Understanding Italian coffee
In Italy drinking coffee is a ritual. Italians love going to cafés for their coffee and if skipped they won’t survive the day. Before you order a coffee, let’s clarify first the difference between café and caffè. Well, coffee translates in Italian as “caffé“, while café is known as the “bar”, the place where you […] Read More
Introduction to Italian Customs
Italian languageItaly, as we know it today, is a very young country, just over 150 years old. It was ultimately unified in 1861 following a campaign lead by Garibaldi. Before then, it was a peninsula with dozens of independent city-states, ruled by lords, kings and popes, with their own laws, dialects and customs. Yet, the […] Read More
The Venice Carnival
When thinking of the Carnival, two cities stand out from the rest of the world, Venice and Rio. Given the cold temperatures in Italy since the start of 2016, my pick would definitely be Rio, but as I live in Milan with my wife and two small children, let’s talk about a more realistic travel option, […] Read More
Italian Style Christmas
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas! And although you may be far from home, make the most of the season with our tips on how to celebrate an Italian Style Christmas. Your beginner’s kit should include first and foremost a Nativity Scene or presepe. These are essential during the holiday season and in […] Read More
48 Hours in Florence
Day 1 In the heart of Tuscany, Florence is where the Renaissance movement began. It is filled with art galleries, museums, and buildings that need to be seen during any visit. The first stop on this trip is to the city’s most popular art museum the Uffizi Gallery. The gallery is one of the best […] Read More
July 4th message from Amb. Philip T. Reeker Consul General in Milan
Dear Friends, It’s my pleasure, on behalf of the whole U.S. Consulate General in Milan, to once again wish my fellow Americans a Happy Independence Day – and a happy 240th birthday to the United States of America! It has been quite a busy year. 12 months ago we were experiencing the incredible Expo Milano. […] Read More
Two Worlds, One Relationship
Are you in an intercultural relationship? Do you know firsthand the unique joys of having a partner who enriches your worldview, and the frustrations of having a partner with whom you are often on different pages, based on different points of reference, different societal norms and countless different cultural nuances? In my counseling practice, I […] Read More
Have you met the Befana?
In Italy, January means epiphany and that means the Befana! (be’fa:na) which usually marks the end of the Christmas season. The Befana is a character from local folklore who makes her appearance during the feast of Epiphany on January 6th. In fact the name Befana comes from the word epifania, the Italian name for the religious festival […] Read More
Cassoeula Recipe
Cassoeula [kaˈsøla] specialty typically from Milan, Lombardy. It is considered a ‘poor man’s dish,’ prepared with Savoy cabbage and pork, in fact it uses less choicer parts of the latter, but makes for a hearty winter meal. As per tradition, the cabbage should be used only after the first frost. It was a favorite of conductor […] Read More
How much do you know about Robert Burns?
Scotland is perhaps the only country in the world that regularly celebrates a poet: 25 January 2016 will mark the 257thanniversary of Robert Burns’ birth in 1759. Scots all over the world will get together for a traditional Burns Supper, which features Scotland’s most famous dish: haggis. We will have it flown in specially from […] Read More
Thanksgiving message from Ambassador Philip T. Reeker U.S. Consul General in Milan
Dear Friends, Our most original American holiday, Thanksgiving, is a time for all of us to count our blessings. In this spirit, I must thank this exquisite city where we are celebrating the 150th anniversary of the appointment of the first United States Consul General in Milan. For a century and a half Milan has […] Read More
Easy Thanksgiving Turkey Recipe
Time:30 minutes to prepare and 4 hours to cook Servings: Difficulty:easy Ingredients 1 turkey (any size) 2 cups (475ml) of broth or water melted unsalted butter for basting (optional) Method About an hour before roasting, take the turkey out of the fridge. Remove any packaging and giblets. Set the turkey breast-side up on the roasting […] Read More
How much do you know about St Andrew?
St Andrew’s Day (or more usually Night) is very important to all Scots around the world as it is when we celebrate Saint Andrew, Scotland’s patron saint. But how much do you know about him? Here’s a potted history: Andrew was a Galilean fisherman before he and his brother Simon Peter became disciples of Jesus […] Read More
Message from Canadian Ambassador Peter McGovern
Dear Canadians and Friends of Canada in Italy! Happy Thanksgiving! As Canada’s foliage is gaining its legendary colours, students of all ages are now settled into another school year. Here in Italy, the summer heat has (finally) faded and it’s now harvest time: wine, olives, almonds, chestnuts, porcini mushrooms, and other delicious local produce are […] Read More
Risotto ai Funghi Porcini – Porcini risotto
Porcini risotto is a classic Italian dish for the fall season. Time: 35 minutes Servings: 4 Difficulty: Easy Ingredients: 400 g Porcini mushrooms 320 g Carnaroli rice (or Arborio rice) 60 g butter 2 tablespoons of Olive Oil 1 small golden onion chopped 1 garlic clove salt freshly ground pepper parsley 50 g grated Parmesan […] Read More
