Italian Style
Italian Style · 25 June 2025
Lea Massari, the discreet diva of Italian cinema, has passed away at 91. Known for her powerful performances with directors like Mario Monicelli and Sergio Leone, she was also a prominent figure in Rai's black-and-white dramas. She received a David di Donatello award for Best Actress for her roles in "Una vita difficile" and "I sogni muoiono all'alba" in 1961. She earned Nastro d'Argento awards for Best Supporting Actress for "The First Night of Quiet" (1972) and "Christ Stopped at Eboli (1978).
Italian Style · 01 June 2025
The Festa della Repubblica is celebrated on June 2nd, commemorating the 1946 vote that established Italy as a republic. This national holiday features parades and the display of Italian flags, bringing Italians together in celebration. The Italian table symbolizes history, culture, and love, with the flag's colors often represented by basil, mozzarella, and tomato. Here are some recipes, from appetizers to desserts, to celebrate La Festa della Repubblica.
Italian Style · 27 May 2025
Franciacorta is a historic region in the Province of Brescia, Lombardy, Italy, with a population of about 158,249. Known for its sparkling wine, also named Franciacorta, which has DOCG status and is made using traditional methods, the region is home to notable wineries like Berlucchi, Bellavista, and Ca' del Bosco. The name "Franciacorta," dating back to 1277, means “corti franche,” referring to tax-exempt villages.
Italian Style · 18 May 2025
There is always great crime drama on RAI! In GERRI, a new TV Series set in Puglia, an inspector of Roma origin solves mysterious cases. Màkari, set in a village in Sicily, returns for Season 4. It is inspired by the novels of Gaetano Savatteri. Commissario Ricciardi returns to investigate cases in Naples for Season 3.
Italian Style · 23 April 2025
We previously wrote about the luxurious Orient Express travel in Italy in 2022 and 2023. Now, we're excited to share details about the 2025 offering for the La Dolce Vita Orient Express Train. Starting at Ostiense Station in Rome, this journey embraces slow travel through 14 Italian regions with eight exclusive itineraries for discerning travellers. The train features 31 cabins, 18 suites, 12 deluxe cabins, and the signature La Dolce Vita Suite resulting from meticulous and elegant restoration.
Italian Style · 14 April 2025
The other day, while watching the popular cooking show "Sempre Mezzogiorno" on RAI, I discovered Diego Cusano's food art. He is an eclectic illustrator and artist of international fame. In 2014, he published the illustrated book “Food Art & Fantasy,” which features an unusual menu for fantasy gourmets, consisting of 35 illustrations. His innovative artwork showcases some of Italy’s most famous DOP (Denominazione di Origine Protetta) ingredients, serving as a fabulous promotion of Made in Italy.
Italian Style · 09 April 2025
The palazzo often referred to as Sophia Loren's £5 million Venice residence was actually only used by her during the 1955 Venice Film Festival. The historic Palazzo Tron a San Beneto, located in San Marco with views of the Rialto Bridge, was formerly home to the influential Tron family. Nicolò Tron, the 68th Doge of Venice (1471-1473), likely commissioned its reconstruction, adding two stories. In 2018, the European Heritage Project acquired portions of the palazzo from the Franchetti family.
Italian Style · 23 March 2025
The Rai Uno series Mare Fuori, which premiered in 2020, has become a beloved show in Italy. It portrays the poignant stories of young inmates at the fictional Juvenile Penal Institute of Naples, inspired by Nisida prison. The fifth season began with six episodes released on March 12, with more to come on March 26. This season features a partially renewed cast, with some characters, like Chiattillo and Ciro Ricci, exiting, while new characters have captured the audience's hearts.
Italian Style · 13 March 2025
2025 promises to be a rich year for lovers of Italian fiction and TV series. Rai 1 in particular is preparing to offer a schedule full of emotions, suspense and top-level productions. Ranging from classic stories, contemporary dramas and breathtaking thrillers. Such as Imma Tataranni set in Matera; Leopardi - Il poeta dell'infinito set in Naples; Un passo dal cielo - set in the Dolomites; Mina Settembre - set in Naples as is Commissario Ricciardi.
Italian Style · 11 March 2025
The main festival celebrated in Italy in March is "Festa di San Giuseppe" (Saint Joseph's Day), which occurs on March 19th. This day is regarded as the Italian equivalent of Father's Day. It is celebrated with special treats such as "zeppole" and, in some regions, bonfires.