Tag Archives: friday

Noteworthy Notizie – August 28th

Aperol Spritz Via Umbria

Welcome to Friday Dolce Vita readers! We just got a container from Italy to restock on some much loved goodies…and we have some fabulous new products for you too! Stay tuned!

Construction continues at the store as we get closer to our goal of opening in the fall. And we are also hard at work improving bugs in our website, and developing a platform to buy our wines online!

But enough about us, here is what has been going on in the Italian world this week.

 

– CNN tallies the growing death toll of the European migrant crisis, many of which pass through Italy.

– However, on a small positive note, 3,000 migrants were rescued by Italians in the Mediterranean this week.

 

– Now for some less grim news. The New York times writes about Italian neighbors who built a real-life social network through an online social network. A delightful story of cooperation in a neighborhood that makes us feel all warm and fuzzy about Italian life.

 

– In the gossip column, Jozef Wesolowski, a papal ambassador and the highest-ranking Catholic official to be put on trial for child abuse and child pornography charges, died in his room early Friday. He was scheduled to be on trial last month, but it was delayed when he fell ill. We guess retribution will come in heaven.

 

– Via Umbria is interviewed for the travel blog Oliver’s Travels!

 

– There’s a great deal of public awareness in Italy about celiac disease. All Italian children are tested for it by the age of 6! Italian restaurants are becoming more celiac friendly, NPR reports, because they truly feel pity for those who cannot participate in the most important aspect of Italian culture: eating together. Did you know we carry gluten-free pastas made it Italy right here in the us at Emporio?

 

– Italy is cracking down on Mafia corruption in Rome. A trial of 59 defendants caught up in the Mafia Capital scandal is due to start on Nov. 5.

 

Cheers to the week-end!

Ci Vediamo

Via Umbria

Welcome to Friday Dolce Vita readers! We just got a container from Italy to restock on some much loved goodies…and we have ...

Noteworthy Notizie – July 23rd

Via Umbria Aperol Spritz

This week we have been prepping to scoop everything on the container bound for the United States. But we still had time to do a little reading in between. Check it out:

 

Romans have little faith in their mayor, according to this article from the New York Times. But when have Italians ever had faith in their government?

 

This article on cooking in Ischia had us dreaming our our sailing adventure there last year. You can read all about it here, here, and here. If there is interest, we could begin planning a trip for next summer. Anyone in? Email suzy@viaumbria.com.

 

The migration from Africa continues, as detailed with this article from the Economist.

 

The Washington Post gets all science-y with this interesting article on the chemistry of good or bad wine. We love learning about it!

 

Stop. It’s aperitivo time. Have a drink, eat an appetizer, and go enjoy your weekend.

 

Ci Vediamo!

 

Via Umbria

 

 

This week we have been prepping to scoop everything on the container bound for the United States. But we still had time ...

Noteworthy Notizie – July 17

Geribi ceramic plate

Happy Friday Dolce Vita readers! What have you been up to this week? Here at Via Umbria we have been spending a lot of time in the test kitchen, thinking of the many ways to use the impending zucchini explosion, making some of our first ever breakfast recipes, and mixing up some fantastic new drinks. If you have a recipe or suggestion that you would love to see on the blog, contact Elsa at elsa@viaumbria.com! But for now, the media digest for this week:

 

Italy is the most indebted country after Greece. While not great news, at least we aren’t Greece?

 

Many “Italian” foods that we have here in the United States are not what one would find in Italy at all. Of course we accept this fact, but the Huffington Post explains the origins of eight foods that are entirely constructions of the Italian – American lifestyle.

 

The New York Times suggests buying real estate in Umbria. We were cool before we were cool.

 

Here are six rules for eating like an Italian, from Food and Wine Magazine. We aspire to do many of the things on this list.

 

The New York Times chronicled a honeymoon (that seems too good to be true) from the top of Italy to the bottom. The text and photos read like a dream. If this makes you have wanderlust, we have the central part of Italy covered. 

 

We hope your weekend is filled with no debt, Italian American food, real estate decisions, Italian eating, and the sentiment of a honeymoon. Ci Vediamo!

 

Via Umbria.

Happy Friday Dolce Vita readers! What have you been up to this week? Here at Via Umbria we have been spending a lot of ...

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 ...

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 ...

Noteworthy Notizie – May 1

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It’s finally MAY! Beginning this month feels bizarre – we can’t believe we are almost halfway through the year. Here is a look at what we have been reading this week:

 

The Milan Expo 2015 kicks off this week!  The theme is “Feeding the Planet, Energy for Life,” which we love.  ABC gives a good general outline on the logistics and focus of this particular Expo. The mission statement, from the website, says that “more than 140 participating countries will show the best of their technology that offers a concrete answer to a vital need: being able to guarantee healthy, safe and sufficient food for everyone, while respecting the Planet and its equilibrium.” Watch this space for the most delightful, innovative, and wacky products and ideas in the coming weeks!

