A (mostly culinary) stroll through Italy
Just a list of towns and eats.
On the Way: Hungary, Slovenia
Balatonszemes
“Kistücsök” almost on the Lake Shore. Boring catfish stew on pancakes followed by adventurous goulash soup and venison.
Veneto and Emilia-Romagna
Padua
One should definitely visit the Scrovegni Chapel if in Padua but this has to be planned in advance. However, mint coffee and zabaione at Caffe Pedrocchi (a local institution) is much more than a consolation prize.
Bologna
Tagliatelle al ragù, of course. Also, check out the Leaning Towers. One of them is remarkably similar in height and tilt to the Leaning Tower of Pisa.
Tuscany
Florence
Bistecca alla fiorentina in an out of the way quaint small piazza.
Glamping on a Tuscan Hill, near Groseto, with a day-old sandwich with Olives, Provolone, and Prosciutto on Schiacciata (from Florence).
Grosseto
Lazio
Tarquinia
Etruscan ruins and some lamb.
Rome
Saltimbocca, near Trajan’s Column, Calzone alla ricotta in Piaza Navona, Trippa alla romana just outside the Vatican, Gelato Pistacchio from Fontana di Trevi to the Spanish Steps.
Campania
Naples
Calzone alla ricotta (again but better) at “Pizzeria Brandi” and ragù Napolitano (better than in Bologna) at “Tandem.”
Pompeii shop
Amalfi coast
Spaghetti Vongole at Picchio Rosso, in Angerola, just off Sentiero degli Dei.
Amalfi Cathedral and Castle
Breaded/Fried Octopus with Polenta in Amalfi.
Positano, on the Amalfi Drive
Tuscany Again
Orvieto
Truffle Carbonara at “La Paloma”. Also check out the bas-reliefs on the cathedral façade.
Montepulciano
A good provision of “Noble” wine.
North-East
Ferarra
Bolito and salama da sugo at “I Tri Scalin”
Treviso
Tiramisu at “Camelia Bakery”
Trieste
Last pizza in the neo-classical austro-hungarian town center.
Road back
Maribor
Expensive bosnian fare
Budapest
roasted duck in the lively jewish quarter.