Tiramisu

Feeling a bit down, a bit lethargic, a bit dreary? What you need is a little bit (or a lot) of tiramisu, the classic Italian dessert. Though you might not need an excuse to eat it, pronounced tira-mi-su means “pick-me-up” and is a perfect end to a meal or even a post sightseeing snack. What better medicine could there be? Its current name derives from the Venetian dialect and is now considered a typical dessert of this region, but other regions are competing to be proclaimed place of origin of this cake: first of all, Friuli Venezia Giulia, Piedmont and Tuscany. The classic tiramisu is made with savoiardi or lady fingers or biscuits, take your pick of the words, dunked in an espresso coffee, then layered with a mascarpone and fresh egg custard and sprinkled with chocolate powder. When eating out, be sure to check it’s ‘fatto in casa’, or made in house. I’d love to help you find the best tiramisu in town! When you’re ready to plan your trip to Rome so be sure to pick up the phone and call me or send me an email.

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Gelato

In Italian, the word congelato means frozen, and the word congelare means to freeze. Although gelato is the Italian version of ice cream, it’s not merely Dreyer’s with a European, artisanal flair. Like ice cream, gelato contains milk, sugar, and flavorings such as fruit or nuts, but it has less cream than ice cream and usually no egg yolks. Whether you’re ordering gelato in Italy (or at an authentic gelateria elsewhere), you should know gelato-related terminology. If you’re in need of a serious dose of caffeine, order affogato. You’ll get a scoop of gelato doused in espresso. If you want to make your gelato extra decadent, opt for gelato con panna to get gelato topped with whipped cream. And for an Italian ice cream sandwich, order brioche con gelato. If you want authentic gelato, don’t buy it from a shop that uses ice cream scoops. Instead, gelato should be scooped with a spade or paddle. The flat surface is better equipped to gently scoop up your flavor of choice. “Not only can you work gelato with the spade to soften it up, but there's a whole artistry,” Morano said. Who woudn't want to have their first taste of gelato in Italy? From the first memorable taste of genuine gelato, most people might want to bring home that fresh, flavorful dessert back to their homes. If you’re craving now, I’d love to help you plan your trip to Rome so be sure to pick up the phone and call me or send me an email.

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8 Food Lover Tips For Visiting Budapest

8 Food Lover Tips For Visiting Budapest

Do Tell, Is Budapest On Your Bucket List?

Budapest is full of wonders. Regardless of your reason to visit, whether it's to take in the detailed architecture, soak in the history, or enjoy the natural sites.  Don't leave without indulging in the delicious authentic dishes served throughout the nation. Your palette will be dancing with all the rich flavors. To guide you to some of the best spots to grab food in Budapest, we've created a list of 8 food lover tips for your visit…

1. You most certainly can't leave Budapest without trying one it's most traditional foods, langos. Langos is a flatbread that is deep-fried in fat and can be served plain or smothered with cheese blends and other flavorful toppings. You can find langos nearly anywhere, but we recommend heading to the Central Market Hall. 

2. If you love cooking and eating, sign up for a Hungarian cooking course. These courses are easy to find online, and you will get to experience an authentic three-course meal that you helped create.

3. Every year from September 5th to 8th, you can catch the Budapest International Wine Festival. This festival has been running for many years and has become custom to the natives and tourists alike. 

4. If you're in the country in October, definitely make your way to the Budapest Palinka and Sausage Festival to try some of the fantastic European brandy paired with any of the many sausage varieties you will find throughout the stands. 

5. Hungarian Unicum is one of the most famous liquors in the country. It's in herbal bitter that aids in digestion, which you will find helps tremendously after delving into all of the spicy street foods. You can also head to the Zwack Museum to learn all about the miracle liquor. 

6. Make way to the Etyek-Buda Wine Region to experience one of the leading wine-producing villages that have been around since the 18th century. This winery makes for a great day trip. Just prepare yourself to try dozens of varieties.

7. Anyone who loves the age-old delicacy marzipan, visit Szamos Marzipan, a museum in honor of the artists Mátyás Szamos and Károly Szabó. These artists started shaping marzipan into the shapes of flowers and other beautiful creations back in the 1930s, and this museum intends to keep their spirit and tasty treats alive. 

8. If you have a fond love in your heart for delis, you are going to adore Mangalica & Társai Húspatika. This deli has everything from assorted salamis, cured hams, and more. This deli stands today in the dedication of the curly-haired Mangalica pig, which is a domesticated, extremely furry Hungarian swine.

Call (909) 990-1124 to book your Budapest vacation.