in Liguria) — Mon, 26 Sep 2011 07:59:00 +0000

Walks, Wine & Wonders

on the Italian Riviera

Start your 2012 Italy planning and join us for a very special week on the Italian Riviera! Not only will you enjoy the beauty and trails of Le Cinque Terre, but also make visits to fabulous (and underrated) Genova, the marble mountains of Carrara, gorgeous Portovenere and chic Portofino PLUS visits to local wineries and other hidden gems of the area.

Check out our itinerary:

http://www.bellavitaitalia2.com/Hosted_Tours/Italian_Riviera.html

This is just one of several fun and unique hosted tours we are organizing for next season. For more information and ideas, please take a look at our Hosted Tours page on www.bellavitaitalia.com.

A presto!

noreply@blogger.com (Megan in Liguria) — Sat, 24 Sep 2011 13:00:00 +0000

LAST NIGHT'S DINNER...

Another easy one for you all:

Pagello (sea bream) and leeks with cauliflower pureé!

Ok, we’ll start with the fish:

1 Pagello per person (they are not that big), cleaned*
1 leek per pagello, chopped in to thin pieces
olive oil
fresh oregano, chopped finely
1 cup of white wine
salt to taste

Pre-heat oven at 200° C or 425°F

Make sure the Pagello has a nice cut from head to tail for stuffing. Sprinkle a little olive oil inside, then a little salt, add the leek, a bit of white wine and then the oregano. Stick them in a pyrex pan or regular pan with “carta al forno” and then cover with aluminum foil. Cook for 25 minutes.

Next is my new favorite concoction. I love mashed potatoes, but was looking for a new twist that might not bloat me up as much. So I thought cauliflower!

1 head of cauliflower
2 tablespoons of olive oil
1/4 cube of butter
1/2 cup of milk
salt to taste

Bring a pot of water to a boil. Cut up the cauliflower and add them to the water. Let boil for about 12 minutes, until the cauliflower is getting mushy. Drain and put in a bowl. Add the ingredients a little at a time. You have to be careful that it doesn’t become too liquid-like as the cauliflower requires much less than the absorbent potato. Use a hand mixer to create a nearly fluffy pureé. Serve hot.

There’s a lot of white going on, on the plate, so add a few of the leeks to one side and a little mixed salad to the other and it will spruce it up a bit. It can’t get much simpler than this!

BUON APPETITO!

*Pagello can be replaced with just about any flakey white fish, just make sure it’s a whole, fresh fish and preferably “pescato” (fished).

noreply@blogger.com (Megan in Liguria) — Fri, 09 Sep 2011 10:57:00 +0000

Tegame di Vernazza

I had an itching for anchovies. Just love them. Poor little guys get a bad rap, especially in the states where the only use for them seems to be in caesar salad dressing or on top of a pizza. But these tiny, shiny, very pretty little fish (look at one closely) are jam-packed with flavor (and not fishy flavor like you might think) and a whole bunch of fabulous vitamins to keep us healthy.
In a world where certain fish (that are less good for us) are going extinct, we need to rethink our fish intake and start to recognize that “pesci poveri” (poor fish) or “pesci azzuri” (blue fish) are, in fact, one of the best “meats” a person can eat. They are also plentiful and inexpensive. Along with yummy little anchovies, this fish group includes sardines and mackerel. All it takes is a little educating and trying out a few recipes to find there is nothing fishy about these fish.

Ok, I’ll get off my soapbox now and give you the recipe! This is a very typical dish of Le Cinque Terre (hence the name with Vernazza in it!) and very easy to make:
1/2 kilo of fresh anchovies
2 large potatoes
1 large tomatoes
A handful of Italian parsley
1 clove of garlic
olive oil
1 cup of white wine

Pre heat oven at 200° C (about 400° F)

The cleaning of the anchovies is the only real time consuming part of this recipe. In order to clean an anchovy, you have to “pop” off the top of the head and then pull down to take out the insides. Then along the same cut, open the rest of the body with your finger and pull out the spine. Ok, might sound really gross, but once you do one, you’ll almost find it rewarding to continue, no joke! If you get skirmish about these things, your fish monger will probably take care of the cleaning for you.

Cut the potato into thin slices (about 1 cm thin) and then chopped up the tomatoes into little pieces. Mince the parsley and garlic together along with a little salt and if you like, as I do, a little red pepper flakes for some punch.

