Flavors of Friuli: The Journey Begins
If you have been following my posts from the beginning, you will have read about my travels in Friuli up until 2004. It was the beginning of that year that…
Book-signing at Sacramento Italian Cultural Society
On Sunday, April 17, I appeared at the Sacramento Italian Cultural Society to sign copies of Flavors of Friuli. Following my slide presentation that highlighted Friuli's culture, geography, and architecture,…
Flavors of Friuli: 2011 BAIPA Book Award
Flavors of Friuli: A Culinary Journey through Northeastern Italy has just been awarded "Best Cookbook" in the Bay Area Independent Publishers Association (BAIPA) 2011 Book Award Program. Other awards: 2010…
Christmas Market in Udine
While strolling through downtown Udine on a chilly, mid-December evening, the sound of violins filled the air as I passed by a string trio performing on the sidewalk. Star-shaped Christmas…
A Day in San Daniele del Friuli
Following another satisfying breakfast buffet at Udine’s Hotel Principe, I set out for the bus station, conveniently located just a few steps down the street, and caught an early bus…
Udine: Civici Musei and Museo Diocesano
Today, we’ll visit two of Udine’s best-known museums: the Civici Musei and the Museo Diocesano. The Civici Musei, or “civic museums,” are located inside the Castello di Udine, reachable via…
Cjalsòns: Sweet & Savory
Served in nearly every restaurant throughout northern Friuli, cjalsòns are one of the region’s best-loved specialties. The word derives from the same root as the calzone from Naples, and the…
A Day in Cividale del Friuli
There was a chill in the air as I left Hotel Principe the next morning and crossed the street once again to the train station. Fortunately, this time, there were…
Sightseeing in Udine
My first morning at Udine’s Hotel Principe was greeted by a substantial buffet in the hotel’s downstairs breakfast room. After treating myself to a croissant and some frutti di bosco…
The Meaning of “Piena”
Now that Balance on the Ball had been published, I was craving another creative project. I had had some success writing a few articles for fitness magazines, but I yearned…