July 2022 News from Elizabeth

Beaching in Tuscany & pasta with tomatoes

How are you guys dealing with the heat? I’ve upped my sundress game and am refusing to wear anything with sleeves. I’ve also recently discovered the joy of straw hats. Not sure what took me so long. I’m also full on into iced coffee. While I usually make this almond flavored one, lately I’ve been using chestnut honey, which gives it a uniquely resiny taste. Yes, I know it sounds weird, but it works.

What are your current beat-the-heat tricks? Besides Gin & Tonics?

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WHAT’S NEW

Sophie and I are getting ready to head down to Puglia tomorrow for our first ever Summer Week in Puglia. While we usually plan our trips during the off season — when it’s not only cooler but also less crowded — this tour came about for a good and simple reason. We have a few very dear clients who are teachers, and since teachers only have the summer off, we decided to plan something that they could find the time for. As it turns out the teachers had to cancel, but the trip lives on, and we are very excited about it. We’ve definitely adapted our usual itinerary to make it ‘heat friendly.’ Early starts means taking advantage of the cooler morning temps, and later dinners (outside of course) means breezy alfresco meals. We’ve also included a beach day - a first for our tours. After an early morning visit to one of our favorite olive oil producers we head to a hidden cove along the coast where we’ve reserved sun beds and umbrellas at a super chic beach club.

We still have a few spaces left for next year’s trips to Puglia. Sophie is leading two different trips, The one to Salento and Central Puglia is in September and you may be able to fit in some beach time since it’s still warm that month. The other trip is to Central Puglia and Basilicata, which includes a full day in Matera. I’m happy to send you the details.

The trip to Sicily sold out in a minute. Sorry if you missed out. I’ll be adding some more trips for 2023, as well as 2024, in the next few weeks, including new dates to Sicily, Puglia and Umbria. Remember: I announce new dates first in my Premium Newsletter.

I’ve been busy working with a designer to come up with new tote bags for our trips. I’m very happy with how they are turning out! Here’s a sneak peak at Puglia.

WHERE I’VE BEEN - CAPALBIO

Domenico and I had three glorious days at the beach last week. Our friends Suzanne & LeMel were in a darling villa located just over the Lazio border, in Tuscany. The villa is tucked into the hills just below Capalbio, has a view of the sea and a pool. Although this specific villa is private, the area is the perfect place to search for a villa to rent. It’s just an hour and 15 minutes north of Rome, near both beautiful beaches as well as more traditional Tuscan landscape. Just google ‘Villa Capalbio Rental’ and you’ll see there are lots to choose from.

The area is very low key. Traditionally it’s the haunt of left leaning Roman and some Milanese intellectual/artistic types. So it’s a bit bohemian chic. If you do end up going, here are a few of the things we did:

-Take a bike ride on the Feniglia: This stretch of forest connects the mainland to Monte Argentario and is a protected wildlife reserve. The six kilometer path, shaded by ancient pines, is a dream to bike, and there are six easy foot paths which lead to secluded and almost deserted beaches. Bring your own shade and food, since it’s just you and nature. We rented bikes from Rent a Bike Alan Grilli (+39.328.908.8294). If you can nab one of his few e-bikes, do it.

-Visit the Giardino dei Tarocchi - This quirky sculpture garden was designed by artisit Niki di San Phalle, and is actually located on the property owned by the same owners of the villa where we stayed. This time around I opted out of a visit (laziness and heat won out) but do try to visit if you have time. It’s a one of a kind experience.

-Dinner at Il Frantoio - We love this chic restaurant located in the town of Capalbio. It’s got a romantic garden out back, delicious food, and even has a book store and boutique so you can deck yourself out in linen for the rest of your stay.

-Beach Day and Lunch - Ultima Spiaggia has got to be the chicest most understated beach club along the Tuscan coast. The restaurant is fantastic (loved the spaghetti alle vongole con bottarga) but they also have a more casual bar if all you want is a panino or salad. Make sure to call and reserve your umbrella and sun beds ahead of time, especially in high season. (our villa came with a reserved cabina there). Best to go during the middle of the week, when we had the place to ourselves. And even if you aren’t renting a villa in the area, it makes for a fine day trip from Rome if you have a car.

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WHAT I’M READING

Thanks so much for all the great recommendations last month! My kindle is loaded and ready for the summer.

Many of you mentioned Lessons in Chemistry, which I LOVED!!!

Just started: Every Last Fear.

Next up: Everybody Thought We Were Crazy

I know there are larger issues to worry about, but horrified to find that there may be a dijon mustard shortage.

Italian Opera or Espresso? Which do you think should qualify for Unesco status?

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WHAT I’M EATING & DRINKING

All I ever want to eat all summer long is this pasta with raw tomatoes.

If you believe 2 million people on TikTok, then what I’ve mostly been eating is vodka and potato chips. If you’re on TikTok you can follow me (@elizabeth_minchilli) to see the video that went viral (and others). If not, then you can watch it on Instagram

My friend Jenny has a great recipe for a great summer cocktail that I can’t wait to try: The Last Word.

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AND FINALLY…

Listen to Sophie chat with Evan Kleiman on Good Food

Buzzfeed video published this cute profile of my work.

Sophie gave a TedX talk in Ischia in May. The full version is finally up on line. It’s in Italian but I’m sure you can get the gist!

Hope you are staying cool, wherever you are!

x,Elizabeth

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