Use either a pan with sides (ceramic or tin, but with tin use “carta al forno” underneath) and then start lining the pan in layers starting with the potatoes, then the anchovies, then a bit of the parsley mix, then the tomatoes, then a few more anchovies and parsley mix.

Sprinkle the top with olive oil and the white wine. Cover with aluminum foil and cook for 30-35 minutes. What comes out is a flavorful and super healthy “secondo piatto” for 4.

Please try this dish and let me know if I have converted you to an anchovy lover like me!

BUON WEEKEND

noreply@blogger.com (Megan in Liguria) — Thu, 01 Sep 2011 09:54:00 +0000

Fabulous Rental Series:

A Slice of Heaven

between Sorrento & Positano

Villa Aurora is beautifully located on the sea side of a naturally protected marina "Punta Campanella", on the farthest edge of the amazing Sorrento Peninsula known as Massalubrense. The landscape of intense beauty, the views breathtaking and the water is pristine. The villa itself is a wonderful combination of Amalfitana seaside style and modern comforts.

On the ground floor you will find a lovely dining area and living room with wood flooring, a fireplace with antique ceramic tiles, and large windows facing the sea and patio. There is an outdoor lounge area also furnished with lounge chairs, dining tables, built-in benches with cushions, making it the perfect area to relax both by day as well evening.

The country-house style kitchen is fully equipped with both a large and a small oven, gas range-top, refrigerator, freezer, electric coffee machine, and a marble topped countertop. Nice tiled floors decorated with antique hand painted ceramic tiles illuminate the kitchen which is connected to a storage room offering a washing machine and ironing facilities as well as a ½ bath. There are also 3 bedrooms located on the ground floor.

On the first floor (2nd floor US ), there is the master bedroom with large,double bed and a single bed (which can be taken out), a built-in closet, amazing sea views, and an en-suite bathroom with ceramic tiles and a shower, boasting windows with a lovely garden view looking out towards the island of Capri.

This floor offers direct access onto a terrace wrapping behind the villa as well as onto a second, roof top terrace fully equipped with sun lounge chairs and an outdoor shower. The roof top terrace offers great sea views overlooking the Bay of Naples, the island of Capri and the cliff-lined coast.

18 steps up from the master corridor is another double bedroom boasting access onto a private, sea-view terrace. There is also a small double bedroom with bunk beds suitable for young children or teens. This bedroom enjoys access onto a private terrace behind of the house and has an bathroom with bathtub. One final and very spacious double bedroom with french windows facing the sea concludes the accommodations of the villa.

The crown jewel of the home its its access to the sea and it’s unique pool area. A pleasant walk (60 steps) leads from the villa down to the magnificent sea side. There is a pool house with outdoor shower, a kitchenette with gas stove-top, a refrigerator, and a double sink; also, a dining area and a ½ bath. 20 steps more leads to the sea water pool (6 x 5 x 1.20 meters) which is built into the natural rocks and paved with beach stones. 20 more steps leads to the direct sea access equipped with a staircase leading into the water and an external shower. SIMPLY PARADISE!

Included in the price of Villa Aurora daily maid service and continental breakfast, air conditioning (in bedrooms), a change of bed & bath linens twice a week and parking for up to 4 cars. Other amenities include: satellite-TV, fully equipped kitchen, washing machine, private pool and sea access, pizza oven and barbecue.

Villa Aurora is an excellent choice of accommodations for those eager to explore the Amalfi Coast, Capri, Sorrento, Naples and Pompeii, strategically located within a short drive of all of them...that is if you can tear yourselves away from this little slice of heaven!

FOR MORE INFORMATION & PRICING:

info@bellavitaitalia.com

noreply@blogger.com (Megan in Liguria) — Thu, 25 Aug 2011 11:25:00 +0000

Varese Ligure:

Another Hidden Gem of Liguria

Old Photo of Varese

Find yourself 30 minutes inland from the Mediterranean sea (and Sestri Levante) and you will find Italy’s “organic valley” and the charming village of Varese Ligure. My pal, Kate at LittleParadiso, took me on a “field trip” to visit this beautiful area, celebrate my birthday with a typical and delicious Ligurian lunch and pick up a few “biological” products along the way. Knowing that Kate is going to write a fabulous blog on Varese, I’ll just post a few photos from our day to give you an idea...

