Musing on the difference between needing caffeine or needing the coffee break itself, it occurs to me once again the importance of savouring the moment.
Learned about a very interesting U.S. lacemaking boom in  The Laces of Ipswich: The Art and Economics of an Early American Industry, 1750-1840
Anyone out there on Goodreads?  I’d love to see [...]

As details for the July’s tour, Vermont Craft and Cuisine are stitched together, I’m always struck by the passion and enthusiasm of the farmers, winemakers and artisans…. not too mention the people that have signed up.  Vermont Tourism obviously agrees with me, and their You Tube channel features some of these people.  Check out some [...]

Funny how this web of life connects!
If you’ve hung out with me virtually or in real life, you know that Tactile Travel focuses on the textiles, the food and the people that give each place its soul.  And if you’ve listened to the podcast lately, you’ve heard me tell stories about Winehug , that snazzy [...]

I’ve never been beer tasting in Italy.  Frankly, I’m not much of a beer drinker.  At the pizzeria, I’ll order a glass of wine while the rest of the table enjoys a beer.   During my years in Frascati, I viewed each new “birreria” as an assault to the town’s white wine tradition.  When Tactile [...]

Spring Energy sums up our chat at the bar today!
Last minute cancellations for Tuscan Textiles could be your surprise.  We’ve got 2 sudden spaces open.  Check here for details, and bring your energy to the week.
Diane Epstein stopped by and helped Giardini di Sole open their doors.  They mixed beautiful Italian ceramics with lava stone [...]

In this month’s podcast episode, we have a virtual bouquet of mimosa to celebrate International Women’s Day.  We also chat about the San Remo Festival, Carla Bruni and maple syrup!
Auguri per la Festa della Donna!
To listen, click here.

You know how we all get in that cooking rut?  Even if you like new recipes and enjoy cooking, I tend to fall into the same old routine.  About 10 years ago, nominating a “vegetable of the season” was one way to try new things I saw in Italian markets, stretch taste buds and expand [...]

What should you eat today?  A question we ask every day, but think a bit more as December 10 is Terra Madre day.  A project of the Slow Food Convivium, it’s a day to celebrate local and traditional foods.
It’s the time of year in Milan when Pannetone declares that holiday season has begun and everything with [...]

“And what will you do with that?”
Buying vegetables has never been the same since I left the Castelli Romani.  ”Madame Bulgari” as a friend fondly called her, was always curious about my purchases.  Her stand near the flower market was open late and even on Sunday mornings.  The produce was seasonal, fresh and expensive.  Thus, [...]

Last weekend in Montreal, the fabled Marche Jean Talon became reality to me.  Colorful, spacious, bountiful, and so orderly.  The market truly reflects the international nature of Montreal as well as the great local food scene.  The beautiful palettes of unusual vegetable colors inspired all kinds of menus.  And many vendors were happy to give [...]