During our trip to Sicily, a last minute change of plans had us spending 24 hours in Palermo. There was little time to look for accommodation and we needed a hotel that was relatively inexpensive but comfortable. Since we were arriving by bus from Mazara del Vallo and there was a stop near Teatro Politeama, [...]

When it comes to quality produce, there are two adjectives that weave their magic and elevate simple food to a higher level: seasonal and regional. Two simple concepts that are becoming rare in some parts of the world where we willingly exchange flavour for year round availability. But not in Italy. In the Sicilian town [...]

At Pane e Acqua in Milan, you won’t be confined to bread and water as the name suggests. The fashionable restaurant in the Magenta neighbourhood will take you on a culinary and arty journey reminiscent of a dining room set within an art gallery. From the soft-cushioned banquettes, you can rest your back against foam [...]

Arriving at the Hotel Metropole Suisse in Lake Como, we could not be happier with our choice. The waterfront location along the shores of the lake is prettier than the photographs. Hotel Metropole Suisse Situated on Piazza Cavour across the road from the Como ferry stop and a two minute walk to Ferrovie Nord train [...]

Si mangia prima con gli occhi. It means, you eat with your eyes first. At the Rialto Food Markets in Venice, or Erbaria as it is known, you feast on the colour, texture and scent of the fresh produce. With an abundance of fruit and vegetables, some of which is unfamiliar, you no longer wish [...]

Standing on a private rooftop in the Kasbah of Mazara del Vallo, cracking pistachios and sipping Moretti beer, I feel as if I am in a movie set. Around me, a conglomeration of clay roofs, crumbling walls, church spires and minarets stud the fading sky in the late afternoon. Fishing boats and trailers bob along [...]

The Venetian island of Murano is not short on restaurants and trattorias serving local fare with enchanting views of the lagoon. But when an island-hopping schedule involving Murano, Burano and Torcello doesn’t allow for a leisurely lunch, there is always the option of a quick snack. In the shadow of the Basilica Dei Santi Maria [...]