Maiya's: Taste of Italy in Marfa,TX

Taste Italy in Marfa, TX with local tomatoes for Caprese salad, Pecos canteloupe with proscuitto, and arrugula salad with Texas ruby grapefruit. Local and Italian at its best in Texas!

La Cucina Italiana

If you're only going to subscribe to one "foodie" magazine then make it La Cucina Italiana. The July issue is filled with fare from the sea and the cover flaunts another summer favorite, zucchini blossoms. Anyone else love zucchini blossoms the way I do?

Venice Biennale and Palazzo Grazzi

The Venice Biennale is underway, but instead of being drawn to the eclectic and bazaar entries that define the Biennale's "art in the park" setting, I'm instead longing to see the recently installed "Frog in Hand" sculpture by American artist, Charles Ray. The 8-foot sculpture is the new beacon for Palazzo Grazzi, Venice's newest art venue created by Christie's owner, Francois Pinault. Contemporary art lovers have a new reason to re-visit the Grand Canal.

MOVIE: Shadows in the Sun

In search of a quick "trip" to Italy this weekend, I rented SHADOWS IN THE SUN (2006) to enable the escape. My movie visit was simple and uncomplicated with stunning Tuscan countryside settings, including Rocca d'Orcia. It was a simple, no-surprises movie (except for the scenery!) with good music and blatant mushy romance, but I loved it.

Lucca and the Garfagnana

One of the lesser known  areas of Tuscany is its northern edge near Lucca and the Garfagnana where my friend, Heather Jarman, epitomizes the best there is in local experiences via Gastronomic Adventures, Sapori + Saperi. Who's out there that loves Lucca? Heather is also buddies with a good friend of mine, Harold Partain and Epicopia. Those two together top the chart with local and hands-on food experiences---"Pork and Porcini" anyone?