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Tastes of Italia Magazine

 

Lauren writes and photographs for Tastes Of Italia Magazine.  As the Italian correspondent living in Italy, she travels the 20 regions interviewing chefs and covering Italian cuisine, artisan producers, slow food purveyors, food and wine, and of course, all good things Italian.  She is a passionate food lover, great cook and baker, who keeps everyone in the know with her stories in the beloved food magazine dedicated to Italy food and travel.  Click on each front cover to read on.  Buon Appetito!

Christmas in Bologna

A culinary walking tour of Bologna’s Ancient Streets reveals a wealth of traditional dishes and treats that are especially prolific during the holidays season.

By Lauren Birmingham Piscitelli
Fall 2023

Savoring Positano

Close-Knit siblings stay true to their family’s Positano Restaurant, greeting customers, serving spectacular dishes, and sharing the hospitality of the Amalfi Coast.

By Lauren Birmingham Piscitelli
Summer 2023

Christmas Coffee in Rome

Stroll along the cobblestone street of the Eternal City while sipping a steamy cappuccino.
Travel with Lauren as she talks Christmas coffee with Signor Mario in Roma.

By Lauren Birmingham Piscitelli
Fall 2022

Gucci Osteria and Michelin Star Chef Massimo Bottura

Ispired by the word of a fashion icon, an award-winning chef takes his coloful and creative menu worldwide.

By Lauren Birmingham Piscitelli
Summer 2022

Visiting Cinque Terre

Charming and beautiful, each of the five villages along the Italian Riviera has its own unique character.

By Lauren Birmingham Piscitelli
Spring 2022

Italian Riviera

Italian Riviera. Pleasing Cuisine

By Lauren Birmingham Piscitelli
Winter 2022

The Pope’s Pastry Chef

Known worldwide for his irresistible pastries, Salvatore De Riso’s holiday delights are especially popular this time of year.

By Lauren Birmingham Piscitelli
Fall 2021

A Town With A Past

Ancient and poetic, Montepulciano holds historical and culinary riches

By Lauren Birmingham Piscitelli
Summer 2021

Earth’s Treasures

The sleepy town of Savigno attracts hundreds of food lovers every october for its precious Truffle Festival.

By Lauren Birmingham Piscitelli
Winter 2021

Historic Feast

Rich in delicacies of the past, including art and architecture, Arezzo in Eastern Tuscany is a can’t-miss destination with much to offer in food and drink as well.

By Lauren Birmingham Piscitelli
Spring 2020

Foods of Florence

Catherine Medici and The Renaissance.
The birthplace of the Italian Renaissance, Florence was the hometown of the Medici family, including Catherine, who became the queen of France and a leading food influencer.

By Lauren Birmingham Piscitelli
January 2020

Modena

Slow food, fast cars and lots of Balsamico

By Lauren Birmingham Piscitelli
September 2019

Tradition With a Twist

A new restaurant in Positano features recipes from the past with a touch of modern flair.

By Lauren Birmingham Piscitelli
July 2019

Rising Star

Earning his fir t Michelin star, Chef Antonello Sardi makes La Bottega del Buon Caffè in Florence his home away from home.

By Lauren Birmingham Piscitelli
Spring 2019

Of Formaggio and Wine

In the hills of Sorrento, Vittorio Maresca carries on his family’s craft of turning out hand-crafted cheese that is best enjoyed with just the right wine.

By Lauren Birmingham Piscitelli
Winter 2019

At Home On Capri

A view of paradise.
A talented rising star chef in the kitchen. A luxury villa that’s more than a hotel.
This is the Excelsior Parco on Capri.

By Lauren Birmingham Piscitelli
Fall 2018

Notte delle Stelle

A chef’s charitable vision has become a can’t-miss culinary event.

By Lauren Birmingham Piscitelli
July 2018

Dario Cecchini

The singing butcher of Panzano

By Lauren Birmingham Piscitelli
April 2018

Exploring Santo Spirito

A visit to Florence’s Oltrarno neighborhood includes a charming marketplace of local artisans raising money to save the frescos of a beloved church.

By Lauren Birmingham Piscitelli
January 2018

Tastes of Lombardy

The traditions of Christmas unfold in the warmth of an ancient kitchen in Lake Garda

By Lauren Birmingham Piscitelli
December 2017

Summer Bounty

Tucked into an idyllic little town in the province of Naples, an avid gardener reaps the bounty of the earth’s summer yield.

