What is your most favorite thing you can only get it Italy?
Jul 25th, 2005, 05:02 PM
#41
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Well, that eye candy certainly stands out but, even better, last year at the cooking school at Villa Pandolfino we had ricotta made from goat's milk. Oh, it was like nothing I've ever tasted. I can't wait to get back and get some more.
Oh, and those candies that are like a sort of brittle, made from hazlenuts or almonds, tightly held together with a sugar brittle. I have purchased these, imported, outside of Italy, but they don't compare to the fresh and delicious pieces from candy carts and sweet shops in Italy.
And the Pecorino Fresca in Pienza... nothing tastes like that.
Oh, and those candies that are like a sort of brittle, made from hazlenuts or almonds, tightly held together with a sugar brittle. I have purchased these, imported, outside of Italy, but they don't compare to the fresh and delicious pieces from candy carts and sweet shops in Italy.
And the Pecorino Fresca in Pienza... nothing tastes like that.
Jul 25th, 2005, 07:24 PM
#42
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Having just returned from a trip that included London, Venice, Athens and the Greek Islands I must echo other posters: the FOOD!!! We can get all of the ingredients here in the San Francisco Bay Area and we have great gelato places and fabulous Italian restaurants, but nothing beats ducking into a little trattoria and having the best, freshest pasta and a salad made of rucola that had to have been picked that morning! A couple of years ago we went to Pompeii and had a fabulous bowl of linguine and baby clams at the train station!
And then there is the quality of the light, the color. The coffee bars...it is better there I swear! And the eye candy OMG it makes my heart flutter just to think of it!
And then there is the quality of the light, the color. The coffee bars...it is better there I swear! And the eye candy OMG it makes my heart flutter just to think of it!
Jul 27th, 2005, 09:46 AM
#46
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I agree with the above poster about pici- the texture really enhances the flavor of simple dishes. I am so disappointed we did not buy the grooved rolling pin used to make it while there.
If any NYC Fodorites can share where to find authentic pici, I would be eternally grateful
If any NYC Fodorites can share where to find authentic pici, I would be eternally grateful
Jul 28th, 2005, 04:31 AM
#47
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Tarheels,
Have you tried BUON ITALIA in the Chelsea Market (9th Ave)? They are a great source for Italian products.
P.S. I was just in ABC CARPET (NYC) the other day, and they have some really gorgeous Murano vases and glassware. The prices were not outrageous either.
Have you tried BUON ITALIA in the Chelsea Market (9th Ave)? They are a great source for Italian products.
P.S. I was just in ABC CARPET (NYC) the other day, and they have some really gorgeous Murano vases and glassware. The prices were not outrageous either.
Mar 26th, 2006, 02:56 PM
#52
The absolutely most delicious candied orange peel I have ever seen or tasted--in the town of Amalfi.
Some wonderful bath oil from one of the lovely pharmacies -- this one in Bellagio.
BTW -- sometimes Trader Joe's carries the creamy limoncello.
Some wonderful bath oil from one of the lovely pharmacies -- this one in Bellagio.
BTW -- sometimes Trader Joe's carries the creamy limoncello.
Mar 27th, 2006, 05:51 AM
#56
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As for the question which items you can find only in Veneto and Emilia-Romagna: fish. I simply don't eat fish any more at home - the quality of the fish market of Venice is simply incomparable. Important thing is to prepare it yourself - most restaurants in Venice are not SOOOOOO good, and many of the delicious species sold on the fish market are not being prepared by ANY restaurant in Venice (no idea why). That's the main reason why I'm always renting apartments in Venice...
And for Emilia-Romagna, or more precisely: its coast, the same is true - the eels of Comacchio are not just the best eels in the world, they have nothing in common with any other eel... and of course, you can't export fish, or that quality of fish, which is only being preserved if you eat it on the very same day it has been fished.
And for Emilia-Romagna, or more precisely: its coast, the same is true - the eels of Comacchio are not just the best eels in the world, they have nothing in common with any other eel... and of course, you can't export fish, or that quality of fish, which is only being preserved if you eat it on the very same day it has been fished.
Dec 1st, 2006, 12:59 PM
#57
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Pistachio gelato, sheep milk ricotta, incredible pastries. I fell in LOVE with the Pecorino cheese. I brought back a huge hunk and after only 1 1/2 weeks it's almost gone! 
My husband loves the "Pocket Coffe" candies (chocolate squares filled with thick coffee), and the home grown and home prepared olives.
My husband loves the "Pocket Coffe" candies (chocolate squares filled with thick coffee), and the home grown and home prepared olives.
Dec 5th, 2006, 12:04 PM
#58
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Gelato! And those fun little souvenir bottles of limoncello. Also, hand-painted ceramic dishes, platters, pitchers, etc with lively yellow lemons and bright color patterns (usually found all over Capri and the Amalfi Coast towns).
Dec 5th, 2006, 12:09 PM
#59
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I realized this is a very old post (July 2005) so klt has already gone and come back!
bettyo70- creamy limoncello is called "crema di limone" and is not as strong as the regular limoncello in that it is cream-based and (IMO) easier on the stomach. It is esp good served chilled and after a seafood meal. Trader Joe's does not carry limoncello. As it is a specialty Italian item, you could possibly find it in an Italian store or you could call some liquor wholesalers that might carry limoncello in their stock. If you are not able to get it here in the U.S., do try it in Italy sometime! It is delicious and quite unique.
bettyo70- creamy limoncello is called "crema di limone" and is not as strong as the regular limoncello in that it is cream-based and (IMO) easier on the stomach. It is esp good served chilled and after a seafood meal. Trader Joe's does not carry limoncello. As it is a specialty Italian item, you could possibly find it in an Italian store or you could call some liquor wholesalers that might carry limoncello in their stock. If you are not able to get it here in the U.S., do try it in Italy sometime! It is delicious and quite unique.
