Another Coffee Break with a New Friend

I found out I have a Pakistani Follower!!

This was probably the most unexpected follower.
Shahwar is also an International Student just like me. She goes to NYU, and while she was doing some researches for her summer trip in Italy she ended up reading my blog.

She contacted me, and this morning we had Iced Italian Coffee at Sergimmo, a small Italian coffee shop on 9th avenue cross St with 35th St. (It is really warm in the City today and I wanted to try a NY Italian Iced coffee before I make my Sceccherato!)

We were also so lucky to get Italian Cannoli on the house! (WOOHOO SCORE!)

She had many questions on where to go and what else to visit aside of what I posted.

I shared my experiences with her, and got along so well I kind of want to go with her!

During our time together I felt a little homesick thinking that today is Mother's Day and we both don't get to spend this day with our mommys.

Also RTL 102.5 Radio was playing at Sergimmo which is one of the main italian radios. She really enjoyed her time taking videos on Snapchat of me singing.... ( I may or may not have made some customers leave...oopsy)

Just like Shahwar, contact me if you are interested in knowing more about Italy and we'll have coffee together and I will try to answer to all your questions!!

Ciao travelers see you soon again!

6th Stop - Firenze

Welcome back Travelers!

how did you get your coffee this morning? I hope it was strong; a black espresso with no milk nor sugar. The perfect combination of deliciousness and bitterness that wakes you up in the best of the Italian ways.

Hope on the train because we are going to Florence!!

Florence is the capital city of the region of Tuscany and is most important for its history. As a matter of fact during the Medieval Florence was one of the most wealthy city of Europe and is was the center of trade and finance.

What to see: As I have already mentioned there is a lot of history all around Florence but what you should pay particular attention to are

Piazza Della Signoria - it is the main meeting location of the fiorentini (= people from Florence). It has an interesting L shape and it is also recognized as the political center. Here you can see the Palazzo della Signoria or also called Palazzo Vecchio (=Old Palace)

Duomo di Firenze - The actual name of the Cathedral is actually Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore and it is the main church of the city. The building process started in 1296 and didn't completely end until 1436

Galleria dell'Accademia di Firenze - there are only 3 words to describe why you must go here "David Di Michelangelo". 

Ponte Vecchio - You have probably seen this bridge in many movies filmed in Florence. This is one of the most beautiful bridges in the whole word. Until 1565 the bridge was dominated by little stores of vegetables and meat like a market, then only shops of artisans, goldsmiths, and perfumers were allowed because they would frame better the beauty of the place.

What to eat:

Schiacciata alla Fiorentina - A tipical desert from Florence with the unmistakable symbol of Firenze on the top. Buon Appetito!

Stay tunned, as we get closer to the South the weather will get warmer and you will be craving for a caffè scecherato (the real ice coffee). I will give tips on how to make it in the next post!

For more information on where to stay, what else to eat, and what else to visit leave a comment and I will get back to you!

Ciao!!!

5th Stop - Cinque Terre

Welcome back travelers!

We had fun in Milano, we probably did a lot of shopping in Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, and we have also probably gained a couple of pounds by eating Panzerotti and Gnocchi. But hey, everyone know that ones in Italy you'll end up gaining weight. It's inevitable and delicious!

But now don't you miss the sea? Wasn't it great to admire, swim and sail in the Adriatic Sea while in Trieste and Venice?

Well then let's go check out the Tirreno Sea now, on the West Coast of Italy at Cinque Terre in the region of Liguria!!!

First of all you must know that "Cinque Terre" mean "Five Lands". As a matter of fact we are going to visit not only one place but 5 all at once!!!!

The 5 lands names are Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore. The interesting fact about these places is that no cars are allowed which make the public transportation system very effective since the rates of tourism here are very high.

Cinque Terre are well know for the many colorful houses which are built overlooking the turquoise sea. Here you can go to the beach, cliff dive, or walk along the "Via Dell'Amore" which mean "Road or Love" and is a 1 km long pedestrian crossing above the water that connects Manarola to Riomaggiore.

What to Eat:

Tagliatelle al Pesto - The pesto sauce is made of Basil, Extra virgin olive oil, greater parmesan cheese, garlic, coarse salt, pine nuts, and walnuts. Tagliatelle is a particular kind of pasts that due to its roughness keeps the pesto sauce attached to it.

Farinata - its a very low quiche prepared with chickpea flour, salt, water, and olive oil, and coocked in a baking tray in wood oven.

Finding places where to spend the night here is very easy and you can decide in which on the 5 lands you'd rather have your hostel.

Have fun and Buon Appetito! See you soon in Toscana (Tuscany)

Ciao!

A bit of Italy in New York City

Do you, like me, live in New York City?

Can you not afford a trip to Italy, but you can afford a trip to the Big apple and are dying to eat authentic Italian food?

Are you interest in the italian culture and like italian food?

Are you enjoying this blog?

If you responded "yes" to any of the above questions then Osteria Del Principe is the place for you.

Today I had the pleasure to write my blog in this great location. 

Here I had dinner with prosciutto and cheese imported from Italy. I then had the most delicious risotto with gorgonzola cheese and radish I have ever tasted, and I ended my dinner with a chocolate soufflé and a little italian Espresso.

