It's hard to believe that we only have 56 days left until we depart for the Italian Oceans and Hilltowns Tour! This summer is flying by!
This restaurant may be the first place we visit once we arrive in Lucca. Isn't it adorable? I love the paint color on the plaster wall and the wooden gates that serve as doors. Below are some of their menu items - every single one makes my mouth water!
The ladies and I are flying to Italy a day before the Tour officially starts so that we have a chance to acclimate just a bit. We'll spend our first pre-Tour night in Lucca, and "Prosciutto e Melone" is a darling little restaurant right down the street from our B&B. Check back in October to see what I thought of this dining establishment.
Below is the street view of Prosciutto e Melone (restaurant on the left) - it's tucked away on this tiny "via" behind the Piazza Anfiteatro, in the heart of historic Lucca.
Thank you for visiting my Italy blog, which contains travel tips, wine musings, lodging & restaurant reviews, armchair travel to some of Italy's best destinations, and some favorite recipes. Divertitevi!
Aglio e Scalogno

Aglio e Scalogno: Garlic and Shallots at the Christmas Market in Florence
Don't Just Dream It - Do It ! Let us take you on a tour of a lifetime!
L to R: Marybeth, Giuliana (owner/founder) Steve (filmmaker)
La Contadina Travels and Tours, the company I work for
La Contadina ad on Slow Travel website
Giuliana, owner of La Contadina Travels and Tours

Giuliana, on the right, leading a tour in Umbria
Steven Robert McCurdy, documentary filmmaker and my fellow tour guide

Steve taking a self-portrait in Italy
Another self-portrait of Steve, who is co-leading the tour with me

Italian Club of Salt Lake
If you're in Utah or coming for a visit and are interested in events related to Italian culture, music, or food, check the Italian Club of Salt Lake (ICSL) website for information: www.italianclubofsaltlake.com .
The ICSL also offers wonderful Italian language classes in a fun and comfortable setting at Raw Bean Cafe', at 611 South West Temple (great access off I-15). I'm the coordinator of the classes as well as a student, and believe me, the classes are great!
The ICSL also offers wonderful Italian language classes in a fun and comfortable setting at Raw Bean Cafe', at 611 South West Temple (great access off I-15). I'm the coordinator of the classes as well as a student, and believe me, the classes are great!