20 Comments
Jun 6Liked by Elizabeth Minchilli

In Bevagna in the fall we walked by a garage many times hearing bird sounds from within. One time we happened upon the older man with the door open who proudly showed us his uccelli, and the ribbons they had won. A chance encounter, my favorite kind.

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Love this!

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Jun 6Liked by Elizabeth Minchilli

We’re new subscribers and found your Cicchetti In Venice & Eat Italy-Venice essential during our recent trip. Three days was not enough to explore more of your recs before we joined a tour heading towards Croatia. We look forward to trying one of your tours.

I’ve tried to scan the history of your posts, looking for suggestions for Christmas in Italy. Most articles I found assume tourism, but from a locals perspective, where are the best places to be? We still have time to plan for this year.

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I personally love Rome at Christmas time. It's not too crowded, and always pretty with lights. And of course it is a catholic holiday, so there's that.

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Jun 8Liked by Elizabeth Minchilli

I really appreciate that you are being honest with travellers about how hot it gets here in summer, the rest of the year it’s perfect. PS: if you have a physical copy of The Thursday Murder Club I’d love to borrow it 😊 - I don’t have an e-reader.

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Sorry!! I only read on e-readers. ;)

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Jun 7Liked by Elizabeth Minchilli

Happy to read the mention of Galatina, which I might be passing through on a swing of southern Italy later this month. Thanks for the kind mention of my Pescara post. xo

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If you're in that area make sure you have all our recommendations!

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Jun 6Liked by Elizabeth Minchilli

You mentioned the town Galantina and surprises, about the vintage shoes, reminded me straight away of My brilliant friend the book and now series by Elana Ferrante. #shoemaker 👞👞

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Jun 6Liked by Elizabeth Minchilli

Headed to Cilento in a month! We married in Positano 21 years ago before the cruise ships. Excited to be in the area but without the crowds!

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Its so sad how much Positano and the Amalfi coast has changed. I have such great memories. These days you couldn't pay me to go.

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Jun 6Liked by Elizabeth Minchilli

We have had the same loss of some fruit here in British Columbia. A warm December followed by a too cold January affected the buds of the peaches, nectarines and apricots. Lots of the vineyards also suffered losses. So difficult for so many farmers.

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Jun 6Liked by Elizabeth Minchilli

I just saw that NYT article (mostly swooned over the pretty pics!) - how fun you were asked to participate. However, I do agree with your gripes about how spots are selected. Anyways, beautiful newsletter and writing, always look forward to it!

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Thank you!!

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Jun 6Liked by Elizabeth Minchilli

If you happen to be up in the Veneto region near Valdobbiadene, check out Salis Ristorante Enoteca..We stopped there for lunch while visiting some local Prosecco DOCG wineries..and had their fabulous asparagus tortelli with goat cheese mouse and espresso reduction..

One of the best meals I’ve had in 9 trips to Italy!!

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that's extremely specific. ;)

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I was shocked to see you making limoncello 😂 That drink does indeed sound delicious.

(Thank you for the mention)

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I know! And today I'm making nocino!!

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I haven’t made nocino in years! Such a joy to harvest the green walnuts! Please share the results 💚

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The Thursday Murder Club books are terrific! Once you’ve finished those, for something along the same lines, I really enjoy the Marlowe Murder Club, which is becoming a Masterpiece show later this year!

And agreed - as someone who has a hand in putting together many restaurant lists for publications, they are never truly reflective when done by committee. The work I’m able to do on my Substack here is so much more personal and I think ultimately more useful for travelers.

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