Gala Placidia's activity

Questions Asked

We all have cooking tips and techniques learnt through personal experience or because someone else was kind enough to tell us.

Tue, 08/04/2009 - 05:07

 A fairly comprehensive list of words related to food and wine has been prepared by a few of us. It still needs revision, corrections, additions and you may be able to help as it is a Wiki.

Tue, 06/30/2009 - 04:31

 It is official, the old Casino in Bagni di Lucca is reopening its doors after many years; however, it is going to be a modern version, more "little Las Vegas" style than its elegant and exclusive predecessor.

Mon, 06/29/2009 - 09:04

A few weeks ago I started a thread in the old forum about this topic. I still think that it would be great if we could all share our favourite recipes which our families and friends enjoy.

Fri, 06/19/2009 - 05:29

 I think that there are quite a few members who have married overseas an Italian citizen; however, I am not quite certain whether they have registered their certificate of marriage before the nearest Italian Consulate.It is advisable to do this an

Tue, 06/16/2009 - 03:43

 It is most important, if you own a property, to have a clear description for it. That is possible through the "visura catastale" which gives you and confirms many facts regarding your title.

Sun, 06/14/2009 - 05:21

 Polenta is one of those Italian dishes that you either love or hate. Considered in the past as the poor people's staple diet it is nowadays served in the best restaurants. 

Sat, 06/13/2009 - 17:53

I have just seen on TV some images regarding the Treviso tornado. I sincerely hope that any members in the area have not suffered from this disaster.  

Sun, 06/07/2009 - 16:44

 The base for many Italian sauces and dishes is the "soffritto" (sofrit in French, sofrito in Spanish), a mixture of some diced vegetables which are cooked in a heavy pan with three tablespoons of olive oil (although some other kinds of oil and fa

Sat, 06/06/2009 - 05:37

 Hi everyone, this is a warm invitation to joint this group and discuss Italian food, wine, regional cooking, recipes, tips, cooking utensils, history of cooking and any related subject you may wish to talk about.And welcome, Mimosa, glad to see t

Fri, 06/05/2009 - 08:28

Comments posted

Fri, 05/10/2013 - 11:16

Have you checked whether the concert organisers are offering shuttle buses from Lotto to the stadium? This is what they normally do whenever there is a football match.

Fri, 05/10/2013 - 03:57

Thank you, Ram. I guess that there will be no major changes for non-residents. They did all that last year. As for prima casa, perhaps they are trying to keep Berlusconi quiet until September... I do not think that to completely eliminate the tax is viable if the Comuni are to survive.

Thu, 05/09/2013 - 18:06

Una tregua? Certo, amabile signora! And I will continue in English as my written Italian is not good enough. An invitation for coffee and sfoglia at Gambrinus? You are a real temptress! That would mark the signing of a peace treaty, olive branch and all... And I am a pacifist. Unfortunately, this time we will not be heading for Campania. Did that last year, staying in Praiano and enjoying the Costiera Amalfitana. Heavenly! In any case, thank you for your kind invitation and if you head up north mine stands. Send me a PM if you decide to come.

Thu, 05/09/2013 - 09:21

That would be nice of you...wink

Thu, 05/09/2013 - 04:49

Ram, I am an optimist, I think that we will all survive... Well, I can always pray and light candles...wink

Thu, 05/09/2013 - 04:44

Yes, here I have to agree with you, "sfoglia" in Naples with a good cup of coffee is "boccata di cardinale"; however, the one that they serve at Il Monaco is glorious. No need to bring your own.

Wed, 05/08/2013 - 15:32

Letta came to Madrid to meet with Rajoy and the meeting has been very successful. Spain and Italy share many problems and the current austerity rules imposed by Merkel and others is not helping to solve the economic problems that both nations face. Unemployment, in particular, is a major issue. The now demoted Strauss-Khan had warned about the consequences of too much austerity and how counterproductive it could become. Christine Lagarde did not seem to share his views although she is now changing her views. The new alliance may include France as Hollande is facing similar problems. Looks like Merkel is in big trouble and she has an election coming... Interesting times..... http://world.time.com/2013/05/06/spain-italy-team-up-to-demand-crisis-relief/

Wed, 05/08/2013 - 14:53

My neighbours are the best security guards I could ever have. Nobody gets near my door without being thoroughly identified. And there is always someone, all day and night. And Esme, you can come too. I will also buy you a "sfoglia" and a cup of coffee. I am in a good, generous mood... 

Wed, 05/08/2013 - 09:16

Wow, I also fully agree with Flip! And I must add that the Italian IMU is not that high when you compare it with the local taxes that you pay in France or even some Spanish areas. Even if those taxes have been triplicated, they are still quite reasonable. As I said before, I would make special concessions, in the case of "prima casa" for low income families and pensioners, but EVERYONE should pay some amount to ensure that local Council will be able to provide those services and works that we would like to see and which many demand without thinking that those cost money and that we are the ones who should help to raise it. Flip, I think that we should meet in the future. I will be in Bagni as from this Sunday and staying until the end of June. Many mornings, at around 10:30, my husband and I are having coffee at Il Monaco at Ponte a Serraglio accompanied by our small black and white dog. Come along and we will buy you coffee and a delicious "sfoglia". Or drop me a line through a PM. I don't bite. Neither does our dog...

Tue, 05/07/2013 - 18:03

All this reminds me of the Gilbert and Sullivan's lyrics: "But in spite of al temptations to belong to other nations, he remains an Englishman" Harry Shindler deserves not only the right to keep on voting, but also a medal!