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WEEK 123 MENU: July 26-31, 2022

Capri: Blue Waters and Lemon Trees. Right at the top of my ever-growing post-COVID bucket list is the return to the Isle of Capri. It has always been a choice of well-heeled international tourists and discriminating Italians. An iconic celebrity destination since the 40s and 50s, it is a glorious balance of idyllic scenery, spectacular coastline, designer shopping and fabulous homegrown flavors. Its cuisine is dominated by a plethora of fresh seafood and vegetables that are at their height now, during the summer months. This week’s menu highlights some of Capri’s most well-loved dishes paired with the region’s renowned Falanghina white wine. A Capri dinner would not be complete without a sip of its lemony nectar – limoncello – distilled...

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WEEK 122 MENU: July 19-24, 2022

Tutti al Mare! Tuscans at the Beach This year, Italians finally are planning to return to their beloved beaches with the hope that tourists will follow. Though many of us are still not comfortable making the trip to Italy, at least we can reflect on vacations past while imbibing in its local flavors, enhanced by its colorful customs.  Italians absolutely love beach life and are most likely the sexiest and most fashionable beachgoers in the world. La Versilia is a very unique stretch of Tuscan Mediterranean coast backed by the Apuan Alps.  It is best known for its golden beaches, nightlife, art communities, and surf-n-turf – Mare e Monti – cuisine. But to fully enjoy the Italian beach culture you need to...

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Week 121 Menu: July 12-17, 2022

Sardinia: Where People Live Forever. The most interesting fact about the island of Sardinia is that it boasts the largest number of centenarians per capita than any other place on Earth.  Their consumption of clean, simple “peasant food,” together with red wine rich in antioxidants and polyphenols just may be the reason for their longevity. Our Sardinian menu highlights the mainstays of their Mediterranean diet – legumes, vegetables, olive oil, pasta, cheese and seafood.  Those together with, Cannonau, a red wine made from grapes indigenous to the island could be the key to living a long and healthy life.

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WEEK 120 - July 5-10, 2022

Under the Tuscan Sun This year will mark 50 years (yikes!) since I saw the Tuscan sun for the first time.  I can clearly remember that first morning in the little pensione on Via 27 Aprile when I flung open the shutters to discover the most vivid colors, sparkling clean air and brightest sun I had ever seen. Tuscany is a region located in central Italy but ask any Tuscan and they will tell you it is the center of the universe.  They are exceedingly proud of their heritage and are profoundly connected to their culture, not the least of which is their culinary patrimony. Our menu this week will travel through the region, highlighting specialties from its different provinces. ...

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WEEK 119 MENU: June 28 - July 3

Puglia: Frugality & Abundance. Puglia, at the heel, highlights the desirable qualities of Italian life that draws us all to this amazing country.  It is scattered with Baroque architecture, pristine wilderness and wonderful beaches, charming villages, olive and citrus groves, underground caves and Roman ruins. Puglia’s agricultural heritage and enviable coasts make it the perfect place for great food.  Ironically, this is “cucina povera,” though rich in produce and ingredients.  Here there is a straightforward and practical attitude towards food.  Its cooks are creative and have an enormous capacity of making something out of nothing.

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