A village full of color...

Skinniest home I've ever seen!

The Fortress

More & more Ligurian colors...

Medieval Walkways

Hidden Passageways

La Madonna in Sassi

The Cathedral

Last but not least...

Crepes of chestnut flour and pesto!

noreply@blogger.com (Megan in Liguria) — Tue, 16 Aug 2011 14:21:00 +0000

Ferragosto Dinner:

Seppie & Fagioli

I’m no gourmet and nor try to be. I keep it real simple and it seems to work, or so that’s what my husband tells me! Here’s what I made for dinner on Ferragosto:

1 chilo of cleaned seppia (cuttlefish)*

400 grams of cannellini beans

200 grams of borloti beans (like pinto beans)

A small handful of rosemary

1/2 Tropea onion (a red onion will do)

1 garlic clove

salt to taste

peperoncino (pepper flakes) to tastes

1/2 of wine

2 tablespoons of olive oil

Some of you are thinking what the heck is seppia? Seppia is cuttlefish, used often on the NE coast of the states and served widely through out the Med. It’s very similar to calamari and can actually be substituted with calamari if you can find seppia (or are not feeling quite so adventurous).

"before"

"after"

If your "seppie" are not already cleaned (highly recommend: take a look at the photo above and you’ll understand!), then you will need to do so and then cut it into small pieces. Keep them in a colander with a bowl under it as they can be pretty watery.

Mince finely the rosemary, onion and garlic and add to a pan.

Drain the beans. (Now, I understand some of you may prefer soaking and boiling your own beans, but for those here in Italy, I think the ones you buy in the can at the Coop supermarket are darn good and don’t require all that extra time.)

Heat the pan with the rosemary mixture and the olive oil for about 2 minutes and then add the fish. Turn the fish until is well coated and then let sizzle for a few minutes, then turn again. Do this for about 6-7 minutes until the seppie is well cooked (you can tell because it becomes opaque white). Then add the beans, the half a glass of white wine, salt and peperoncino and let cook for another 2 minutes, covered.

And that is it. What you’ve got is a super simple and delicious main course perfect for a nice summer night. Oh, and don’t forget a nice bottle of rosato to go with it.

BUON APPETITO!

noreply@blogger.com (Megan in Liguria) — Tue, 09 Aug 2011 10:24:00 +0000

TANTALIZING TELLARO

Quite possibly the most hidden gem of the Italian Riviera, Tellaro is quintessential seaside Italy at its best. Once a fortified village built on the rocks only meters up from the sea, this borgo (one of Italy’s finest) is now a beautiful summer escape more frequented by Italians and Northern Europeans.

I am quasi-embarrassed to say that I had not been to Tellaro in a couple of years, but after having dinner over that way with clients last night, I decided it was time to go back (with Lucy in tow) for a morning passegiata and caffè. And boy was I happy I did.

The colorful buildings and narrow alleyways leading to tiny terraces over the sea, add to the appeal and charm of this 500-year old village. You can’t help but make comparison with the villages of Le Cinque Terre, but there are big differences: less people, a very laid-back pace, and frankly, much better taken care of.

The Legend of Tellaro

Supposedly back in the 17th century, there was only a fortress where Tellaro now stands which served to protect another village, Barbazzano, a bit more inland from the sea from Saracen pirates who came to steal its famous and lucrative olive oil. The fortress was built on a very rugged coastline so disembarking was difficult and the bell tower of the church was used as an alarm in case of invasion. One stormy night the Saracens managed to sneak onto land as the village slept peacefully (including the man who was supposed to be on the lookout!). But somehow, or someone or some THING, rang the church bell, the village awoke and rushed to the defense of their precious land, beating the Saracens before they could reach the village. Legend has it that some of the townspeople saw a big octopus which has emerged from the sea and held fast to the rope of the bell awakening the whole village! From that day forward, the octopus, known as Tellarsi, symbolizes the village of Tellaro.

Nearby, there are fabulous coves for sunning and swimming plus several very good restaurants which I can highly recommend. Lerici is only a 10 minute drive and in the summer, buses and train trolley run regularly between the two villages.

Accommodations

Eco del Mare - high-end, expensive beach bungalows on a private beach. A must if you don’t mind breaking the bank.

Locanda Miranda - a cozy, 8-room B&B with a one-star Michelin restaurant.

Hotel Il Nido - A valid, 3-star hotel on the sea.

