by katty | Mar 17, 2025 | Lifestyle
photography
tomato preserve
a must of the italian summer
Making the tomato preserve (conserva di pomodoro) is a staple of the Italian summer. Ā
With ripe juicy tomatoes we prepare the tomato we need for the winter, when the only other option would be canned tomatoes (or flavorless fresh tomatoes).Ā
Tomatoes are washed, cooked, pressed and boiled again.Ā
They are later put into clean glass containers that vacuum-seal with the heat of the sauce.Ā Ā
Of course along the way you need to eat and drink something to keep you going.Ā
Finally there’s the part I like the least, cleaning everything.Ā
Making the tomato preserve is not easy. It takes a lot of time and patience. But it’s a nice moment of conviviality because quite often 2 or 3 families make it at the same time so as to work in a production line and save time.Ā
But I think it’s a tradition that won’t last very long. Once my parents won’t be able or willing to do it, I don’t think I will, despite the fun and the big satisfaction at the end.Ā
by katty | Mar 10, 2025 | Lifestyle, vietnam
Cute places for food and coffee we found during our trip
Vietnam is a nice mixture of tradition and modern, and you can see this in the eateries you can find around the country: next to the restaurants serving traditional Vietnamese food there are cafes and homestays beautifully decorated and with a modern menu, not only for tourists, but appreciated by young locals as well.
Bom’s Coffee, Tam Coc
In Tam Coc I fell in love with this very simple cafeteria because of the many plants and the big space where my son had a lot of fun. The first time we went for coffee there, they were arranging a family dinner, with a lot of food that they lay on the floor. And they invited us to share it.
Le Robinet Homestay, Hue
Le Robinet Homestay in Hue was my favorite accommodation in the whole Vietnam. It was very welcoming, with a beautiful architecture and design, a large garden where my son had fun with the two cats of the house. They also serve delicious vegetarian food. Plus it’s in the old part of the town and very close to the Imperial City.
Fika, Hoi An
We found this lovely place by chance, cycling around the old town of Hoi An. They serve some excellent coffee and cakes. I fell in love with the books corner and the decadent look.
Lagan Bakery, Hoi An
It’s the sister bakery of Fika above, very different in style, equally great food. A great place for digital nomads that need a quiet and neat place to work.
Cam Coffee, Hoi An
This place was very close to our hotel in Hoi An. There were people working or meeting friends and colleagues. Many plants, good food, beautiful design. One of those places where you could spend hours.
Capulus, Da Lat
Another place we found by chance, walking along the canal in Da Lat. I was attracted by the people sitting on those tiny chairs by the small road, most of them really into their mobile phones. It was very busy at any hour.
By the way, Da Lat was my favorite place in Vietnam, the most authentic in my opinion.
The Joi Factory, Ho Chi Minh City
A vegetarian restaurant and shared workspace at the same time.
Vietnam is famous for its great coffee and food. Recently places like these full of character are spreading around the country, making drinking and eating even more pleasant.
by | Jul 27, 2021 | Lifestyle
apericena in agri
FOCACCIA
in Calvarina
Baita Calvarina, an agritourism in Calvarina, a hill near Arzignano, created some super duper events for Thursday nights in the Summer: the Apericene in Agri.
The agritourism is well appreciated in our area because the food is good and there’s a lot of space, inside and outside.Ā
It’s perfect for our large family lunches.Ā
In the Summer evenings Baita Calvarina is a lovely location, lit by the last rays of the sun and with a temperature that is always a couple of degrees lower than in town.Ā
In July 2020 the owners invented the “Apericena in agri“, evenings with focacce and boards of cold cuts and cheese, to share with family and friends while drinking something chilly in the hot Summer.
The apericene are held on Thursdays, and on those days these are the only things that are on the menu, if I’m not mistaken.
The event is quite successful because
1. up there temperatures are much better
2. focacce are delicious.Ā
The focacce, with slow rising, are of 4 different tastes with interesting ingredients (like honey, onion, nuts), plus two simple with tomato and parma ham.Ā
My favorite was with caramelized onion.Ā
They were so inviting that I forgot to photograph them, I didn’t think about it at all, only these two (after I had already eaten a bit of the first two).Ā
To match the focacce they offer some artisan beers, made in a brewery from Vicenza.
Or white wine, for the aficionados like my father.
Location and set up are also super.
Location does not need explanation, it’s on a hill surrounded by nature.
For the Summer due (or thanks to) Covid-19 they set some large tables in the garden.
There’s a lot of space and social distance is guaranteed.
I hope these events will continue for the rest of the Summer, because I want to go back (I would go right now, if it wasn’t Tuesday morning when I’m writing).
It’s Going to be Perfect!
vieni con me!
by | Jul 26, 2021 | Lifestyle
Dinner at
Corte di Casale
Vicenza
A Wednesday of August I went for dinner at Corte di Casale.
The Corte di CasaleĀ isn’t a restaurant, open every day for lunch or dinner; it’s an old villa usually booked for events, company dinners, weddings. Sometimes Arianna, the manager, organizes a “tasting” dinner, where engaged couples or anyone interested can taste their dishes.
One of the best cuisines of the area, in my modest opinion.
An old residence of the 1800s, with some rustic antiques, a big green area and a lot of nature around.
Smoked mozzarella and taralli.
Sopressa and figs. Love figs on the table!!
Risotto with Barolo wine, Belfiore apples, crunchy speck.
I’ve never had a better risotto in my life.
“Bundle” with artichokes and king prawns, on a bed of valerian.
Sliced calf with berries and seasonal vegetables.
At this point I was quite full, but it was so good that I asked for a second portion (just one slice).
Great quality wine as always.
Mojito sorbet and sponge cake with creams.
Follow their facebook pageĀ for updates on their next tasting dinner š
It’s Going to be Awesome!
Come with me!
by | Jul 25, 2021 | Lifestyle
Bruschetta at
Laita
La contrada del gusto
Some time ago I was at the Laita, la contrada del gusto, for dinner; one of the collest places in my area, the “Valle del Chiampo”.
It’s an oldĀ contrada renovated and converted into an elegant restaurant, a bruschetteria and gelateria.
I took so many pictures that night that I decided to make a blog post out of it.
These old stone houses are one of our richest heritage.
Surrounded by the nature of theĀ Alta Valle del Chiampo.
With style.
Aperitivo with fried gnocco and pancetta.
Sambuca syrup, durello wine and lemon.
Bruschetta with Burlino caciotta, smoked trout in cubes, saor, apple, fresh baby spinach.
Bread: wholegrain ciabatta with rye flour.
Coppa gelato (you would have enough for dinner just with this one).
Laita’s has recently been voted 7th best Italian icecream parlour.
Gelato at Laita’s deserves its own space because it’s a unique experience.
Particularly theĀ affogato.
It’s the attention to details that makes this place so special, from the ingredients of the dishes to the smallest flower on display.
It’s Going to be Perfect!
come with me!
