August 2022 News from Elizabeth
books, cocktails and beach tips
I am in full August vacation mode. In Italy things still pretty much shut down during the hottest month of the year. But this year - since the heat came earlier - I guess I turned off about mid July. I just realized it’s August 5 and I have totally neglected the newsletter. What have I been doing you ask? Spending time with both daughters (which was wonderful beyond words); swimming laps every single day (much needed); and having friends come to stay here in our house in Umbria after not doing that for way too long (too much fun.)
So all in all a great summer so far!
Rather than complain about the heat (which seems to be the pastime of choice) I’ve just embraced it. I get up early when the air is still fresh and take a walk and try to get most of my physical activity out of the way. Activity like laundry, making the bed, and any cooking that needs doing. After lunch when the heat is at its highest, I retreat into our bedroom where I have the windows and shutters closed tight against the midday sun. It’s actually my favorite part of the day, especially when Kitty decides to join me. Later on we all meet up for a coffee in the kitchen. Sometimes a simple espresso, sometimes something cooler like this or this. And finally I make my way to the pool (which we are so lucky to have) to swim laps. Cocktails while the sun sets and dinner under the pergola. Repeat 30 times and that is basically my August.
WHAT’S NEW
During our off season I’m busy planning for our upcoming tours. At the moment I’ve been finalizing reservations and plans for our trips in the fall to Parma, Puglia, Sicily and Umbria. I’ve also been working on a few new tours, collaborating with friends who will host the weeks instead of me. You haven’t heard so much about the weeks here since they have completely sold out through my friends’ own newsletters. Annie Fenn is leading the tour to Sicily this October. She is a physician and chef and specializes in foods that help promote and maintain brain health. That’s not something I talk about often here, but is obviously something we’re all aware of. It’s also directly related to something I do talk a lot about: The Mediterranean Diet. The October trip is all sold out (sorry!) but we’re already working on an upcoming trip to Puglia. To find out about it first make sure you are signed up to Annie’s newsletter. Also? Her recipes are fabulous!
My other partner in crime is my friend and colleague Jenny Rosenstrach. I’m sure a lot of you already know her from her award winning website and blog Dinner a Love Story. She’s also the author of three bestselling cookbooks and a terrific newsletter. Again, this tour sold out in minutes, but we’ll be announcing new dates soon. And to hear first about it make sure you are signed up the premium version of her newsletter.
Our tours for 2023 are mostly full. At the moment we have 2 more spots left for Sophie’s Puglia & Basilicata March 13-19, 2023 and 2 spots left for Sophie’s Puglia & Salento tour Sept. 17-23, 2023. There are also 3 last spots for our Week in Umbria in November 2023.
But don’t worry. Next week I’ll be adding 3 new tours to Parma and Puglia. And one of them is with Melissa Clark, so make sure you are signed up for my Premium Newsletter to find out first. (And no, you can’t ask to sign up before they are announced. Sorry!)
The other thing I’ve been doing is thinking about 2024. I know I know, it seems like it’s ages away. But so many of you are already planning, I realize I have to finalize plans too. Stay tuned
WHAT I’M READING
I got my hands on an advance copy of Alice Feiring’s new memoir To Fall in Love Drink This. Granted Alice is a dear friend, so maybe I’m a bit biased, but this book is FABULOUS. Yes, it’s about wine, but it’s also about life. It’s a coming of age memoir that is poetic and moving, and also funny and engaging. And there is also wine info, but not in a stuffy or off putting way that some wine books have. Trust me: order it. You’ll love it.
When I just don’t know what to read I turn to my daughter Emma (yes, I have another daughter) who always comes through with amazing recommendations. When she told me to read Piranesi and I asked her what it was about, it took her about 5 minutes to finally say ‘It’s about a guy living in a big house. It’s really weird and one of the best books I’ve read.’ She was right: it was bizarre, but in a completely readable way. I loved it!
