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Pauline's Kitchen
Hidden Gems and Seaside Villages of the Mediterranean
...And so, perhaps it is time to give a break to the usual world-famous destinations and favour the off-the-beaten-track gems which the Mediterranean is thankfully still full of. As temperatures start to rise, and summer plans are forged, discerning travellers who seek authenticity and an escape from the maddening crowds can look no further. Here is a list of some slightly more secret gems that dot the coastlines and make for the perfect summer getaway in the Med.
Italy’s Must-Try Cold Coffees
At first glance, the only morning breakfast beverage permitted in Italy is steamingly hot in temperature and smooth and sweet in flavor. But when the warmer months roll around, and temperatures begin to soar past no return, many Italians and bars swap their morning shots of espresso and cups of frothy cappuccinos for colder, varied options that even the pickiest coffee snob would enjoy.
Summer holidays in Ischia
Growing up, I had heard of this mysterious island, as my immigrant grandparents would spend most of the 1970s going to the "other island of Capri" that no American could pronounce, but I had never dipped my toes until being adopted into my partner's big Neapolitan family last summer...
Exploring the Blue Zones: Insights from Longevity Hotspots in the Mediterranean
Blue Zoners identify the need to unwind, to avoid overtime, and to prevent burnout. In the sixteenth century, a famous Italian architect, painter and writer Giorgio Vasari, outlined the perfect split of a 24 hour day: 8 hours of work, 8 hours of leisure and 8 hours of rest...
We adopted a baby water buffalo!
So, as you guys all probably know by now, we have a Water Buffalo drawing on our packaging. It’s the Gratsi mascot, and more specifically, an Italian water buffalo, which is responsible for what? You guessed it right (or probably wrong) the creamy delight known as buffalo mozzarella that makes the taste buds dance…
Mediterranean Must-Haves: Packing Tips for a Summer Getaway
Read on to discover must-haves for seaside summertime if you want to dress the part, feel effortless, and fit in like a local this summer season.
Italy On Film
It is easy to arrive in Italy and immediately feel like you are on a film set. The beautiful every-day is seductive, escapist and romantic. Whether you are wandering through some of the country’s most historic and famed sites or simply sitting in a piazza as life goes by, it often feels like the height of cinematic glamour.
The Little Islands of Sicily: Exploring the Aeolian Islands
The Aeolian Islands are a volcanic archipelago located in the Tyrrhenian Sea, just north of Italy’s big island Sicily. The group consists of seven main islands, named after Aeolus, the Greek god of the winds, renowned for their stunning natural beauty, characterized by rugged landscapes, crystal-clear waters, rich cultural heritage, and volcanic activity.
Eating through Sicily: What to eat on your next Sicilian trip from Cannoli to Panelle
Italy's biggest island, Sicily, has a rich and diverse cuisine, much like its geography and culture. Situated at the crossroads of the Mediterranean, Sicily has been shaped by centuries of foreign rule and trade, resulting in a unique blend of flavors, ingredients, and cooking techniques, making it a culinary destination from professional chefs and kitchen connoisseurs to curious foodies and cultural junkies.
The history and origins of Pizza
Today, pizza has shifted entirely from a dish of basic necessity to one of convenience but the fundamental principles behind this remain the same; it is cheap, quick to prepare and even quicker to eat. Naples still remains its rightful home and undoubtedly prepares the best you will ever have. But in the meantime, the widespread availability leaves all cravings satisfied.
Sunday Ragu: A Neapolitan Delicacy
If Rome is the cultural capital of Italy, then Naples is most certainly the capital of food. From the first pizza makers to bakery racks filled with fresh pastries stuffed with warm ricotta and jams, I fell in love with Naples both at first sight and at first bite. After all, Naples has a rich and diverse culinary history shaped by centuries, making it a food destination not for the weak.
The Mediterranean through its Street Food
The Mediterranean is known for its deeply rooted culinary traditions. Some of countries’ most important events are centred around a table piled high with local food and wine.
The Cinque Terre
Easily reachable by train from all major Italian cities, the Cinque Terre makes the perfect getaway all year round, from long summer months spent at sea to chillier, blue-skied winter days. If you're planning a trip or simply curious, let's look at what each sleepy village has to offer.
Italy's very own Blue Zone
Ah, Blue Zones! There are these remarkable regions around the world where people tend to live much longer than average. And I am talking at 85 or even 90, but more like 100 and 105! Have you ever heard of them?
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