By Lauren Birmingham Piscitelli
August 2017

Puglia: Hidden Treasure

Located on the heel of Italy’s “boot,” the region of Puglia is known for its cool coast, charming hill towns, and vintage farmland.

By Lauren Birmingham Piscitelli
June 2017

Cooking On The Amalfi Coast

Meet the charming Antonio Pisani, the chef who delights guests
at the popular Lido Azzurro Ristorante

By Lauren Birmingham Piscitelli
April 2017

Peppino di Capri ~ Music Man

Thanks to an uncle who was a hotel chef, Peppino di Capri made his musical debut at age four singing for American troops stationed on the island during World War II.

By Lauren Birmingham Piscitelli
February 2017

Christmas Cookie Baking ~ Gluten Free & Vegan

One of Italy’s leading authorities on nutrition and an expert in food allergies helps create new recipes for those who love the country’s authentic dishes but require alternative ingredients when making them.

By Lauren Birmingham Piscitelli
December 2016

A Villa To Remember

In Tuscany, a family has turned a 17th century farmhouse into a five-star bed and breakfast that’s surrounded by beautiful vineyards and gardens. A well-stocked wine cellar goes nicely with cooking classes, giving guests a true escape from the trappings of a busy life.

By Lauren Birmingham Piscitelli
October 2016

Le Sirenuse Positano

Located in the upscale Le Sirenuse Hotel in Positano, the Michelin-starred La Sponda restaurant features Gennaro Russo, a young, but accomplished executive chef whose Campanian roots – and extensive culinary training – are serving him well.

By Lauren Birmingham Piscitelli
August 2016

Magical Taormina

Natural beauty, a rich past, and outstanding cuisine make this ancient Sicilian city
that overlooks the Ionian Sea a must-stop for travelers.

By Lauren Birmingham Piscitelli
June 2016

Heaven In Conca dei Marini

First created in a monastery along the
Amalfi Coast, a delicate pastry lives on.

By Lauren Birmingham Piscitelli
April 2016

Italian Painter & Chef

Giovanni DeCunto
Italian Painter & Chef
A Boston-based visual artist of world renowned fame
credits his Neapolitan roots for his inspiration.

By Lauren Birmingham Piscitelli
February 2016

Celebrating in Florence

This classic Italian city revels
in the joy of Christmas
with glowing lights, festive celebrations
and sumptuous food.

By Lauren Birmingham Piscitelli
December 2015

Festival Of The Grapes

Settembrata Festa dell’uva ~ Festival of the grapes

By Lauren Birmingham Piscitelli
October 2015

Summer Camp

A pair of New England Patriots gets a
hands-on lesson in Italian cooking.

By Lauren Birmingham Piscitelli
August 2015

For The Love of Chocolate

Turin, or Torino as it is known in Italian, is home to some of the most famous versions of the universal indulgence.

By Lauren Birmingham Piscitelli
May / June 2015

The Magic of Modena

An off-the-radar trattoria in the city’s historical center attracts locals and tourists alike with hospitality and exceptional food.

By Lauren Birmingham Piscitelli
March 2015

Italy’s Ancient Table

An endless story, Pompeii attracts travelers to the ruins by Vesuvius — the world’s most dangerous volcano

By Lauren Birmingham Piscitelli
February 2015

Buon Natale Venezia!

This serene Italian city basks in the glow
of the Christmas season as its residents prepare for heartfelt celebrations that include festivals, food and family.

By Lauren Birmingham Piscitelli
November 2014

Kitchen With a View

Imagine a tall, dark and handsome Italian chef preparing your Mediterranean dinner in a castle on the sea.

By Lauren Birmingham Piscitelli
October 2014

Boston’s North End

Signor Frank DePasquale brings the flavors and traditions of his homeland to this iconic neighborhood.

By Lauren Birmingham Piscitelli
August 2014

Kitchen Meets Culture

Milan’s Larte, a new food emporium, is just one of the city’s must-see features

By Lauren Birmingham Piscitelli
June 2014

The Magic Of Majani

Founded in 1796, Bologna’s Majani chocolates are among the world’s most tempting creations.

By Lauren Birmingham Piscitelli
April 2014

Il Riccio, The Sea Urchin

A seaside escape makes the perfect winter retreat.

By Lauren Birmingham Piscitelli
February 2014

Agerola

The sleepy hilltop town is a food lover’s dream.
Specialities range from traditional breads like pane biscotto and taralli to Torta al Limone dessert.

