Page 13 - AAA Every Day – AAA Hudson Valley – September/October 2019

Italy is a nation of nations. Each region has its distinct Italy is one of the top wine-producing countries in the
qualities – its food, history, sights, people and way of life. Its history dates back thousands of years and has ever
since influenced the Western world as we know it today. Of the more than 1,100 World Heritage Site protected by the United Nations, Italy ties with China with the highest number (55) of them.
Explore – and eat – your way through Italy. Here are some of the most quintessential experiences to pick up along the way along the western coast of Italy.
TUSCANY & THE ITALIAN RIVIERA
For The Foodie
Start your exploration by settling into a traditional Tuscan estate and begin your culinary adventure with one of the most classic Italian dishes: pasta. Learn to make this comfort food the Italian way with a local chef.
There is no “create” without “eat,” so sit down for a traditional Tuscan dinner. Tuscan cuisine is known for being hearty, simple and local. Dishes often contain a few simple ingredients like bread and roasted meats, stemming from the idea of cucina povera or “poor cooking.” The ingredients for a standard dinner won’t have to travel very far, with the rolling hillside farms of the region.
Café in Capri
world. The country is home to more than 1.5 million acres of vineyards and hundreds of grape varietals. Tuscany produces about 17 percent of Italy’s finest wines. Pair your dinner with a regional wine – Chianti, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon are some of the region’s reigning wines. Taste them along the way in Florence and Siena.
There’s one universally beloved dolci di Italia that you must try along the Italian Riviera: gelato. Gelato is an innately Italian dessert with a rich history and taste.
The first version of gelato as we know it today is credited to the Italian architect Bernardo Buontalenti of Florence. He invented egg cream gelato during the rise in popularity of frozen treats during the 16th century.
The popular frozen dessert is creamier, smoother and lower in fat than American ice cream. It’s also served 10 to 15 degrees warmer than ice cream, supposedly so that your taste buds don’t go numb and the flavors will better resonate in your mouth.
Italy is so serious about its gelato there is an entire museum dedicated to the frozen treat. The Carpigiani Gelato Museum bills itself as the only museum dedicated to the history, culture and technology of artisan gelato.
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TRAVELER’S GUIDE
The Foodie and History Buff’s Guide to
WESTERN ITALY