Food Drink & Fun

Locanda Miranda - Excellent food and not the usual Michelin star prices.

Gambero Nero - abundance of delicious food (don’t miss the never ending antipasto of the house)

Osteria La Caletta (Via Fiascherino, 100 Tel: 0187964000) - nice osteria serving a good assortment of pastas and fresh fish in a friendly atmosphere

Il Figoli - Music bar and enoteca in the main piazza

If you happen to be in the area this coming weekend (August 12-14), there is the annual “Sagra di Polpo” (octopus festival) with live music, a parade and of course all the octopus you can eat! And if you happen to making a trip this way soon, please put Tellaro on your list of must do and see’s. Just like me, you won’t be disappointed...

noreply@blogger.com (Megan in Liguria) — Thu, 28 Jul 2011 12:29:00 +0000

Beach Club Basics of Lerici

Between too much work and the poopy weather, I haven’t been very inspired to write as of lately. It’s amazing how much the weather affects me! Usually this time of year I am full of observances and funny anecdotes (or so I like to think!), but with the past two weeks of fall temperatures (and rain), had me in a bit of a lull. So, waking up this morning to summer weather was really a treat!

Lucy and I made our way down into the village early with camera in tow to finally get in some good shots of the local beach clubs. I figured after my blog about the downside of July and my insistence of paying for a beach club, I ought to back it up with some information on those here in Lerici.

At the public beach, Venere Azzura, there are also two beach clubs at each end of the cove. While in my opinion, you are still pretty packed in, you do have your own chair and they are less expensive than the other beach clubs (about €8 for a lounge char and €4 for a chair).

There is also a small Beach Club at San Terenzo, but you are basically smashed in with the public beach so I would not consider paying for this!

To the south you have Locanda del Lido, one of the two best in town. Here you have a fine sand beach, a decent amount of space between rows of umbrellas and lovely water in which you can walk out a good 100 meters and still be only up to your waist. They have a couple of snacks bars serving decent food as well. Be prepared for the price though at about €32 for entrance, two lounge chairs and an umbrella.

Toward San Terenzo you will find Colombo Beach Club, recently refurbished with a fabulous jetty and a (not so deserved) 4-star hotel right on the sea. Here there is only a small patch of sand. The rest is terraced stone and the exclusive wood jetty. NOTE: The hotel itself is a fabulous location and you would think at over €200/night you would have a “beachy” chic room, but no. The rooms leave lots of to be desired with modular, wood furniture and ugly decor and the restaurant is so-so with astronoimcal prices.

But back to the beach club which is really nice. Again, not an inexpensive place at €38 for entrance, two lounge chairs and an umbrella on the terrace and €40 for the same on the jetty; yet the space and ambience, gorgeous water and constant breeze makes this the other best of Lerici.

There are also several nice beaches, public and private, to the south of Lerici heading to Tellaro, including the uber-chic Eco del Mare (bit more n that another time!). You can also rent small dinghy boats in town that can fit up to 6 people and are fun for putting around the coves versus feeling like a sardine!

In any case, you are better off arriving before 10AM on a weekday and more like 9AM on the weekend in order to nab a good spot. If driving, you can park at the Vallata parking lot which is conveniently located smack between the two villages of Lerici and San Terenzo (about €9 for the day). Again, get there early!

Anyway, welcome back summer!

Hope you stick around for a while...

noreply@blogger.com (Megan in Liguria) — Thu, 14 Jul 2011 06:53:00 +0000

Megan’s Berry Buckle

Before moving to Italy, I used to “host” Sunday night dinners at my house for my beach volleyball crew. I was famous for my sautéed clams, sangria and berry buckle. Oddly enough until last night, the only one I had ever made here was the clams. I got the baking buzz and decided to treat Lui and Simona (aka our “rent-a-kid”) to my dessert concoction (loosely based on the one made at the old restaurant Cynthia’s on Melrose for you LA friends)...

Ingredients:

* 1 cup of flour

* 1/2 cup of sugar

* 1/2 cup of brown sugar

* 1/2 stick of butter (at room temperature)

* pinch of salt

* 2 cups of blueberries

* 1 cup of raspberries (Although any berry or even peaches work too)

* Vanilla ice cream (or in our Italian case, fior di latte)

Mix the dry ingredients together making a choppy mixture. You can add more butter if it doesn’t look choppy enough.