By Lauren Birmingham Piscitelli
November 2013

The Foods Of Bologna

Bologna. La Città Grassa – “The Fat City”‘s Finest Pasta

By Lauren Birmingham Piscitelli
October 2013

The Magic Of Sorrento

Visit a restaurant named for a Renaissance poet and savor this city’s feast for the senses.

By Lauren Birmingham Piscitelli
August 2013

Food & Love In Florence

Visit this beautiful historic city and be sure to stop for dinner at Cammillo Trattoria.

By Lauren Birmingham Piscitelli
June 2013

Cortona’s Sunflower

Distinctive terra cotta ware from Tuscany is decorated with a girasole, or sunflower, as a reminder of its sunny heritage. Traditional shapes include wine pitchers, bean pots, and vases.

By Lauren Birmingham Piscitelli
April 2013

The Rolling Hills Of Tuscany

Travelers follow well-worn paths to the town of Montespertoli, south of Florence, seeking splendid wines and traditional dishes like tagliatelle and risotto.

By Lauren Birmingham Piscitelli
February 2013

The Traditions Of Pico

In this hilltop location south of Rome, long a strategic location for armies, the people celebrate the four seasons with an array of food, wine, song and festivals throughout the year. The most important festival takes place on Christmas Eve.

By Lauren Birmingham Piscitelli
December 2012

It’s A Sweet Life

Amalfi’s Café Pansa offers a taste of the sweet life.

By Lauren Birmingham Piscitelli
October 2012

The Magic Isle Capri

Conquerors and current-day celebrities have fallen under the spell of the romantic island, with its signature foods and spectacular scenery. Let us take you to Capri Palace.

By Lauren Birmingham Piscitelli
August 2012

Discover Venice!

Step into your gondola and take a trip through the riches of Venice.

By Lauren Birmingham Piscitelli
June 2012

Between The Mountains

Discover the town of Tramonti, where great wines are made from family vineyards.

By Lauren Birmingham Piscitelli
April 2012

Art & Cooking

Satisfy the senses with a visit to Florence, surrounding yourself with exquisite art and fine food.

By Lauren Birmingham Piscitelli
February 2012

All Roads Lead To Rome

When visitors traveled to Rome, their culinary traditions became part of the dynamic Roman cuisine.  See what they brought to the table.

By Lauren Birmingham Piscitelli
December 2011

Ravello: Music In The Kitchen

Visit the city that has enchanted visitors- from Hollywood stars to artists and writers- with fine food and ocean views.

By Lauren Birmingham Piscitelli
October 2011

Italian Royalty

Executive Chef Franck Cerutti, with three Michelin stars, reigns in the kitchen at the Louis XV located in the Hotel de Paris in Monaco, wowing guests with his sensational seasonal food.

By Lauren Birmingham Piscitelli
August 2011

Todd English Goes Italian

His name may be English, but this famous chef and restaurateur grew up eating italian, thanks to his mother’s family roots in Sicily and Calabria.

By Lauren Birmingham Piscitelli
June 2011

Great Flavors Of Florence

Each visit inspires the next return. Beautiful timeless piazzas filled with elegant people, lines always at Uffizi for yet another peek of Botticelli’s Primavera…

By Lauren Birmingham Piscitelli
April 2011

Cooking With A Contessa

Raimonda Gaetani dell’Aquila d’Aragona is an elegant Neapolitan Contessa and artist who invites you to share her family recipes.

By Lauren Birmingham Piscitelli
February 2011

Sweet Christmas

Family tradition is honored each holiday season with treasured recipes that have been handed down through generations of Prata Sannita bakers. Try biscotti, date nut bars, and pepper sticks.

By Lauren Birmingham Piscitelli
November 2010

At Home In Anacapri

The island of Capri stretches four square miles and lies on the cusp of the Tyrrhenian Sea and the Bay of Naples. Moorish white houses set on rocky limestone cliffs wrapped in endemic flora have made the blue isola a dreamy destination for travelers throughout time.

By Lauren Birmingham Piscitelli
September 2010

Cooking With Lemons

The Tyrrhenian sea shimmers and whitewashed villas built with copula roofs cling to vertical cliffs. This is Positano on the Amalfi Coast where the houses are painted in a kaleidoscope of pastel colors from rose pink to butter yellow.

By Lauren Birmingham Piscitelli
July 2010