 

The Economist chronicles divorce in Italy (legal since 1970) and the changing laws that are paving the way for an easier divorce today, in their article Arrivederci, darling.

 

The Huffington Post has compiled a list of the 5 cheapest Italian airports to fly into from the USA. Why not make this summer the one you experience all Italy has to offer…

 

The EU calls for olive trees infected by bacteria in Lecce to be cut down. Obviously this has elicited a tumultuous reaction, because destroying the trees has a huge economic (and historical) impact, but hesitation in doing so could result in an even greater blight. So far none of the bacteria has been detected in Umbria.

However, the swarm of flies caused by rising temperatures could return to our olive oil producers again this upcoming year. We are stoking up on oil for now. But if you are feeling a bit more proactive, why not adopt an olive tree for Mother’s Day? 

 

And we will leave you with some news from our home turf. Our monthly book club will meet on Tuesday at 7PM, for the classic The Name of the Rose. Please join us!

And later next week, we are delighted to host Liu Pambufetti for a free tasting of four Scacciadiavoli wines, and small bites of Umbrian cuisine, on Thursday, May 7 from 6:00 – 7:30pm. Learn more on our Facebook, and RSVP to elsa@viaumbria.com.

 

Ci Vediamo!

– Via Umbria

It’s finally MAY! Beginning this month feels bizarre - we can’t believe we are almost halfway through the year. Here is a ...

Noteworthy Notizie – April 24

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It’s been another eventful week. With the tragedy in the waters around Italy swirling all over the media, we choose to stay well-informed on the situation while also feeding you some lighter reading. We hope you are grateful for your week and excited to charge up over the weekend!

 

We have been posting articles about the migration in the waters around Italy for weeks now. Matteo Renzi writes and op-ed for the New York Times on how the European Union needs to step up and support Italy’s efforts in patrolling these waters to ensure everyone’s security. This is a news piece that we have been following consistently, and this week it exploded as the death toll ran past the thousands.

 

The Shroud of Turin is back in action for the first time since 2010. If you’re looking to know a bit more about this holy cloth, read up on their official website.

 

A new exhibition in Milan is exhibiting photographs of Italy like you have never seen it before. “’Italy Inside Out’ offers a chance to examine the people, events and off-the-beaten-path locations that make up Italy.” To us, they also look like some beautiful screen savers.

 

Did you hear we received an order of a dozen more types of artisanal pasta this week? So we went to Food 52, for 10 easy springtime pastas to make now to celebrate new, fresh, vibrant produce!

 

This weekend we will be out on the sidewalk at the Georgetown French Market! Some Geribi is going on sale for 40% off, and our Biagioli Ceramics will be 90% off! If you’re looking for a good food deal, we will have all of our Sorelle Nurzia Biscotti for $4, 40% off our gnocchi, gold oil, and select chocolates (plus some surprise items!). Come stop by and say hello!

 

We hope this weekend your plans involve visiting us!

Ci Vediamo!

– Via Umbria

It's been another eventful week. With the tragedy in the waters around Italy swirling all over the media, we choose to stay ...

Noteworthy Notizie – April 17th

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This week found us with a new shipment of food (the porcini mushrooms are back!), some new artwork in our Galleria, and some newly flowering trees on our back area. We are looking forward to slowing down a little bit this weekend, and our round up of news from this week will provide some excellent conversation for your moments spend savoring life this weekend.

 

Italian Espresso gets sent into space, as a special treat for an Italian astronaut at the International Space Station. For a treat a little closer to home, we always go with Cafe del Doge.

 

The Today Show did a segment on “longevity soup.” Those who eat this soup in the South of Italy live longer than most…and this fountain of youth is only chickpeas, borlotti (cranberry) beans and the fregola (Italian couscous, which can be hard to find), as well as a giant can of tomatoes! Our own Deborah made it for friends to celebrate her birthday (may she live as long as the Sardinians!), and it was a big hit.

 

The migration struggle from Lybia to Italy is getting insreasingly complicated. This article from CNN does a just recap.

 

The New York Times covers an quirky story about how a quest to fix broken toilet for a would be trattoria owner ends in a huge archeological discovery. Oh Italy, you’ve done it again.

 

McDonalds made an add earlier this week suggesting that Italian children would rather have a Happy Meal than pizza. Neapolitan pizza makers retaliate against the MacDonalds add with their own hilarious and cute video. We’ll have the pizza too!

 

We hope you find the time to sink your teeth into an excellent pizza yourself this weekend.  We will be open for an extra hour tonight for the Book Hill Gallery Night, come say hello!

 

Ci Vediamo!

–Via Umbria

This week found us with a new shipment of food (the porcini mushrooms are back!), some new artwork in our Galleria, and ...

Noteworthy Notizie – April 10th

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Hello Italiophiles, and welcome to the weekend! You know the routine – grab a glass of the good wine and sip away as we take you through what we have been reading this week in Italian news.