Take half the mixture and mix it up with the berries, then fill 4 small ramekins with it. Take the other half of the mixture and pat it on top of the berries. Set in frig for a 1/2 hour or more.

Heat oven at 400 degrees. Place the ramekins on a cookie sheet with wax paper underneath. Cook for 20 minutes or until it’s bubbling over. Place each hot ramekin on a small dish and plop a large dollop of ice cream on top. Serve hot.

BUON APPETITO!

noreply@blogger.com (Megan in Liguria) — Mon, 11 Jul 2011 09:22:00 +0000

The Downside of July on the Italian Riviera

The beautiful beach in quieter times...

I grew up on a pristine, private cove in southern California with 350 days of sunshine a year. It was paradise to me. My husband grew up going to an exclusive “stablimento balneare” where his perfect lounge chair and ample space to play awaited him every day of the summer. Together we are 100% bonafide beach snobs. I admit it and with good reason.

By the end of June the public beaches of Italy begin to fill up with locals and tourists alike. It’s a methodic, seasonal thing that never changes, and goes until just after Ferragosto, when just like the clock striking midnight for CInderella, it’s time for everyone to go home and prepare for autumn. So why would be even attempt to go to the public beach on a Sunday in mid-summer? We only wanted a couple hours of morning sun and Lui wanted to take a good swim (aka more like a work out). We knew our beaches in Lerici would already be packed, so we thought that at 9AM we’d find some space and peace at the large, long open beaches of Marinella, just a 15 minute drive from home. Wrong.

The first sign should have been the effort it took to find a parking space (at 8:50AM). But we were determined for that swim! Upon arriving at the beach, this is what it looked like:

9AM on a Sunday in July

Peace and space went on vacation about last June 1.

Mid-morning traffic jam

Within the first 1/2 hour, we watched two women get into a fight (almost physically) because one of their kids splashed the other one; a man in a g-string and nothing more almost knocked me over with his morning jog through the masses (I was too in shock to take a photo, what a shame); a family of 5 literally placed their towels on top of about 1/3 of ours to claim their territory for the day; a baby made a “bella cacca” (as the mother cooed) in its diaper about 10 feet away and then the mamma decided to clean off his little bottom in the fresh sea water just in front of us.

With that, we got up, took our belongings, got back in the car and sat in the garden for the rest of the afternoon.

Word from the not-so-wise:

If you don’t have a boat and you can’t find the perfect rock to lie on, pay the cold hard cash for a nice lounge chair and umbrella at a private beach club. Believe me, it’s worth it.

Where I would have been had I been thinking clearly!

noreply@blogger.com (Megan in Liguria) — Thu, 23 Jun 2011 10:48:00 +0000

The Forte dei Marmi Market

View from the Pier...

I don’t dare call it a flea market even though many refer to it as that. It’s hard to do so when they are selling high-end designer shoes at half price for €160. No flea I know can afford that! But I suppose I would call it a “deal” considering the maker. Anyway, back to the beginning before I get too far off tangent about the gorgeous pale pink Prada ballerina slippers I would have snatched up in an instance had they been in my size...

I could just jump in this pool of fancy shoes!

Famous for their cashmere

If you are ever within a one-hour radius of Forte dei Marmi (i.e. - Lerici, Lucca, Pisa, even Florence), I highly recommend a day of shopping, people watching and lunch by the sea. It has been a popular resort area for over 2 centuries. The rich and famous flock here from all over the world for a touch of “Dolce Vita” as the area has some of Italy’s most prestigious beach clubs, discotheques, restaurants and, of course, shopping (how many beach towns do you know with a Gucci store?!). It is also is a good base for exploring the cost from Le Cinque Terre down to Pisa and inland to the marble quarries of Carrara, Lucca and even Florence.

Stylish bikini cover-ups for €20

A great selection of hats

Fur for less anyone???

Every Wednesday, the population of this cozy town must triple in size for this shopper’s paradise. You name it, you’ll find it, from cooking utensils to branded designer wear, all at (quasi) bargain prices. During summer, it’s a “double-bonus” as the market is open even on Sundays.

Mom checking out the latest look in tablecloths

The mob scene

Versilia's natural beauty

Forte dei Marmi Market

Every Wednesday (rain or shine), also Sundays in summer

From 8:00am-2:30pm in Piazza Macroni