Passionate Palate Tours :: The Art of Wine, Food, and Travel

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I also have a blog to complement what is on this site - www.passionatepalate.blogspot.com. I invite you all to join to receive my regular updates. It is my forum for rambling on about all the things I love, but primarily Italy, wine, food and travel. Please check it out.

7.9.07

Italy Travel Tips - Avoiding a Pickpocket

I came across this fantastic on-line article today about how to avoid a pickpocket in Italy. It is written by an expat who has lived in Italy for many years and in many parts of Italy. She is well-traveled and savvy, not to mention a good writer. This piece is detailed and very important to read if you plan on traveling to Italy (or anywhere for that matter!) It is my opinion that there is actually less crime in the European cities then there is in the U.S., however when we are in Europe, we are obviously tourists and therefore a target. I have been with people who have been robbed and have known others. It always happens quickly and usually expertly. So, be aware, vigilant and prepared, so that you can keep your vacation happy and incident-free. Please read:
http://www.msadventuresinitaly.com/blog/2007/07/09/how-to-avoid-a-pickpocket/

6.18.07

Slow Food - The Organization and a Great Book on Restaurants in Italy

Many of you may already be familiar with the Slow Food organization, but I am a big champion of them and what they are doing. Please visit www.slowfood.com for more information on this great organization. Beyond bringing attention to artisanal food and wine producers around the world, helping to preserve traditional food communities and practices and helping to protect agricultural and animal products that are in danger of becoming extinct, they also publish a great many essential books. I have relied on their Italian Wines for years as a guide to most of the wineries in Italy and what they are producing. The 2007 edition is available in English or Italian. Just recently they finally published an English version of another indispensable guide - Osteria d'Italia or Osterias of Italy. This book will guide you to osterias (osteria generally means a casual, simple restaurant) in Italy that serve typcial dishes with authentic flavors of the region they are in. I have used this book over and over to find gems of restaurants worth seeking out.

Passionate Palate Tours LLC
2803 N. Studebaker Rd.
Long Beach, CA 90815
Phone: 866.511.VINO (8466) or 562.354.6664
Fax: 562.627.9680
Email: passionatepalate@gmail.com