Palmabella's Passions

There always seems to be a thread on Slow Talk about "packing light". Some are able to pack for weeks in one carry-on bag. Others wash out clothes every night and wear them again. Jerry just blogged about why he also brings plenty of clothes and shoes.

I guess if one is traveling by train, or alone, or going somewhere (I can't imagine where this would be) where they won't see anyone, and if they don't ever take photos with themselves in the picture, then maybe a case could be made for the freedom of one bag. I figure, I can handle my luggage, Brad puts the bags in and out of the car (only once this trip), and a driver will meet us and deliver us to our apartment in Rome. I like to dress for dinner, match accessories, and be what I call "appropriate", SO... I am packing Palmabella style.

I have gotten better. I have my 28" bag (with lots of room at 47 lbs, and a second bag (which COULD be a carry-on, but I'm checking it). Then as usual, my very light carry-on has a book for the plane, my pillow, jewelry, and snacks for the trip. (One year the jewelry was 16 lbs., but I have learned to bring lighter pieces.)

Brad has one big bag for clothes, a second small duffle full of kitchen/cooking items (all my stuff) to check, and he will carry the laptop with his reading material. No sweat!

Brad packs the electronics: cameras, Italy cell, adapters, converters, Italian hair dryer, ipod, GPS, and appropriate chargers.

Continue reading "Packing Light...WHY?" »

When I am cooking in Montisi for Gail's group, Brad is happy to take on bartender duties. Last Sunday, Brad and I created some cocktails with our friends in mind.

The "Great Escape":
1/2 ounce Amaretto
1/2 ounce Grand Marnier
1 ounce orange juice
Fill glass with Prosecco

How about a "Bella Bugalu"? Fun and "slightly twisted"!

1 oz. Grand Marnier or other orange liquore
1 oz. cranberry juice
fill glass with prosecco and twist of orange

Jerry was more of a challenge. I know he likes rum and gin. Brad decided since we would be in Italy, Campari would be in order. So.......... "Le DeQuetteville":

Dash of gin (or vodka)
2 dashes Campari
Top with 5 oz. of Prosecco. Twist a mint leaf and discard. Garnish with a twist of orange and lemon.

Continue reading "Cocktails: Part 2" »

I don't have a cocktail very often, but when I do, I have a couple favorites.

If I'm not drinking wine, I prefer something light and tasty, but not too sweet.

My all time favorite drink is a Lemon Drop. Here is my recipe for a PERFECT batch:

1/2 c. Citron vodka
1/2 c. Triple Sec
3 T. freshly squeezed lemon juice
1/4 c. Sweet and Sour
a splash of 7-up of other citrus soda

Rim glass with sugar (I use lemon sugar), Shake with ice, and pour.

I also love what I call a "Buona Sera" (very similar to a pomegranate "martini", but lighter, bubbly, and with fewer calories).

1 shot of Pomegranate vodka
5 oz of Trader Joe's Sparkling Pomegranate Juice
a squeeze of fresh lemon juice

After dinner drink? I usually go straight to coffee after dinner. Once a Las Vegas bartender made me one of these: (I call it a "Buona Notte")

1 shot Vanilla Vodka
1 Shot Kahlua
Coffee or espresso

Stay tuned tomorrow for the drinks we "created" for the gang in Montisi.

I WILL eat gelato at Giolitti and San Crispino, and try new flavors I have never ordered before.

I WILL eat fried artichokes in the Jewish ghetto.

I WILL do coffee taste tests at Tazza D'Oro and St. Eustachio.

I WILL spend some quality time at the Testaccio Market (and hopefully find some treats to share in Montisi).

I WILL enjoy meeting new and old friends at a Slow Travel GTG!

I WILL finish re-reading Angels and Demons before we take 3 Millennia's "Unofficial Angels and Demons Tour" with Tony da Roma.

I WILL order pasta "caccio e pepe" at a trattoria.

I WILL spend hours enjoying Brad's company while sipping vino at Cul de Sac.

I WILL visit Volpetti for more treats.

I WILL hunt through at least four carefully scoped out kitchen stores for gifts for MY kitchen.

I WILL enjoy time wandering and eating in Trastevere.

I WILL visit the Bramante Cloister at Santa Maria Della Pace.

I WILL have a rooftop drink with a view at Hotel Eden. No talking me out of this one. I have wanted to do this on every trip to Rome. I don't care WHAT they charge for a drink!

I WILL treat Brad to a special "birthday dinner" at Agata e Romeo.

I WILL have fresh flowers from the Campo in the apartment every day.

Photos are courtesy of Rome.info

We took a "day trip" to Redlands, CA (about 50 minutes away) to try a restaurant I recently heard about, Farm Artisan Foods. It was a wonderful treat!

The restaurant is smart looking with a clean, simple decor, nice bar, white tablecloths, and a single calla lily on each table.

The Farm opened in 2003, and is owned by my friend, Elizabeth's, son-in-law, Roberto Argentina. Roberto was born in Brindisi, Italy, and grew up on his family's farm. After being a theater major during his university days in Texas, he moved to Chicago and trained for his career as a chef with Chef Keith Luce, a former chef at the White House. He moved to southern California and worked with the fabulous Chef Joachim Splichal.

We were welcomed by our waitress, Colleen, with hot, fresh focaccia. The lunch special included choices of an appetizer, an entree, dessert AND a glass of wine, ALL for $25.00!

I began with a beautiful salad with a mustardy dressing, wedge of brie, and lovely presentation of veggie garnishes on the plate.

Brad started with lentil soup that he enjoyed. The lentils were in a light briny broth.

Continue reading "The Farm: Artisan Foods" »