The last time I wrote, I had just arrived to a chilly Memphis, Tennessee for the Saveur Blog Awards, sweetly excited yet unaware what the next days would have in store for me. Now I write from a smoky San Francisco, my heart hurting for those whose lives either taken horrifically or changed forever from the fires devastating Northern and Southern California, while mulling over how I can best express the thoughts which have been percolating. Continue Reading →
General Eating Out
Judging Europe’s Best Gelato and Postrivoro “Top Chef” Pop-Ups
Remember last year when I was judging at the Gelato Festival for the World’s Best? Well, kinda like the world cup, rounds are now running leading up to the next world competition in 2021.
This mid-September, I was on the panel to judge for the European Finals “All Stars” for title of Best in Europe, and those present at the All Stars competition were winners from previous rounds held around the world. The winners here will go on to the next rounds on the road to World’s Best.
So how was it?
Better ask a sommelier: Andrea Galanti of Gastronomia Galanti

Better ask a who??? A sommelier! What’s a sommelier and why you better ask him?!
Let me first explain a bit this category. Since I maintain a food blog in Florence, I’d like to interject expert voices from time to time on this complex yet highly sought out matter. Experts to me are those who work blood, sweat and tears in what they do like chefs, sommeliers, bakers, farmers, artisans, culinary instructors (not the touristy type) and OG food critics like Ruth Reichl (an expert in expressing both soul and poignancy). Because I muse about these topics and lead wine tours in Tuscany, I wanted to provide a platform to ask experts their opinions. Also to have an excuse to drink more…you know for “research.” Continue Reading →
Common misconceptions about Italian Food
Find me one person who doesn’t like Italian food. Then find me someone who completely understands it. THEN bring me some Italian food- because it doesn’t really exist. Continue Reading →
Observations (mostly food related) by an American in Florence

My little hiatus from Florence is coming to an end, and without surprise, I have new observations from being in the states to share. Someone recently asked me “do you feel a little Italian or just like an American in Italy?” Continue Reading →