I wanted to share my recent New York City “Eataly” experience with you.  Eataly is a high-end Italian Specialty store started by [...]]]> Hi Italyville readers… sorry for the extended absence but as I’m sure many of you can relate – life sometimes just gets in the way!  I’m hoping and planning on posting more often.

I wanted to share my recent New York City “Eataly” experience with you.  Eataly is a high-end Italian Specialty store started by Oscar Farinetti who partnered with Mario Batali, Lidia Bastianich and Joe Bastianich to bring it to NYC a few years ago.  The best way to describe it in my opinion is an Italian themed Whole Foods.  It may be a little pricey but for me it was a great experience because we have a hard time finding some of their quality items in my area.  I could spend the day looking at all the products and eating at the various shops/areas within Eataly…. so I did.

Next time you find yourself in NYC, stop in and check it out… would love to hear what you think of Eataly.

Mushrooms in the Mercato

Octopus – PolpoFresh PastaMacelleriaMaking Mozzarella in a Yankee’s Hat

Fresh Pasta

Macelleria

Making Mozzarella in a Yankee’s Hat

This is a clip from Starbuck’s website:

“… in 1983, Howard traveled to Italy and became captivated with [...]]]> There aren’t many people who don’t know about Starbucks by now and you may also know that Starbucks is based on CEO – Howard Schultz’s vision of bringing a little bit of Italy back to the US.

This is a clip from Starbuck’s website:

“… in 1983, Howard traveled to Italy and became captivated with Italian coffee bars and the romance of the coffee experience. He had a vision to bring the Italian coffeehouse tradition back to the United States.”

Although it has an Italian name, do you want to know what’s not Italian?  The new “Trenta” – 31 oz coffee size that Starbucks launched this past year.  Even though I realize that American fast food and everything that comes with it has invaded Italy along with most of the world (as my father says: “tutto il mondo e’ paese”) large portions are not very Italian.  I’ve always disliked the fact that the food industry here in the US is obsessed with BIG portions. Super-size, more, bigger, huge, double! … which is exactly what happens to most people’s waste after a while in addition to increased health risks.  Most of the time, more isn’t better… it’s just more.  I’ll take a little less of better please.

PS – I would like to thank everyone for their comments and condolences regarding the recent passing of my nonna. It’s been a busy and hectic few months with our launch of Tre Olive, the holidays and my nonna’s passing but I’m hoping to get back on the posting track soon.

And to all of our loved ones who have left us this year including my Nonna – who passed away yesterday – two days before her birthday – may God hold you [...]]]> It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas around here…  sending you all Auguri di Buon Natale e Felice Anno Nuovo.

And to all of our loved ones who have left us this year including my Nonna – who passed away yesterday – two days before her birthday – may God hold you in the palm of his hand and keep you safe until we see you again. We love you.

My “Nonnarella” and me Christmas 2002

1- Adopt an Olive Tree: Adopt an olive tree from one of our groves in Calabria and we’ll send you the olive oil from your tree in the spring. [...]]]> Still looking for a great gift for the Italians in your life?  Here are a few more Italian themed gift ideas that might help you out.

1- Adopt an Olive Tree: Adopt an olive tree from one of our groves in Calabria and we’ll send you the olive oil from your tree in the spring. It’s true, my two cousins and I started Tre Olive earlier this year… so here’s the shameless promotion!  You’ll receive a beautiful welcome package that includes: an adoption certificate, a photo of YOUR tree in a hard cover table tent so that it’s easily displayed, your tree is tagged with your name for the year, an informational brochure and a welcome letter from our family to you.  Then you’ll receive 3 liters of extra virgin olive oil from your tree in the spring.  Our family grows the olives, picks the olives and presses the olives in our mill in Calabria… so you can be sure that it’s 100% Italian and never outsourced to third parties.  Imagine the look on people’s faces when they try the olive oil from your adopted tree.

2- Marcus of Umbria: Ever wonder what it would be like to live in a small town in Italy?  Justine van der Leun’s book details her adventures about moving to Italy for love and ends up falling in love with a dog instead.  She gives us a look into country life in Umbria as she tries to adapt to Italian life.  A fun read!

3- Sauce Maker: Are you looking to make and jar your own tomato sauce next year?  or better yet, have someone else do it for you!  Here’s a great gift to help get them started.  We use this same model to make our sauce every year.  Once you make your own, you’ll never eat store bought again!  (you can find this model on Amazon for $49.99) Throw some mason jars in and they’ll get the picture.

4- Real Maps: I can guarantee you that the guy in your life will appreciate this stocking stuffer.  A good old fashion map that doesn’t show up on a computer screen is a great gift… if he doesn’t unfold it and start studying the map by the end of the day, let me know.  I’ll be shocked!

5- An espresso starter kit: Create a gift package with an espresso maker, cups and espresso.  There are plenty of options and price points… and you’ll probably reap the benefits the next time you visit.  Try Bialetti’s Mukka espresso maker if you want to be a little more stylish and illy has all sorts of collectible cups that are beautiful (although your wallet might will not like you.)

Mukka Espresso Maker by Bialetti

Photo By yann.co.nz on Flickr

So what are you waiting for?  Get Shopping!

1- My Calabria:  Rosetta Costantino has a [...]]]> It’s that time of year again and you don’t know what to buy Uncle Frank or Zia Francesca?? Don’t get your mutande all in a bunch, Italyville has you covered with a few ideas to help make your Italian relatives happier than your Nonno working in the garden!

1- My Calabria:  Rosetta Costantino has a winner with her new book “My Calabria” she recently sent me a copy and I was going to do a giveaway for it… but sorry amici this book is a KEEPER and staying on my book shelf!  It’s loaded with Calabrian recipes that your mother, nonna, zia, zio, cugina and any other Calabrese you know used to make plus much more.  If you’re Calabrese or know someone who is you can’t go wrong with this book and if you’re looking for that recipe from your childhood… it’s probably in here.

2- ABC Italiano: (by: Sonya Caruso) What a great gift for the little Italian in your life!  One of the biggest problems (in my opinion) with the Italian culture is that we eventually (over generations) lose the language.  I don’t know anyone who doesn’t thank their parents for teaching them another language when they were young… I for one am super thankful to my parents for teaching me to speak Italian when I was young.  Get them started early!

3- Italian Language Classes: So your little bimbo has the basics down?  Take the next step and enroll them in Italian language classes!  Make it fun by having them enroll with their cousins or friends.  If you’re in the Yonkers, NY area, check out “La Piazza di Carolina” They have classes for kids of all ages.  Also check out your local Italian Cultural Center as they usually offer classes as well.

4- Meat Grinder: If someone on your list has been talking about making sopressata or maybe you wish they were…  Here’s your chance to to help them move in the right direction.  A meat grinder is a great gift and you’ll reap the benefits with fresh sausage and cured meats.  It’s also a great excuse for getting the family together… “time to make sopressata!”  Our family uses one similar to the one pictured below and it’s less than $100.  You’ll find it on Amazon, Target or most hunting/fishing stores like Bass Pro Shops or Cabella’s.

5- Wine Bottle Corker: Here’s a great gift for the homemade wine maker in the family (we bought this for my father a few years ago and he loves it!)  Everyone who makes their own wine thinks theirs is the best, so help them make it look a little more professional with a wine bottle corker and a bag of corks.  You can find them online or at most brewing supply stores.

I’ll be back soon with Part 2 of the Italian Holiday Gift Guide.