Vegetarian Holiday Menu from Quisi on Capri

Yes, Christmas is over, but it's always the season for a festive meal. L'Espresso's food blog, Cucina, has a great holiday menu for vegetarians. Stefano Mazzone, the chef at Quisi (at the Grand Hotel Quisisana on Capri), has prepared a special menu using regional ingredients and traditions. All the courses would be appropriate at any time of year (except the Neapolitan cake, Struffoli, which should really only be enjoyed at Christmas). The menu begins with a vegetable and cheese bruschetta, moves on to a simple onion pasta, and for the main course Eggplant Parmigiana. Try Google's Translator for the recipes in English. The Italians celebrate Christmas until January 6th, so feel free to serve the Struffoli until then!

Rome Wins a Coffee Contest

At the beginning of 2008 the Italian magazine Altrocosumo held a contest between the coffee shops of Rome and Milan. The coffee testers of the Istituto internazionale assaggiatori caffè tried coffees in both cities. Rome won and nine of its coffee shops were designated winners. Who will win in 2009? Below is a list of the best coffee shops in Rome. Caffe Colonna nella Galleria Sordi was given the top rating. Receiving honorable mentions were Caffe Maneschi (via del Corso), and Tazza d'oro (via degli Orfani), l'Antico Caffe Greco (Via Condotti), Giolitti (Via offici Vicariate) Sant'Eustachio (Piazza Sant ' Eustachio), Rosati (Piazza del Popolo), Baby Bar (via del Corso), Castroni Caffè (Via Flaminia) and Bar Centralissimo (Via S. Maria). Buon Gusto!

Zingaro is Paradise

On the eastern side of Sicily, not too far from Palermo, is a lovely national seashore untouched and out of the way. Zingaro is a preserve that will have nature enthusiasts singing its praises. The waters are pristine, the beaches and cliffs are not too crowded in summer (although weekends can be pretty busy) and there are unlimited hiking trails. Every inch of the preserve is covered in wildflowers and protected plants. For the diving enthusiasts, there are reefs and coves to explore. One day is not enough to appreciate Zingaro-you will want to come back again and again.

Mario Batali's Amalfi Coast Picks

Star chef Mario Batali knows Italian food and admits that the Amalfi Coast is his favorite foodie spot. Don't miss the alici marinate (marinated anchovies, a specialty of the region) and be sure to visit these restaurants in Positano, Amalfi and Massa Lubrense. In Amalfi he recommends da Gemma and la Caravella.
In Positano be sure to try Il Capitano, Chez Black and La Sponda at Le Sirenuse.In Massa Lubrense, out of the way and hard to find, he loves Taverna del Capitano and Quattro Passi.

Antique Prints of Rome On-Line

If you didn't get a chance to visit the Piazza Fontanella Borghese to buy antique prints when you were in Rome, relax. You can get them on-line through philographikon.com. You will be amazed at the selection of historical and architectural prints depicting Rome (and other cities and countries). Prices range from around $40 to over $1000 and Philographikon actually carries much more than they have on-line. If there's something that you want and they don't have it, you can contact them. Chances are they have what you are looking for.

Ustica-The Black Pearl of the Mediterranean

The tiny island of Ustica off the coast of Sicily has definitely not been discovered by tourists yet-well, maybe some Sicilian tourists. Just a short ferry boat ride from Palermo (take the aliscafi-hydrofoil), Ustica offers some of the best diving and snorkeling in the Tyrrhenian Sea. Everything about the island is pristine, including its little town. Ustica even boasts its own Blue Grotto, almost as impressive as the one on Capri. Hotel La Grotta Azzurra is named for this cave and offers a great pool to relax seaside. Most hotels on the island are very simple (and quite affordable!). Profondo Blu can help you find a boat and captain to take you out on the sea for exploring, swimming and diving.

Hotel Palumbo in Ravello

Originally built in the 12th century, the Hotel Palumbo was a private palazzo until 1875, when its owners turned it into a hotel. The great composer Richard Wagner stayed there and even composed many pieces on the piano which is still in use at the hotel. The public rooms were decorated in the 1600s and incorporate intricately frescoed ceilings and Greek and Roman columns from Paestum and around the Amalfi Coast. The hotel's restaurant, Confalone, makes use of these grand rooms and includes a terrace overlooking one of the most spectacular views of the Amalfi Coast. The hotel is an exquisite marvel, worth visiting even if the high room rates (600 Euros for a double in the summer!) make a stay out of the question. Stop in during the evening to truly make the most of this romantic place.

