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Meet Charles Holt

By the hammer of Thor!
By the hammer of Thor!

Via Umbria is pleased to introduce the newest member of our team.

Charles Holt comes to us from a career in the food service and hospitality field, most recently helping launch the Poplar Springs Inn and Spa in Warrenton, Virginia after a long and distinguished career as Food and Beverage Director at the TPC Potomac.  Charles’ deep knowledge and appreciation of food, wine and hospitality and his focus on team building and customer service will be essential ingredients in ensuring a smooth and successful launch of the Via Umbria market this fall.

When he’s not busy appreciating a bottle of Montefalco wine he can usually be found networking with local culinary professionals and even occasionally has been known to engage in some amateur demolition (see photo).

You can contact Charles at charles@viaumbria.com.

Our New Team Member! Read more

Via Umbria is pleased to introduce the newest member of our team. Charles Holt comes to us from a career in the food ...

Comings & Goings, Culture, Events, Experience Italy, Food & Drink, Tastes of Italy
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Meet You at the Sagra della Porchetta

Porchetta What could be more fun than a Fourth of July barbecue?

A Second of July Italian barbecue at Ristorante i Ricchi.

Celebrate Independence Day a little early this year as we partner with i Ricchi to host the Sagra della Porchetta – an outdoor Italian pork barbecue festival in their new outdoor piazza!  We’ll be featuring a delectable menu of porchetta (see gallery below), i Ricchi’s housemade sausages, croxetti pasta with pesto alla genovese and a bruschetta bar.

Wash it all down with Italian craft beer from Birra Perugia, imported by and available exclusively at Via Umbria.

Meet special guest Alessandro Anfosso of Anfosso Italian Goods, who will be sampling his family’s artisanal olive oil, sauces and other delicacies from his native Liguria.

 

Tickets are $18 via Eventbrite.
Free valet parking

How to get more information:
Visit our FaceBook page
Email us at info@viaumbria.com
Call Suzy at 202-957-3811

Sagra della Porchetta
July 2 from 5pm-9pm
i Ricchi Restaurant
1220 19th Street, NW
Washington, DC
— Free valet parking —

 

 

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What could be more fun than a Fourth of July barbecue? A Second of July Italian barbecue at Ristorante i Ricchi. Celebrate Independence Day ...

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Photo Diary: Umbrian Dinner with Chef Simone

Two weeks ago we had the delight of having Chef Simone create the perfect dinner for a small crowd of 18 people. Here are the photos from the enchanting night.

The guests wait patiently for the first course
The guests wait patiently for the first course
Simone and Dorrie Gleason prepare the first course
Simone and Dorrie Gleason prepare the first course

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Slicing Cheese

Via Umbria owner Suzy Menard
Via Umbria owner Suzy Menard

Italian Dinner Party

Chef Simone and Via Umbria Employee Elsa Bruno
Chef Simone and Via Umbria Employee Elsa Bruno
Simone cooks his handmade pasta for a naked lasagna
Simone cooks his handmade pasta for a naked lasagna

Dinner Conversation

Asparagus and Fava Bean Puree is dished up
Asparagus and Fava Bean Puree is dished up

Simone Priotti Pesci

Third Course
Third Course, paired with Sagrantino

Potatoes with Pork

Want to cook with Simone in Umbria this summer? There are still two weeks open in July.

And if you’re loving the fantastic hand-painted plates, hop on over to Emporio to shop our recently opened online ceramics store!

Ci Vediamo!

–Via Umbria

Two weeks ago we had the delight of having Chef Simone create the perfect dinner for a small crowd of 18 people. ...

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Noteworthy Notizie: June 19

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This week, we cooked some pasta, re-organized the warehouse, and got to spend some time with our new Via Umbria mascot. We will be updating the Galleria page with images from our progress. Feel free to take a peek as we move forward this summer! It’s been a nice week, here’s what we’ve been loving from around the web:

 

An Italian teacher, in a made-for-social-media moment, makes a list of the things kids should really be doing for their summer assignments. This makes us want to have a true summer vacation again! If this list makes you long for la dolce vita, we still have two weeks open in July during Umbria Jazz where you can live out this list…

 

Via Umbria is having an epic beer tasting, pork roasting, and Italian product sampling at i Ricchi Restaurant on July 2nd! Check it out on Facebook and then grab your tickets on Eventbrite. Yes, this is Noteworthy News. There will be all-you-can-eat porchetta.

