Food

Emilia-Romagna Travel Tips from Gianluca Fazio, Italian Traveller of TheRerumNatura

Conversations with Locals

Gianluca Fazio is a native of the city of Rimini in Emilia-Romagna and the creator of TheRerumNatura, a collection of breathtaking Italian street photography. Gianluca talks piadina romagnola, the window you need to visit in Bologna, and why Emilia-Romagna is one of the best foodie regions of Italy. 

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Photo: TheRerumNatura

What’s Italian culture? 

Italian culture is a very complex and sometimes contradictory mix of traditions coming from different worlds. Italy has millenary influences coming from the Ancient Greece, the Normans, the Spanish, the Romans, the Arabs, the Etrurians, and the Barbarians.
What we call the Italian culture comes from all these ancestors.

You can visit cities close to each other and discover completely different ways of speaking, dialects, architectures, hospitality, and food traditions. 

To me, the Italian culture is the synthesis of the peculiar history of this country and the fascinating way people reacted to all these changes towards time.

What do you feel defines the food in the Emilia-Romagna region?

Emilia-Romagna has one of the best cuisines in Italy – it’s characterised by tasty dishes, with stuffed pasta like tortellini and cappelletti and it’s the region which gave birth to lasagne. Many products famous all over the world like parma ham, parmigiano reggiano cheese, balsamic vinegar of Modena and Mortadella of Bologna come from Emilia-Romagna. And, of course, the piadina romagnola, a typical street food from Romagna, the southern part of the region, needs to have a special mention! First, because it’s great, then, because it comes from my hometown, Rimini. 

All this dishes have something in common – the importance of being tasty, with the perfect balance between gentle and strong taste. 

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San Marino. Photo: TheRerumNatura

What is the one local dish you feel travellers can’t leave Emilia-Romagna without trying? 

I suggest that travellers try the different ways piadina romagnola is made by just travelling a few kilometres! 

Try a piadina romagnola in Riccione, the entertainment center of Italy, and it will be different from the piadina pomagnola in Rimini, the most advanced beach town in Italy. Then go to Ravenna, the former capital city of the Western Roman Empire, and it’s different again. 

I met many people and everybody has a different opinion about which one is the best!
Can you guess which one mine is? 

Would that be the one from your hometown of Rimini?

Yes, my favourite version of the piadina is the one from Rimini! But I have to tell you a little secret, if you go to Riccione, just in front of the train station, there’s a little kiosk which makes a delicious piadina with a secret recipe that only the family knows. You should try it! 

Where do you love to eat in the region?

My favourite eating places are in the hinterlands of Romagna, near the borders with Marche and Tuscany. Eating there is an unforgettable experience because of the great tastes and the incredible value for money. 

You can eat delicious appetizers, homemade pastas, local meats and drink typical wines (Sangiovese di Romagna) for about 20€. 

But you can eat very well all over the region. Just try some trattoria in the city centre of Bologna and you’ll love it. 

What about your favourite restaurants?

My favorite restaurants are Casina del Bosco in Rimini where you can eat the best homemade piadina, and Osteria Tabard Inn in Villa Verucchio, where you can eat the best homemade pastas, meats, delicious sweets and drink some great wine.

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Photo: TheRerumNatura

Name one best kept secret of Emilia-Romagna

One best kept secret of Emilia-Romagna is a window in the centre of Bologna which gives a stunning view on a canal and makes you feel like you’re in Venice. When you go to Bologna, don’t forget to visit the “Window of Via Piella”.

What would you recommend travellers do to experience Emilia-Romagna as a local? 

The best way to experience Emilia-Romagna is living it with the spirit of locals. People from Emilia-Romagna are very friendly and open-minded. They like having fun, staying up until late, eating and drinking all the time with a smile on their faces. They also think that hospitality is a matter of honour, so they’ll treat you with great respect and confidence. Living like this is the best way to experience Emilia-Romagna. 

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Piazza Della Libertà. Photo: TheRerumNatura

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Photo: TheRerumNatura

Where can we go to see your favourite part of Italy?

It’s very hard to say which is my favourite part of Italy, because every region has its own particularities and everything differs a lot from one place to the other. You can go from the Alps with landscapes that make you feel like you’re almost in Germany to the south of Sicily that makes you feel like you’re almost in Africa. 

