Bologna is a food lover’s idea of heaven. Piazza Maggiore is the heart of the city and ground zero for food sightseeing. Even Eataly (the Italian gourmet food emporium) has opened a branch on one of the major food streets leading off the east side of Piazza Maggiore (Via degli Orefici). Along the streets of…
What makes Parma ham (prosciutto di Parma) so special? And what is even better?
Prosciutto from Parma is the most famous cured ham in the world but what makes it so special? Also, do you know a very similar product to prosciutto di Parma (Parma ham) which is considered even more prized? Is it its historical importance? Prosciutto is an ancient food whose name means “dried” (from perexsuctum in Latin). It has been…
Why you should avoid “Parmesan” cheese? And what you should buy instead…
Parmesan is one of the most famous cheeses in the world and is an ubiquitous presence on the table of any Italian restaurant. What is less known is that anything labeled “Parmesan” is not in fact Parmesan. In fact the name “Parmesan” is no longer permitted to be used within the European Union. What was…
The worst place in the world for a glutton to live
So let’s say by some miracle the doctor told me I had to gain weight, I would get on the first flight to Emilia-Romagna and embark on a gluttonous binge, eating to my heart’s content. Bologna is known as the “land of the fat and learned” referring to both the richness of the land and…