Travel and Leisure: Best Hotels in Rome

Travel and Leisure Magazine has just released its list of the top 500 hotels in the world. Rome has 5 of them, including one that is new to the list: The Hotel Majestic (pictured). Located on the Via Veneto, this hotel was built in 1889 and was the setting for Fellini's famous film, La Dolce Vita. Rates start at 465 Euros, so it certainly isn't a bargain! But can you put a price on La Dolce Vita, anyway? The other 4 hotels on Travel and Leisure's list are the Hotel d'Inghilterra, the St. Regis Grand, the Westin Excelsior and the Hotel Hassler. All are luxurious and all are worth it. Stop by for a drink if you the room rates are a little too high for you (and in this economy, they are definitely too high!).

Hiking Mt. Etna

If you would like to see an active volcano up close, be sure to take a day trip to Mt. Etna. Not only will you experience lava flows and craters but you will be able to see some of the interesting sights on the mountain itself, including villages, views and a Norman castle made entirely of lava. The Co.Ga.Sicily.Tour company is a reputable touring outfit operating from Catania. For 55 Euros per person, a vulcanologist will pick you up at your hotel and take you to Mt. Etna for the entire day (lunch not included). My sources tell me to ask for Giuseppe as your guide. Etna makes for a fantastic all-day excursion from Taormina or Catania. Have fun and wear sturdy shoes!

Travel and Leisure's Top 500 Hotels:Amalfi Coast

Every year Travel and Leisure publishes THE LIST. This year, 5 hotels on the Amalfi Coast and one in Sorrento made the coveted ranking, however none of them are new to the list. All are luxurious and all are VERY expensive. But even if you can't stay at any of these properties, stop in for lunch or a drink. The views and service are definitely a worthwhile experience. On Capri, the Capri Hotel & Spa and the Grand Hotel Quisisana are recommended. In Positano, Travel and Leisure ranks Il San Pietro di Positano and La Sirenuse as the best. In Ravello, the lovely and exclusive (43 rooms) Palazzo Sasso (pictured) is the hotel to visit. If you make it over to Sorrento, the Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria overlooks the Bay of Naples and provides an excellent jumping-off point for visiting ruins, islands, and the Amalfi Coast.

Rome Is Flooding

Rome declared a state of emergency last week as the Tiber River's water level rose to an unprecedented high. Tiber Island was about to be submerged and a lake formed around the Colosseum. More rain and hail were expected to fall this weekend but the Tiber's floodwaters have subsided. Stay tuned to find out how this has affected the monuments in the city.

Rome on the Cheap

Budget Travel has some great suggestions for saving money in Rome (and in many other expensive cities). They suggest using public transportation, refilling your water bottles in the fountains (the water in Rome is pristine!) and eating pizza by the slice. 10Best.com has some great suggestions for pizzerias, many of them in Trastevere.

Ravello Festival

Every summer the hilltop town of Ravello celebrates its long association with some of the most famous artists in the world. Richard Wagner, Greta Garbo and Giovanni Boccaccio are just a few of the illustrious artists who at one time made Ravello their home. The Ravello Festival lasts from the end of June to the end of October and includes music, films and other cultural events. Each section is dedicated to a particular artist who was inspired by Ravello. The Visual Arts section is dedicated to M.C. Escher and the Musical Promenades section is dedicated to E.M. Forster. The film section (dedicated to Greta Garbo) is perhaps one of the most charming aspects of the festival, as the movies are projected on a big screen in the middle of the main piazza. So very Cinema Paradiso-and so very Italian.

The Most Beautiful Hotel in the World

Perched on a hillside overlooking Mt. Etna and the Mediterranean, the Grand Hotel Timeo in Taormina is one of the most spectacular hotels in the world. Built into the foundations of the Greco-Roman theater, this hotel is luxurious, intimate, and the service is impeccable. The hotel was once the home of Sicilian nobility and to this day exudes the taste and refinement of its former residents. The rooms are elegant and almost all have views of the sea and the dining terrace where live piano plays every evening. The Grand Hotel Timeo is an excellent base for exploring Eastern Sicily and especially Taormina, one of Sicily's most charming cities. With rooms starting at 330 Euros, The Grand Hotel Timeo is not cheap, but it is an unforgettable experience worth every penny.

