Italian Enthusiasts proficient in the Italian language are quick to recognize strange names of Italian foods, drinks and places, especially if they have vulgar meanings.  America, for example, censors nudity on television and in magazines while Italy takes a more open approach, often displaying nudity to the public across all channels.  Similar to Italy’s approval of nudity (in comparison to the United States), Italy takes a similar approach with its language, often referring to foods, drinks and towns by names most Americans would find inappropriate.  For Italian Enthusiasts, however, they are funny and culturally fascinating.  See below for some examples, broken down by categories of Food, Wine and Towns. FOOD Gnocchi.  Gnocchi is a type of pasta we all love, but the meaning comes from the female private part.  The name derives from La Gnocca, which in Italian means “pussy” because of the shape and the softness of the pasta.  So when you order Gnocchi for dinner, you are also asking the chef for a plate of pussy. Cazzilli di Patate.  In Palermo, there is a popular dish called Cazzilli di Patate, which means “Small Dicks of Potatoes”.  The name comes from the fact that the food is small and shaped like penises, sort of like croquettes. Spaghetti alla Puttanesca.  In Naples, a popular spaghetti is called Spaghetti alla Putanesca, which in English means “Whore’s Pasta”.   This dish includes poor ingredients, such as olives, capers and tomato sauce - very easy ingredients to find in Naples.  The dish was regularly served in brothels for this reason. Palle del Nonno.  In Tuscany, there is a popular salami called Palle del Nonno, which means "Grandpa's Balls".  It is pig salami that has a falling shape, appearing like an elderly man's testicles. Coglioni di Mulo.  In Abruzzo, there is a popular salami known...

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When it comes to the world's most timeless masterpieces, there is no shortage of them in Italy. From the Lamborghini Miura to the Panerai Luminor, or the Fincantieri Yachts to the Persol 649 series sunglasses, Italy claims the best of the best in products from every industry, including the kitchen industry.  Officine Gullo, the world's leading and most prestigious kitchen manufacturer, handcrafts its kitchens in Italy, placing fashion, history and technology at the center of their designs. Officine Gullo was founded in Florence, Italy, where Carmelo Gullo refined the art of bespoke kitchens and accessories utilizing Florentine cooking traditions.  Today, Carmelo's sons, Pietro and Matteo, manage the company's operations, including its showrooms in cities all over the world.  In the United States, Gullo has showrooms in New York and Los Angeles.  For a list of their international showrooms, click here: SHOWROOMS. The Gullo kitchens are all handcrafted by Florentine artisans, using metals such as high-thickness steel, burnished copper, cast iron and brass. The company specializes in complete indoor and outdoor kitchens, including sinks, refrigeration, barbecues, hardware, appliances, kitchen decor and shelving. In July 2021, I had the pleasure of meeting the Gullo family at their headquarters in Florence, Italy, in Piazza Ognissanti.  The whole experience was akin to dining at a highest ranking Michelin restaurant thanks to the incredible atmosphere, sophisticated conversation and exceptional cuisine and service. As with anything of top quality, however, the Gullo kitchens are expensive and certainly not in everyone's budget.  But if you can afford a Gullo kitchen, not only am I envious, but you will find the Gullo team friendly, welcoming and honored to have you as their potential customer.  If you cannot afford a Gullo kitchen, then be sure to still peruse their website, admiring their work as if you would admire historical artistic...

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Italian Enthusiasts know that when it comes to wine-making, Italy rules. There are over 1.5 million acres of vineyards in Italy, which makes it essentially impossible to visit the country without seeing a vineyard in whatever region you travel. But not all vineyards are open to tourists, naturally. Some vineyard owners cultivate wine for their family’s consumption only, while others grow grapes solely to sell them to other winemaking establishments. Some, however, are open to the public, offering services to tourists including wine-tasting, tours, fine dining, accommodations, etc. – and the selection of vineyards available to visit range from poor to unsurpassable. As a frequent traveler to Italy, I’ve seen all kinds of vineyards over the years, but the Livernano Resort / Casalvento Winery steals the show. Located in the heart of Tuscany (Radda in Chianti), less than an hour drive from Florence and Siena, the Livernano and Casalvento properties extend approximately 1,000 acres. The land was first inhabited by the Etruscans in ancient times, then occupied by the Romans during the Roman Empire. For hundreds of years the land was used for farming, until it was abandoned in 1953 due to the poverty suffered after WWII. Then, roughly 30 years ago, international entrepreneurs and Italian enthusiasts, Bob and Gudrun Cuillo, purchased the properties and began a complete and detailed restoration of the entire estate that took nearly 20 years to complete. Vineyards were re-planted, ancient olive groves restored and the buildings renovated, including the renovation of an 11th century Catholic Church. Today, Livernano and Casalvento produce not only the finest of wine, but also olive oil, honey, vegetables, fruits and marmalade. The vegetables at Livernano come from their own garden. The Cuillos spared no time and expense in bringing to life this heavenly hamlet and winery for all the…

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