 

Open container laws are getting a revision in Rome. Unfortunately, it seems this ban may be more of an effort to curb tourist drinking that has gotten out of hand, than local sipping.

 

Food and Wine, talks to Nancy Harmon Jenkins in A Crash Course in Olive Oil Politics. She mentions our Olio Verde as her favorite in the article!  Shop it on Emporio now, we only have a few precious bottles from the new 2014 harvest left.

 

Cruise ships coming into Venice provoke a lot of opinion. Recently, “a businessman and staunch supporter of the cruise ship industry has won the mayoral election in Venice, dealing a significant blow to efforts by environmental activists to keep the big ships out of the city.” And surprise, surprise, there are accusations of corruption in the election…The Guardian reports. 

 

We hope you have a lovely weekend!

 

Ci Vediamo!

–Via Umbria

This week, we cooked some pasta, re-organized the warehouse, and got to spend some time with our new Via Umbria mascot. We ...

Events, Galleria
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Photo Diary: Dream of Italy Party

 

Via Umbria owner Bill Menard helps with a wine selection
Via Umbria owner Bill Menard helps with a wine selection

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Two weeks ago, Via Umbria lifted a glass to celebrate the premiere of the six-episode travel series Dream of Italy on PBS. In the series (watch a preview of the series), host and Via Umbria friend Kathy McCabe visits six areas of Italy, meeting the expressive locals — chefs, artisans, historians — who are deeply connected to their land, carrying on and preserving the traditions of their ancestors. While in Umbria, McCabe and her team stayed our Farmhouse La Fattoria del Gelso, which is centrally located, and thus perfect for filming all over Umbria.

Pours of sparkling Brut got us ready for toasting.
Pours of sparkling Brut got us ready for toasting.
Via Umbria owner Suzy Menard chats with Italian guests
Via Umbria owner Suzy Menard chats with Italian guests

Lucky for us, we had arranged for a DC visit of our friend Chef Simone, chef/owner of Le Delizie del Borgo restaurant in Bevagna (Umbria) to provide the day’s refreshments.  Chef Simone prepared a host of authentic Umbrian dishes for the celebration, and treated guests to a peek behind the scenes with live cooking demonstrations throughout the afternoon.

Fresh salads from Simone
Fresh salads from Simone
Simone gets his hands dirty at the cooking demonstration
Simone gets his hands dirty at the cooking demonstration

Shredding parmesan

Fresh Pasta
Fresh pasta from Chef Simone was a crowd pleaser
Chef Simone talks with a guest
Chef Simone talks with a guest

Yesterday, the Umbria episode was released online! Hop on over to the Dream of Italy website to see Kathy explore our very own Umbria. Drooling over the footage? There are still a few weeks left at the Farmhouse this summer that can be booked!

Suzy Menard Dream of Italy Party

Kathy McCabe Dream of Italy
Kathy poses with fans of the series

— Via Umbria

  Two weeks ago, Via Umbria lifted a glass to celebrate the premiere of the six-episode travel series Dream of Italy on PBS. ...

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Noteworthy Notizie – May 20th

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We had a lovely Umbrian food and wine tasting last night with Chef Simone (pictured), and are looking forward to a few more days of wining and dining. So our weekend won’t exactly be relaxing, but it will be full of good smells!

 

Our June Book Club, which is fast approaching, gets a lovely review in the Wall Street Journal.

 

The Vatican is not happy about gay marriage in Ireland, but it is opening a productive dialogue about what the church stands for and how it will evolve as time progresses. This article from the Guardian delves into the complexities surrounding this issue. Italy is now the only nation in Western Europe that doesn’t recognize either same-sex marriages or civil unions, and is perhaps influenced by the Vatican’s prevailing shadow in this stance.