Walking Tours of Rome Courtesy of National Geographic

As part of Traveler Magazine's Places of a Lifetime series, National Geographic has designed three detailed and fascinating walks in Rome. The walks are illustrated by maps and accompanied by pertinent information about what you will see and why it is important. The three walks are the Via Appia Antica, the Via Veneto district, and the historic sites in the heart of Rome. The website also includes what to wear in Rome, restaurant, hotel and shopping recommendations, and even books and music to get you started on your trip before you get there.

The Best of the Costiera Amalfitana

The Amalfi Coast offers unlimited opportunities for experiencing the best of Italy. For day trips, head to Paestum and Capri. Be sure to visit the 13th century cathedral in Amalfi. For spectacular views don't miss Ravello, a tiny town tucked high in the mountains. Positano offers shopping, beaches and a lively nightlife. From the Amalfi Coast you are in the perfect position to visit Pompeii, Herculaneum and Naples by car or bus. Plan to spend several days in the Costiera Amalfitana-you will fall in love.

Sicily: Where to Go, What to See in a Nutshell

Often overlooked by tourists, Sicily is Italy's hidden treasure. From beautiful beaches to elaborate ruins, Sicily has something for everyone. Don't miss the Greek temples at Agrigento and Selinunte. Taormina's Greco-Roman theater and access to Mt. Etna are truly the jewel of the island. Gorgeous beaches and seaside retreats in Zingaro and the Aeolian islands will leave you wondering why you would ever vacation anywhere else. World-class museums in Palermo and Siracusa showcase some of the most exquisite artifacts in the Mediterranean. Sicilian culture, relatively untouched by the rest of the world, offers the most delicious food and interesting traditions. Just don't expect anyone to speak English!

Italian Hand Gestures Decoded

The Italians are the most expressive people on earth. Not only is their spoken language beautiful, but they can speak an entire language with their hands. If you've ever wondered what all those signs can possibly mean, click here for a funny (and informative) video detailing all you've ever wanted to know about Italian hand gestures. The video was put together by Nada's Italy, a tour company devoted to the authentic experience of Italian language and culture.

Christmas in Rome: Where to Go, What to Eat

National Geographic's Intelligent Traveler Blog is celebrating Christmas all over the world. With recommendations from locals and experts, the most authentic ways to experience the season are now in your grasp. Among their recommendations are the Christmas market in Piazza Navona, the hundreds of nativity scenes in every church around the city (St. Peter's pictured), Christmas Mass in St. Peter's, and eating roasted chestnuts and panettone. The Modern Traveler also suggests panforte, an Italian riff on fruitcake (and naturally a thousand times better!). If you can't get to Rome to try it, Whole Foods always sells it!

David Lynch's Wine Bar Picks

Mario Batali's famous Manhattan restaurant, Babbo, is well-known not only for its terrific food, but also for its impeccable wine selection. That wine selection is thanks to David Lynch, Babbo's wine director. Lynch is an expert on Italian wines and naturally has a few favorite wine bars to visit in Rome. He includes Cul de Sac, the quintessential enoteca just off the Piazza Navona. But he recommends several more wine bars in almost every neighborhood in Rome. In the Prati (north of the Vatican) he touts Del Frate not only for its wines but also for its cheese selection. In Trastevere, trendy Ferrara is the place to visit for an "encyclopedic" wine list. If you are looking for something a little more low-key, try L'Angolo Divino just off Campo dei Fiori. Salud!

Antico Arco on the Gianicolo

Just across from the Porta San Pancrazio on the Gianicolo is Antico Arco, a little jewel of a restaurant. Four unique dining rooms in an historical building offer Roman cuisine with a little bit of Calabria, Sicily and Le Marche thrown in. One of their Roman specialties is pasta all'Amatriciana with pancetta from the Marche region. The restaurant is frequented by members of the American Academy in Rome, which is just around the corner. Antico Arco's wine bar is a lovely place to wait for your table, but be sure to make a reservation as it does get crowded. The restaurant is closed on Sundays. Piazzale Aurelio 7, Tel.065815274.