The Mighty Mafia Business Machine

Reading Roberto Saviano‘s book Gomorrah, which is an expose of the Camorra mafia which operates from Naples and its surrounding area, may provide some with an insight into the problems which beset modern day Italy.

So far I’ve read around seventy or so pages of Gomorrah, and it has been an eye opener, even if it is almost surreal.

For anyone who has lived in Italy for a few years, reading between the lines of Saviano‘s book, appears to supply many of the reasons behind the woes which affect many Italians in contemporary Italy. … Continue Reading

Magical Morla Cheese

My favourite Italian cheese maker, Lavialattea, has done it again. Although this time it’s not glorious Gorgonzola, but a super succulent goats milk based formaggio.

Italian Cheese

Lavialattea produces the world’s most wonderful Gorgonzola, which I have already raved about, and it also produces some intriguing Gorgonzola filled chocolates.  Then there is this cheese which goes by the innocent name of Morla.

Moreish would perhaps be a better name for this exquisite creation.  It is glorious, aside from one particular aspect.

Let me put it this way, this is quite an invasive cheese!

… Continue Reading

Soup Testing

The results of the La Cucina Italiana and Blog from Italy soup contest are coming closer.  Owing to son in hospital and the commitments of the other testers the taste testing sessions have yet to be completed, but are proceeding as I write.

All the testers have been tasting away, including me.  Here is a little update to give you a taste of what this here blogger has been cooking up.

… Continue Reading

Little Italy Bed and Breakfast, Rome

When looking for accommodation in a popular tourist destination like Rome, the main requirements are a central location, a comfortable room, friendly and knowledgeable service and, of course, affordable prices.

Little Italy Bed and Breakfast, Rome

The Little Italy Bed and Breakfast is located in Rome midway between the main railway station, Rome Termini and the Colosseum and Roman Forum area. Several other museums, monuments, and churches are also within easy walking distance of the Little Italy B&B. Indeed, one of the most famous basilicas of all Rome, the Santa Maria Maggiore, is a mere 2 minute walk away. … Continue Reading

Setting Up a Restaurant in Italy

With Italy’s complex employment laws and fiddly bureaucracy setting up a restaurant and making it successful appears to be no easy task.

My other half was involved in the closure of a mixed bar stroke restaurant here in Milan and the business just was not making any real money.  Why? … Continue Reading

Photo Yellow Pages of Italy

Visual Yellow Pages

Wow, this is excellent!  How about a 3d, sort of, yellow pages of Italy?  Well, one exists, and appears to cover a reasonable amount of the Living Museum – it is still a beta (trial) version.

I can even see a photo of my house on the map!

Take a trip on the virtual side! … Continue Reading