I have a special affection for the east coast, from Venice to Rimini, my hometown, to the wonderful beauties of Puglia, passing through the stunning Marche and Abruzzo coasts.
But I also love the green heart of Italy, Umbria, which is special to me because you can feel that locals love their amazing towns and take a special care of their places for travellers. Also, the food is just great!

 

WHERE TO EAT IN EMILIA-ROMAGNA


Casina del Bosco
Area: Rimini
Where: Viale Antonio Beccadelli, 15, 47921 Rimini RN, Italy
For: Homemade piadinas

Osteria Tabard Inn
Area: Villa Verucchio
Where: Via del Vecchio Ghetto, 4, 47826 Villa Verucchio RN, Italy
For: Homemade Italian food

WHERE TO GO IN EMILIA-ROMAGNA


Finestrella di Via Piella
Area: Bologna
Where: Via Piella, 5-9, 40126 Bologna, Italy
For: A view of Venice in Bologna

The Eating Guide to Athens, Greece

Greece

Athens may be known as a city of ancient ruins, but a new wave of restaurants is bringing a modern take to traditional Greek fare. This is a city where most of its people head out of their house for food – dining out is an everyday affair. We stumbled into a few good eats amidst the chaotic streets. 

Look forward to: Greek fusion food 

360 Athens Cocktail Bar 

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Where: Ifestou 2, Athina 105 55, Greece
What: Chicken rump and steak with halloumi 
For: A view of the Acropolis 

360 Athens Cocktail Bar joins the list of restaurants in Athens with a view of the Acropolis. The restaurant has both an indoor and outdoor area, but book in advance for a seat on the rooftop, where the best views from the restaurant are found. The food menu is a little Greek, a little European and a little American – so there’s something for everyone. Take your pick of cocktails from the drinks menu, each bearing a whimsical name such as Sweet Melony and The Perfect Lady. 

Karamanlidika 

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Where: Sokratous 1, Athina 10552, Greece
What: Sudjuk sausages with eggs
For: Cured meats and cheeses

Meander past butcher shops in the alleys to Karamanlidika, where cured meats and cheeses are the stuff people talk about. Don’t be mistaken by its deli-esque storefront. Look for the waiter and you’ll get a seat in the back alley where the locals are found having cured meats with a glass of wine. Go straight for the specialties – fried sachanaki cheese, pastirma and sudjuk sausages. Some of these are served with a sunny side up egg in a pan.

Fabrica tou Efrosinou

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Where: Anastasiou Zinni 34, Athina 117 41, Greece
What: Casual joint
For: Bifteki

Things are kept casual at Fabrica tou Efrosinou. Just waltz into the café in the late morning, when lunch is not yet being served, and the chef might whip up an omelette with feta cheese. Bifteki (Greek burger), fries and veal chops are crowd favourites. 

Skoumbri 

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Where: Drakou 14, Athina 117 42, Greece
What: Grilled octopus
For: Seafood

People head to Skoumbri for a seafood restaurant in Athens, where they serve a good range of seafood. Look for the trademark mackerel sign along the bustling Drakou street in Koukaki. The white and turquoise interiors is a fresh reminder of dining in the Greek islands. Seafood such as sardines, shrimps and octopus are served as mains, and you get the choice of having it grilled or fried. 

Sicily Travel Tips from Antonio Carini, Sicilian Pizza Chef

Conversations with Locals

Antonio Carini is the chef behind Antica Pizzeria La Punta, the Sicilian restaurant by the Mediterranean Sea. Take a peek into his everyday life in Sicily on his Instagram account, which is a series of beach escapades, dough kneading and street explorations. We talk to Antonio about Italian pizzas, Sicily’s top beaches, and a secret bakery where the best desserts come from. 

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Photo: Antonio Carini

What’s Sicilian culture? 

The Sicilian culture is full of colour, historical art, traditions and customs. This is a result of the many previous civilisations that have ruled in the past. When you think of Sicily, good food, our unique dialect and simple, down-to-earth values come to mind right away. We have a big sense of belonging to this land, and place great importance to family, which is reflected in how we present ourselves to guests.

What do you feel defines Sicilian cuisine?