 

Car lovers – Lamborghini will produce its much-anticipated sport utility vehicles, to enter the market in 2018!

 

Beyonce eats at our staffer Elsa Bruno’s favorite pizzeria in Florence! Elsa and Beyonce know the good stuff.

 

The Creative Review takes a peek at the best Italian post-war design in print. Refreshing and delightful, these posters and advertisements take us to a golden age of Italian marketing.

 

We hope you user in the new month with a smile.

Ci Vediamo!

Via Umbria

We had a lovely Umbrian food and wine tasting last night with Chef Simone (pictured), and are looking forward to a few ...

Comings & Goings, Dinner, Dinner Parties, Entertain, Events, Food & Drink, Galleria, Recipes
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How To: Chef Simone Builds the Perfect Pizza

You know what makes everyone happy? PIZZA NIGHT.

The last time Simone hit the states we were lucky enough to have him make pizza for us. It was quite the experience.

Simone makes his own pizza dough, but if you feel like going the easy route you can always purchase from Whole Foods or Trader Joe’s. What really makes the difference is using imported 00 flour, specifically for pizza and pasta, when you roll your dough out. The light as air flour that lines the corners of your Neapolitan pizza? It’s 00.

After the dough has been perfectly flattened, Simone’s hands dip into the toppings, with input from the eaters, of course. Here are a few of Simone’s toppings:

organic tomato sauce 

broccoli rabe

mushrooms

tomatoes

parmigiano

zucchini

brussels sprouts

red peppers

red onions

cured meats

ground beef

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With all these options, there were a few standouts from the night. Simone gamely played along as we argued over who got to generate the ideas for the next pizza. Here are some we loved:

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The Kelsey

Zucchini, olive oil, sea salt, rosemary, parmesan

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Sprouting Pizza

Olive oil, brussels sprouts, mushrooms, shredded mozzarella

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Rossa Rossa Rossa

Marinara sauce, red peppers, pepperoni, mozzarella

 

Each of Simone’s pizzas only took about five minutes in a wood burning pizza oven, but if you’re working with an oven, pop yours in for 7-12 minutes on 450 degrees.

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Of course, we pair our pizza with Birra Perugia Classic IPA.

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Wish you could get in on the fun? You can!  Simone is returning in the spring for four nights of merriment. Here are your options:

 

Thursday, May 28th at 7:00 PM – Umbrian Food and Wine Tasting

On Thursday, there will be a wine tasting at the home of Sue Cimbricz, in Bethesda. The evening will feature the wines of Giampaolo Tabarrini, as presented by Bill Menard from Via Umbria. Simone will be preparing tasting pairs for the wonderful wine. You can get your tickets for $50, here. For any questions, and for payment over the phone, contact Suzy Menard at 202.333.3904 or suzy@viaumbria.com.

 

Saturday, May 30th 5:00 PM – PBS Dream of Italy series premiere

Via Umbria is rolling out the red carpet in our Galleria in Georgetown to celebrate the premiere of the travel series Dream of Italy on PBS. Join host Kathy McCabe and Via Umbria owners Suzy and Bill Menard at the store on Saturday, May 30th at 5 p.m.

Chef Simone will conduct a cooking demonstration of traditional Umbrian delicacies and of course there will be plenty to taste. To attend the Dream of Italy party, free of charge, RSVP to Elsa at elsa@viaumbria.com.

 

Private Dinners for 10 guests, Friday May 29 and Sunday, May 31

Simone is available to cook a private dinner in your home for you and up to ten guests. Friday, May 29 and Sunday May 31, you can host up to 10 guests for $1,250. Contact Suzy Menard at suzy@viaumbria.com for more details about this exciting opportunity.

 

Seated Dinner with Simone, Monday, June 1st at 7:00PM

You can book a seat at the Menard’s on June 1st where Simone will be working his magic for $125 a plate. This four course dinner, paired with his favorite Montefalco wines, is sure to he a hit. Tickets are available on Eventbrite.