The owners Max and Carlotta shared with me interesting facts about the different kinds of prosciutto and their origins, and together we spoke italian and talked about the different cities in Italy.

Not only I had an amazing dinner, but now I found a new place where to feel at home, and I gained two more followers!!!

Osteria Del Principe is located on 27 East 23rd St, New York City, 10010, right by Madison Square Park in the Flat Iron District. 

For more info and reservations contact 646-596-7864, info@principenyc.com or visit the website at http://www.principenyc.com

4th Stop - Milano

- Wake up in Verona
- Say goodbye to the beautiful memory of young Leo/Romeo
- Drink your espresso
- Hop on the train from Verona Porta Nuova Station and head to Milano Centrale!

Where to stay: Recommended by Camilla, who is one of my best friends, and who is also from Milan, Ostello Bello is a very cozy and affordable Hostel. It is thought for young travelers who have a limited budget as well as a limited willingness to sleep while on vacation. As a matter of fact, every night the hostel becomes a bar and a point of encounter for young adults, not only for the guests of the hostel but also for the Milanesi. Ostello Bello is located in a very strategic place, aka the 1st zone of the historic center, and prices start as low as 28.00 euros. For further information and reservations click above on "Ostello Bello" or google this link --> http://www.ostellobello.com.

What to Visit: 
Duomo di Milano - This Cathedral determines the center of Milan. It was built in 1386, it was dedicated to Saint Mary Nascente, and it is now the seat of the Archbishop of Milan.

Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II - The Gallery is one of the oldest and most beautiful mall of the world. It was built in 1865 and dedicated to the First emperor of the Kingdom of Italy.

Parco Sempione - The NYC Central Park of Milano (1888)

Teatro alla Scala - Milano's opera house http://www.teatroallascala.org/en/

What to MUST eat: For a quick, affordable, and delicious lunch Don't miss the chance to eat the "Panzerotti di Luini. You ca find the panzerotti anywhere in the downtown area of Milan, and your lunch will cost for as low as 2.30 euros....it depends on how much you get addicted to them. to the closest thing to Panzerotti is a calzone. Therefore panzerotti are basically fried bread with a variety of fillings, from mozarella cheese and tomato sauce, to ham and cheese, spinach and cheese, mushroom ham and cheese, or even sweet with Nutella, Almonds ect...

Buon Viaggio and Buon Appetito!!

3rd Stop - Verona and Dicaprio

Bentornati Travelers and Benvenuti in Verona!!!

I would first like to start this post with this...

And this...

and why not? one more!

Because let's face it...young Leonardo di Caprio in the role of Romeo Montecchi is the main reason why we felt in love with the movie Romeo and Juliet and the city of Verona. (This goes mostly to the ladies). 

So we have all drank our espresso and took the train from Venezia Santa Lucia to Verona Porta Nuova.

First of all you could purchase the VeronaCard which at the cost of only euros 15.00 allows you to visit many Churches, museums, various attractions, and freely use the public transportation for 24 hours. (You can also gets some discounts with that). 

Then you want to go visit the Centro Storico (=Historic Center).

What to visit:

- Arena - this is the third largest Roman arena, which was built during the 1st century and where gladiators fought against each other for 400 years. It is also the heart of Verona and it is open every day from 8.30 am to 7.30 pm (Except on Mondays it opens at 1.30 pm). The Area is now often use for big Concerts

- Casa di Giulietta - Juliet's house is just a few steps away from the Arena. The main attraction is the "Lovers Wall" in which lovers of friend can stick a note on this wall which will be left there "Forever". I have seen people sticking their chewing gums or bandages with initials written on. When they say anything for Love...

Here you will also be able to see a statue of Juliet (they say it brings good luck to touch her right boob), and the balcony where Romeo used to climb up to.

- Piazza Duomo - Duomo Square and Duomo of Santa Maria Matricolare I think the picture already gives a good idea of the beauty of this place

And when you feel hungry something absolutely not to miss eating here is GNOCCHI!!

Many of my friends know my passion for gnocchi. Gnocchi are one of the main dishes of the Veronese Carnival which was created back in 1531. But what is gnocchi? Basically it is a dough made of potatoes, water, salt, and white flour. after they have being boiled, you can serve them with any sauce. My favorite sauce, and also my own creation is heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, Pecorino cheese, and sage.

And ones you are done with your meal? UN CAFFE PER FAVORE!

And I am just gonna leave this here in case you haven't had enough...

Coffee Break in Between a City and another one!

Shout out to my Follower and new Friend Rose!!!

one day my blog's follower Rose contacted me through email and asked me to meet up for coffee.

Of course I invited her to try my Espresso that my mom just brought me from Italy.

We had a great time together trying to speak italian, zipping our delicious espressos and sharing fun facts and tips about Italy.

Turns out she has origins from Florence and a double citizenship!

I can't wait to write about Florence and collaborate with her!

Also, because of her visit she "won" an Espresso maker that came directly from Italy!!!

If you also would like to have coffee with me and talk about my country,  leave a comment and we'll try to set up something!!!

Ciao! see you soon in Verona!!