The Sicilian cuisine is undoubtedly the most complete of all the Mediterranean. Thanks to an ideal climate, our land offers a lot of excellent ingredients that offer inimitable flavours in the kitchen. Starting from typical street food, to delicious seafood that are combined with herbs from the countryside, to sweet ricotta accompanied by typical liqueur wines. The Sicilian cuisine is the taste of happiness! 

What are some local dishes you feel travellers can’t leave Sicily without trying? 

Everything is worth trying! My advice is to venture into the streets and try the pane con le panelle, pani ca meusa, arancini, sfincione, and finally a cannolo at any bar. 

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Pane cunzato. Photo: Antonio Carini

Where do you love to eat in Sicily?

It is often said that you don’t eat in a better place that at home. But in Sicily, you can feel at home even in restaurants, bars and taverns. Everything is prepared as if it were home cooked. My favourite place to eat is my pizzeria, Antica Pizzeria La Punta. I cook what I want at the moment. What else? When I eat out in Palermo, I choose Osteria Ballarò, FlaM, or FUD Bottega Sicula. For a good cappuccino at breakfast, Angelina’s Bakery is a good choice. 

What makes a good Italian pizza? 

The secret of a good pizza is choosing quality ingredients such as mozzarella, a perfect proofing technique, and lastly, cooking it in an oven typical of the oldest Italian pizzerias. A good Italian pizza must have strong aromatic flavours, a high cornice and is fluffy. In my pizzas, there is always fresh oregano and basil. Use your imagination to combine the ingredients – do not stop at the simple margherita. Try it with seafood, for example, and enjoy.

Name one best kept secret of Sicily

There is a nice little place hidden in Palermo’s historical center. It is called Cioccolateria Lorenzo. It is a café, but something more like a bakery. It is the perfect place to enjoy your coffee in peace, and to enjoy homemade sweets and cakes. In summer, it is possible to sit outdoors amidst potted plants and vintage trinkets. The watermelon granita is an absolute must try. 

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Cioccolateria Lorenzo. Photo: Antonio Carini

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Photo: Antonio Carini

What would you recommend travellers do to experience Sicily as a local? 

Understand Sicilians living habits – frequent the same places, walk in the city center everyday, choose a pub where they prepare the best appetiser at 7 pm. Hang out late at night with a group of friends. The tourists must live as if Sicily is their own home. Lastly, they must eat all day everyday! 

Name your favourite beaches in Sicily

My favourite beach is where I learned to swim, and there are some rocks from which I still love to dive from. It is right next to my workplace, so I frequent it everyday. It is called Santa Nicolicchia, Porticello in Palermo. Another favourite beach is I Francesi in Mongerbino. The Mondello beach of Palermo can’t be missed as well. There is also the San Vito Lo Capo, known as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. 

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Photo: Antonio Carini

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Photo: Antonio Carini

Where can we go to see your favourite view in Italy?

My favorite view of Italy is from the majestic dome of Saint Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City, in Rome. From up there, you can see all of Rome but it seems like you can see the ends of the earth.

 

WHERE TO EAT IN SICILY


Antica Pizzeria La Punta
Where: Vicolo San Nicolicchio, 21, 90017 Porticello, Santa Flavia PA, Italy
For: Pizzas

FlaM Osteria Contemporanea
Where: Via della Vetriera, 1, 90133 Palermo, Italy
For: Modern Sicilian cuisine

FUD Bottega Sicula
Where: Piazza Olivella, 4, 90133 Palermo, Italy
For: Italian burgers

Angelina’s Bakery
Where:  Via Valerio Villareale, 24, 90141 Palermo PA, Italy
For: Cappuccinos

Cioccolateria Lorenzo
Where: Via IV Aprile, 7, 90133 Palermo, Italy
For: Watermelon granita 

 

WHERE TO GO IN SICILY


Santa Nicolicchia
Where: Largo Santa Nicolicchia, 90017 Santa Flavia PA, Italy
For: Beaches

I Francesi
Where: Comunale Mongerbino, Bagheria PA, Italy
For: Beaches

Mondello
Where: Viale Regina Elena, Mondello, Palermo, Sicily, Italy
For: Beaches

San Vito Lo Capo
Where: San Vito Lo Capo, 91010 Province of Trapani, Italy
For: Beaches