She also recommended Fingersmith, by Sarah Waters. Set in the 19th century it’s Dickensian, but with twists and turns. It’s totally engrossing and the perfect summer read. I’m so happy that the author has written six other books, so I’m all set for a while.
I loved this article on Salento, the southern tip of Puglia, by Ondine Cohane.
And if you are in northern Puglia, this article from Emiko Davies has lots of great info.
Here is Evan Kleiman’s take on an Umbrian classic: Onion Parmigiana. And if you’re a bit lazy about frying, she has a secret shortcut.
WHERE I’VE BEEN
After our July Tour to Puglia ended Domenico and I stayed for a few extra days to have some time at the beach. We stayed at one of my favorite hotels in Puglia, Dimora Don Ferrante. It’s located right in the center of Monopoli, perched along the walls. A few of the rooms have sea views, and the rooftop terrace has breathtaking views up and down the coast. Domenico and I got up early in the morning and had a swim at the tiny beach just down the street. It was lovey with a view of the whitewashed town. Later on in the day the hotel arranged a ride for us to spend time in a super fancy beach club: Sabbiadoro. There are all different levels of beaching it in Puglia. From jumping off of rocks into turquoise water to, well, I can’t imagine anything much fancier than Sabbiadoro. Located on a stretch of pristine white sand, the club has a 2 price levels and we opted for the Gold. That got us 1 huge beach umbrella; two very comfortable sun loungers, table, towels, shower and changing room; wifi and beachside service. That meant we were able to order anything from their charming restaurant and bar and have it delivered to our chairs. This doesn’t come cheap: €140 for the day. But if you’re looking for a pure luxury beach experience in Puglia this is it. It’s perfect if you are staying in simple hotels or airbnbs for the week, but want one day of pampering. And the food is fantastic!
Also: if you’re not staying at the Don Ferrante, you can still go there for dinner or drinks which I highly recommend!
WHAT I’M DRINKING
I know a lot of people head towards Spritzes and Bellinis when things get hot. But since I like my cocktails on the savory side you’ll most likely see me sipping a very dirty martini (gin or vodka). One of the drinks I want to drink, but can never find the right time of day, is a Bloody Mary. I love the idea, but the thought of having a large glass of filling tomato juice before dinner just isn’t my thing. And I know a good Bloody Mary is perfect for brunch but brunch is not in my game plan.
I’ve filled in this craving in the past with a Tomatini, which is lovely. But I guess because of the heat I wanted something even chillier and with more ice. And so came up with this drink.
Not a Bloody Mary
2 oz chilled vodka
1 large very ripe tomato
Green olives
Brine
3-4 basil leaves
1 wedge lemon or lime
Tabasco
Pour the vodka into a rocks glass. Add 3 basil leaves, a wedge of lemon or lime and muddle.
In the meantime cut the tomato in half horizontally and squeeze the juices out. I use a citrus squeezer. Pour all of the resulting juice into the glass, along with a as much olive brine as you like (about a tablespoon). Add a few drops of Tabasco to taste. Stir then add ice and stir to let the ice melt a bit, and water down the drink. About 15 seconds or so. Garnish with olives and/or a sprig of basil
AND FINALLY….
If you can’t get to Italy at the moment but want to cook your way there, here is a great round up of books, from Fodor’s, mostly by our friends, and including Sophie’s The Sweetness of Doing Nothing
A fun interview with Sophie on CPS Times.
Both Sophie and I area posting more and more on TikTok these days. I know. You think TikTok is for teenagers. Not true. Once you find your own niche, I’m sure you’ll love it. Anyway, it you want to give it a try I’m @elizabeth_minchilli and Sophie is @sophieminchilli . We both have cooking videos, snippets of our travels, restaurant info and more.
x, Elizabeth
I’m so happy to read about someone else who finds Bloody Mary too heavy. And you creatively came up with a great alternative! I can’t wait to try your recipe, I love olives.
Your beach vacation sounded divine.
PS Sophie's book must be super-popular! It's been on backorder since May 1st----but arriving this week. Can't wait! :) You must be so proud.