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You know what makes everyone happy? PIZZA NIGHT. The last time Simone hit the states we were lucky enough to have him make ...

Comings & Goings, Entertain, Events, Galleria
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Via Umbria Events – May 2015

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You know we love a good event at Via Umbria. At the end of May, things are heating up. Take a peek at where we’ll be this month!

 

May 28th 7:00 PM – Umbrian Food and Wine Tasting

We would like to invite you to a special wine tasting on Thursday May 28th at the home of Sue Cimbricz. The evening will feature the wines of Giampaolo Tabarrini, as presented by Bill Menard from Via Umbria, as well as our featured guest chef, Simone Priori Pesci. Back in Bevagna, Simone runs an exceptional restaurant, Le Delizie del Borgo, featuring regional specialties and seasonal delicacies. Needless to say we are thrilled to have him back in DC, extending his knowledge of food and the power of sharing it with our community here. Prepare yourself for a night of exceptional wine and delicious Umbrian bites.

We hope you can join us for this memorable evening. You can get your tickets here. For any questions, and for payment over the phone, contact Suzy Menard at 202.333.3904 or suzy@viaumbria.com.

 

May 29 and 31 Chef Simone is back! 

Our beloved Chef and restaurant owner Simone Proietti-Pesci is returning to DC this month! This master of Umbrian specialties is available to cook a private dinner in your home for you and up to ten guests. Sit back and let Simone work his magic, or use the night as an opportunity to cook alongside the always entertaining  Chef. Only two dates remain – Friday May 29 and Sunday May 31, where you can host up to 10 guests for $1,250. Take advantage of the beautiful spring weather to host a delightful dinner with your private Italian chef! Contact Suzy Menard at suzy@viaumbria.com or 202.333.3904 to arrange for the night of your dreams that will surely impress.

 

June 1 7:00-11:00 – Chef Simone hosts a seated dinner at Casa Menard

You can book a seat at on June 1st, at the home of Bill and Suzy Menard, where Simone will be working his magic for $125 a plate. Simone will cook a four course dinner paired with his favorite selections of Montefalco wines, and new friends are made and conversation flows. Contact Suzy Menard at suzy@viaumbria.com for more details about this exciting opportunity, or purchase tickets here.

 

May 30th 5:00 PM – PBS Dream of Italy series premiere
Via Umbria is rolling out the red carpet in our Galleria to celebrate the premiere of the six-episode travel series Dream of Italy on PBS.  Join host Kathy McCabe and Via Umbria owners Suzy and Bill Menard at the store on Saturday, May 30th at 5 p.m. for a celebration of all things Italian and Umbrian.

Dream of Italy, the PBS series, is based on the award-winning subscription travel newsletter, Dream of Italy. In the series, McCabe visits six areas of Italy, meeting the colorful locals — chefs, artisans, historians — who are deeply connected to their land, carrying on and preserving the traditions of their ancestors. The regions covered in the series include Rome, Tuscany, Puglia, Piedmont/Lake Iseo, Naples/The Amalfi Coast and of course, Umbria.The crew of Dream of Italy stayed in La Fattoria del Gelso, while filming in the region.
Our special guest is Chef Simone Proietti-Pesci, owner and master chef at La Delizie del Borgo in Bevagna. Chef Simone will conduct a cooking demonstration of traditional Umbrian delicacies and of course there will be plenty to taste. Plus, sip on some of Umbria’s best wines and watch clips from the series.
To attend the Dream of Italy party, RSVP to Elsa at elsa@viaumbria.com. See you there!

 

RESCHEDULED – June 9th, 7:00 PM – Book Club, Eating Rome by Elizabeth Minchilli

Elizabeth Minchilli has been eating her way through Rome since she was 12 years old. Eating Rome, based on her popular blog Elizabeth Minchilli in Rome, is her homage to the city that feeds her, literally and figuratively. Her story is a personal, quirky and deliciously entertaining look at some of the city’s monuments to food culture. Join her as she takes you on a stroll through her favorite open air markets; stop by the best gelato shops; order plates full of carbonara and finish the day with a brilliant red Negroni. Beautifully illustrated with Minchilli’s full-color photos and enriched with her favorite recipes for Roman classics like vignarola, carciofi alla romana and carbonara.