 

A miracle of nature! A lot of flamingos land in Lake Trasimeno, in Umbria. Exciting stuff.

 

Some sad news regarding small business in DC – our city outpaces the nation in the disappearance of mom and pop stores. This is a subject we deeply care about, we greatly appreciate those who shop at friendly neighborhood stores that are the character and faces of their neighborhoods.

 

However, there is some good news for buoyancy in small business. This New York Times story from northern Italy takes a look at how small artisans pulling together in the face of a recession continue their craft.

 

Elizabeth Minchilli’s new book, Eating Rome, was just published a few days ago. Longtime fans of her blog, we are making this book our June book club selection!

 

The oldest samples of Neanderthal DNA have been extracted from remains embedded in a cave in southern Italy, confirming that the so-called Altamura Man was a Neanderthal who lived around 150,000 years ago. The photo is creepy but the news is cool.

 

We hope this weekend involves good wine and good food. We are planning on cooking up the rest of the season’s asparagus, artichokes, and peas and pairing it with some good Tabbarini Bianco dell’Umbira (pictured is the owner of the vineyard during our Vinopalooza tour). Spring is in the air!

— Via Umbria

Hello Italiophiles, and welcome to the weekend! You know the routine - grab a glass of the good wine and sip away ...

Noteworthy Notizie – April 3rd

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We are picking up some last minute items for our Easter and Passover weekends, but still found time to check out the latest in Italian news. We will be closed this Sunday for Easter, but we wish you and your loved ones a delightful weekend!

 

Garlic and wine will cure everything! Well, not really, but this thousand year old garlic based ointment is surprisingly effective in killing bacteria.

 

So today is good Friday. Archeologists and food historians are now piecing together what really comprised the last supper. 

 

This valet is really hating his life after slamming a Ferrari into a store.

 

The Vatican bank is aiming for better transparency and a healthier system of banking, hoping to stem Mafia ties.

 

Chef Crusoe the Dachshund will teach you how to make bruschetta, just in time for an imptomptu weekend party. Yes, you heard that right. Dog. Makes. Food.

 

— Via Umbria

We are picking up some last minute items for our Easter and Passover weekends, but still found time to check out the ...

Noteworthy Notizie – March 27th

FullSizeRenderLife news that happened this week: the first Vinopalooza kicked off yesterday in Umbria, in DC it broke 70 degrees for the first time this year, and we officially got out our cherry-blossom Geribi bowls.

 

Here’s what was happening in Italian news:

 

The Pope gets a pizza! His Holiness was handed a Neapolitan pizza from a restauranteur who jumped a barricade during a procession, to deliver his pizza into the hands of the most holy.

 

We might bake up some Italian Easter Lemon cookies (that we think look like doughnuts). Not in the mood to bake for Easter? Just order one of our many sweet treats online and have it delivered in time for Easter morning for a flat rate of $15.

 

The Knox Case resurfaces, casting the international spotlight on Umbria.  Italy’s highest court is to rule on Knox murder case this week.

 

Notaries got paid a lot in Italy in Medieval times, and still do today. Honestly we got sucked into this article by the cute painting of the Medieval notary in the Economist, but it’s economic insights are interesting.

 

Unfortunately, there is more bad news for the future olive oil harvest. The EU has issued a warning, as more trees in Lecce are affected by the blight. If you really care about the Italian Olive Oil industry, please join us at our next book club, Virgin Territory: Exploring the World of Olive Oil.  You’ll be able to know what you are buying to stock up before the prices hike again.

 

We hope you have a lovely weekend!

– Via Umbria

Life news that happened this week: the first Vinopalooza kicked off yesterday in Umbria, in DC it broke 70 degrees for the ...

Noteworthy Notizie – March 20th

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How adorable is this photo of a little goose on the typewriter!  Winemaker Roberto DiFilippo sent it to us with the caption “my new secretary.” We love it!  Spring is not quite in the air in Georgetown, which gives us extra motivation do cozy up with a blanket and peruse the news from this past week:

 

Michel Graves, a great industrial designer, passed away suddenly last week, which is a loss for the design community. We carry his beautiful coffee service for Alessi in store and online.

 

Obama and Italy’s Renzi are to meet on Ukraine, and the Islamic State, in a month.

 

The Telegraph picks out the best places to visit in Umbria! Do you see anyplace you have been to with us?

 

Over in Italy it is artichoke season. Artichokes in abundance are reigning in Umbria (see our Facebook for how we prefer to cook them!) Here are some recipes from Food and Wine Magazine if you find yourself overwhelmed by the artichoke.

 

Italy pulls a DC and moves to legalize marijuana.

 

Happy Weekend from all of us here at Via Umbria!

How adorable is this photo of a little goose on the typewriter!  Winemaker Roberto DiFilippo sent it to us with the caption ...