Inside the Loop

Perspectives on food, travel & the miscellaneous

April 10, 2006

Top Five Things...In Italy

So, its completely impossible to write five favorite things about the country shaped like a boot. The food, scenary, people & history are all overwhelming & captivating. Here is my attempt to describe my favorites in no particular order:

1. Il Fratellini: located in Firenze (Florence) a few blocks north of the Piazza della Signoria; you walk up to the counter to place your order & then sit on the sidewalk to eat & people watch; what a great concept to franchise in the US; what's better than a salami & goat cheese sandwich on hot, fresh bread with a bigletto (glass) of chianti...and all for 4 Euros.
2. Harry's Bar: located in Venezia (Venice) in San Marco Square; so, this is not your typical American bar; Harry's created the famous drink, the belini, & they also developed the best ham & cheese sandwich I have EVER had; thinly, sliced white bread piled with ham & cheese & sizzled in butter until golden, brown, & delicious. Yum. The rest of the menu is a little pricey, but if you want a snack, go for the belini & sandwich.
3. St. Peter's Basilica: located in Vatican City; one of the largest churches in the world, St. Peter's is a sight to behold; you could fit several mini churches inside; Michelangelo's Pieta is on your right upon entering; you really must go because its hard to describe in words.
4. Tuscany: even though this is a general favorite, its worth a ride through the countryside; Tuscany really looks like it does in photographs, movies, commericals, etc.; the air is different, the citizens in the small towns are friendly, and of course, the wine is out of this world; if you want a bicycle tour, I chose Bicycle Tuscany
5. Osteria Ponte Sisto: located in Roma; maybe this was my favorite dinner because it was my first night in Italy, but the food was so good; the restaurant is across the Tiber, so the area is more like a neighborhood and less like a busy city; proscuitto & mozzarella kicked off the meal, spaghetti alla carbonara followed, and panna cotta de chocolat was the finale. A bottle of chianti was the vino of choice.

April 7, 2006

2006 Baseball Season

Its a new season for baseball. Wrigley has a new look with more bleacher seats; the Red Sox have Josh Beckett..

This weekend is a three day series with the Cubs & Cards. So far the Cubbies are leading 5-0 top of the 7th with Maddux still in the game. Hopefully the W flag will make an appearance.