The book is available in-store. Please RSVP to Elsa at elsa@viaumbria.com or on Facebook. This event will be a potluck – please bring a small dish from the book or a bottle of your favorite Italian wine! IN LIGHT OF RECENT RENOVATIONS, this book club will be our first event after our Grand Opening in the fall. Stay tuned and RSVP on Facebook for the most up-to-date schedule!

You know we love a good event at Via Umbria. At the end of May, things are heating up. Take a peek ...

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Photo Diary – Umbrian Barbecue with Liu Pambuffetti

So what do you do when your favorite vintner is in town for one night, and a supremely balmy and breezy one at that? Throw some lamb in the oven, pour some Umbrian wine, and gather a good crowd. Welcome to the Umbrian dinner with Liu of Scacciadiavoli.

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So what do you do when your favorite vintner is in town for one night, and a supremely balmy and breezy one ...

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Noteworthy Notizie – May 8th

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This week was also about wine for us here at Via Umbria. For the visit of Liu and Iacapo we hosted a wine tasting here at the store, and then a dinner later that night in their honor. The weather turned out for us, and a beautiful and sizzling evening under the stars was had by all. This morning we are back in the store, reminiscing about last night and planning to bring more bottles home this weekend to recreate the magic. We hope you do the same!

 

Last week we wrote about the backlash against the McDonalds ad suggesting Italian children prefer Happy Meals over pizza. But the plot thickens, as threats to sue, mini pizzas meant to appeal to children, and a video made by pranksters pile up. The Washington Post takes a bite. 

 

There was a fire at the Rome airport, but don’t let that get in the way of your travels. See last weeks news, when it was listed as one of the cheapest airports to fly into from America this summer.

 

A major cocaine trading ring run out of Queens by the ‘ndrangheta was busted yesterday. Apparently the pizzeria was very popular, and had very good food, according to Yelp. In any case, 15 people were arrested after a major FBI investigation. 

 

Italy has a carpooling app for Vespa riders, Scooterino, which follows the Uber model!

 

A few towns in Italy have been crumbling, and are now becoming ghost towns. Dailymail gives us a glimpse into the ruins of villages (some of which are for sale).

 

 

In other more mundane news, the “Subscribe” button on the blog finally seems to be working!  Thank you to our loyal readers, and we hope you have a lovely weekend.

 

Ci Vediamo!

Via Umbria

This week was also about wine for us here at Via Umbria. For the visit of Liu and Iacapo we hosted a ...

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PBS Dream of Italy comes to DC

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Via Umbria is rolling out the red carpet in our Galleria to celebrate the premiere of the six-episode travel series Dream of Italy on PBS.

 

Dream of Italy, the PBS series, is based on the award-winning subscription travel newsletter, Dream of Italy. In the series, McCabe visits six areas of Italy, meeting the colorful locals — chefs, artisans, historians — who are deeply connected to their land, carrying on and preserving the traditions of their ancestors. The regions covered in the series include Rome, Tuscany, Puglia, Piedmont/Lake Iseo, Naples/The Amalfi Coast and of course, Umbria.

 

Our special guest will be Chef Simone Proietti-Pesci, owner and master chef at La Delizie del Borgo in Bevagna. Chef Simone will conduct a cooking demonstration of traditional Umbrian delicacies and of course there will be plenty to taste. Plus, sip on some of Umbria’s best wines and watch clips from the series.

 

The crew of Dream of Italy stayed in La Fattoria del Gelso, while filming in the region. Watch a preview of the series here.

 

Join host Kathy McCabe and Via Umbria owners Suzy and Bill Menard at the store on Saturday, May 30th at 5 p.m. for a celebration of all things Italian and Umbrian. To attend the Dream of Italy party, RSVP to Elsa at elsa@viaumbria.com. See you there!

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Via Umbria is rolling out the red carpet in our Galleria to celebrate the premiere of the six-episode travel series Dream of ...