ITALIANS & FOOD: A BIRTHRIGHT

Even after all these years of living in Italy, I still am awestruck when I think of the relationship Italians have with food. We spent the weekend at the beach in Cesenatico, a lovely place that I highly recommend to anyone who wants to spend some time at the beach in the Romagna area. Italians love to eat. It is their birthright to not only eat, but to eat well.

I am always amazed how everything comes to a standstill between 1 and 3 pm. I noticed that all the people and children who were in the water were suddenly gone. The beach chairs empty.  Basically what was alive and jumping suddenly turned into a seaside ghost town. I asked my husband if the people came out of the water because the water is too cold. He said "no, they left but now are over there" as he pointed towards the bar / restaurant. What I saw was crowds of people pushing their way to order no, not a sandwich but a full on sit down seafood meal with all the works: wine, bread, olive oil, etc. I was amazed. "You mean they are going to eat all that food and then go back to the beach??" I asked. And sure enough they did right after their espresso.

So what did we do? Well when in Rome..... We helped ourselves to an amazing sit down lunch and washed it down with the owners own homemade wine he offered us to welcome "i nuovi toscani" to their beachside. Then an espresso and back to the beach. Not bad, not bad at all.

Where to Eat in Chiusi and Cetona When You Travel to Italy

It has taken awhile to know the best places to eat in and around my town of Chiusi (Siena) Italy. One of the advantages of being married with a Chiusino is knowing the ins and outs of the best eateries. Keep these places in mind should you visit the Valdichiana area.

Chiusi (Lake)
The Restaurant "Da Gino" is literally one minute from the lake. Don't be put off by the look of this restaurant as it looks more like a big cafeteria than a quaint Italian restaurant. The owners Claudio and his sister Manuela have been running this place with their family for over 30 years. This place is a favorite among locals. The pici pasta are extraordinary and made by hand and the grilled persico is a lake fish favorite. I suggest both. The meat is also very very good. Don't forget cantucci and order the house red wine which is usually very good.

Chiusi (lake) Directions:from freeway offramp go right toward Chiusi. You will see a sign on the left with Lago written on it before getting to old town. Turn left and follow all the curves and signs until you reach the lake. You cannot miss it. They are open for lunch and do make reservations for dinner as it is always crammed with people.

Chiusi (near freeway offramp)adjacent to Il Patriarca Hotel
The locanda "La Taverna del Patriarca" is about five years old and has become a favorite of locals. The environment is quite nice, intimate and the owners have paid close attention to every rustic detail. My favorite dish here is Pasta con i Ceci, a garbanzo bean soup with homemade noodles. Very good.
Directions: from freeway offramp turn left. You will immediately see the Hotel Il Patriarca to the left. Turn into their parking area and the locanda will be to the right of the hotel.

Chiusi Scalo

There are two places that make a good pizza. Il Punto and Lo Scalo. I suggest either.
Directions: both are walking distance from the train station. Il Punto is directly perpendicular to the train station. Just walk straight and you will hit before reaching the Church. Lo Scalo is to the left of the train station.

Cetona
The restaurant "Da Nilo" is a must if you visit this area. The owners and cooks just know what they are doing and this place has been a favorite with the locals for many many years. The environment is nice, but loud. Be sure to order "pici a ragu" which is homemade pasta with a meaty tomato sauce.
Directions: once you have reached the cental piazza of Cetona on foot, on the left you will see a sign with the restaurant name. The restaurant is one minute by foot up the road on the left.

What to buy when you visit Italy

My family has been visiting Italy from the United States for over forty years and before that my parents lived in Italy and now I live in Italy. So I can say we have become experts in knowing what products to buy in Italy to bring back to the U.S. Although the euro/dollar exchange rate has not been favorable, there are still must haves:

Clothing/Shoes/Jewelry
There is no doubt that if you can still find Made in Italy clothing in Italy, go for it as they just fit better!
There is no comparison. Italian shoes are the best in style, comfort, and assortment.
It is not easy to find 18 kt gold jewelry in the USA that is also stylish. You will not do wrong by buying it in Italy.

Leather Handbags,Wallets,Belts
You can still find very affordable ones at local mercato.

Coffee
We don't know why but the coffee you buy here, even if has the same brand name, just tastes better. If you buy a bag of coffee beans at a bar, beware as is very costly. You are better off getting a brand name bag at the supermarket. We like Illy.

Parmigian Cheese
Is much cheaper in Italy than in the USA. Make sure you get it vacuum packed and keep it in the fridge until ready to pack.

Big Salt (Sale Grosso)
I heard you can find this now in LA but in case you cannot, buy it in Italy (very cheap). Throw a dash of it in your boiling water when you make pasta to make it taste great!

Zafferon, Funghi Porcini (dried)
I am not a big user of these but heard friends rant and rave about buying these in Italy

Olive Oil and Wine
I have not found a suitable way to bring these back so welcome input by you guy:)

Do not even think about bringing back prosciutto, salami or anything of the sort. It does not go over very well with the customs people!