News from Elizabeth: August 2025
Tours, Links and Tomato Pie
I hope everyone is enjoying their summer. After our big vacation to Alaska (more on that soon), we’re now back in Umbria. For some strange reason, it's been blissfully cool here. This time of year is usually like an oven, but right now I’m sitting outside under the pergola and almost need a sweater! I know the heat will probably return, but for now, I’m enjoying the brisk breeze.
One project we’re about to embark on is quilting. And by we, I mean Emma has dug the sewing machine out of storage and decided that August is the month I teach her how to sew and quilt. In case you didn’t know, I’m actually pretty crafty. I’ve gone through various phases—knitting, crocheting, ceramics... even a brief decoupage obsession when I was about 11.
I first learned to sew in a home economics class in high school (back when that was still a thing). Rather than take cooking (which I already knew), I chose sewing, and I’m so glad I did. Along with typing, it turned out to be one of the most practical skills I picked up in those years. I started quilting when the kids were little and I was looking for a creative outlet I could do from home. I got pretty good and made about a dozen quilts (all of which I gave away) and then life got busy and I moved on to other things like writing and building a tour business.
I’m really glad there’s still something I can pass on to my daughter, and that it’s pulling both of us away from screens. As soon as I wrap up this newsletter, we’re starting our first project. In fact, Emma is out buying fabric right now, so stay tuned!
WHAT’S NEW
We’ve almost finished announcing all of our Spring 2026 tours, just two more to go! One will be hosted by Sophie and will head to her beloved Puglia. The other is a return to Umbria, which we've been hosting for years. So many years, in fact, that we’ve decided it’s time for a refresh. We've been working on an exciting new version of one of our most-requested tours, and I can’t wait to share more. These two are sure to sell out quickly, so make sure you're subscribed to the paid version of this newsletter to be first in line.
We’ve also been announcing tours hosted by our wonderful friends and colleagues. Since this just went live, a few spots are still available:
March 2026: The Culture of Food in Parma with Jenny Rosenstrach
I’ve known Jenny for years—first through her magazine work and then through her award-winning blog (and subsequent books) Dinner: A Love Story. (Fun fact: she’s also a friend of my sister!) This will be the third tour Jenny’s hosted for Via Rosa, and she’s super excited.
You can always find our full schedule here. We are updating it all the time, adding more tours. But you’ll see: they sell out quickly!
Even though we’re not leading any tours this month, I’m still working: planning for the upcoming fall season and making sure everything is in order. I’m also busy dreaming up a brand-new tour in a completely new region. Keep an eye on my stories next month... I’ll be dropping some hints.
WHERE WE’VE BEEN
This summer Sophie has been to the Sicilian Island of Filicudi, part of the Aeolian Islands, twice! Lucky girl. Not very easy to get to, but well worth it if a wild side of Sicily by the sea is your thing.
We had an amazing time in Alaska and Vancouver last month. I posted a lot about it on Instagram and TikTok, but I’ll be sharing the full itinerary and all the details in one of this month’s upcoming newsletters. It really was a trip of a lifetime!
WHAT I’M READING
I just finished Wild Seed by Octavia Butler. This book might not be for everyone, but I loved it. If you don’t know Butler, she’s an award-winning science fiction writer, best known for Parable of the Sower. Her work always gets me thinking differently about the world.
I also just started Stephen King’s Never Flinch, which continues the story of one of my favorite King characters, Holly Gibney. I’m only about 20 pages in, but it’s already shaping up to be the kind of mindless summer thriller I was hoping for.
If you’re looking for your next summer read, Jenny Rosenstrach’s recommendations are always spot-on.
Five off-the-beaten-path places to see art in Rome (without the tourist crowds)
Good news for travelers: The EU is banning airlines from charging for carry-on luggage
Is bread in Italy better for you than back home? Maybe!
Where to get the best granitas in Sicily - always good to know.
WHAT I’M EATING
If your happy place on Instagram isn’t Dan Pelosi’s (@GrossyPelosi) stories, then... why are you even on Instagram? I tune in daily. His warm, unpretentious vibe makes me feel like Kath and Ned are my in-laws and Gus is my best friend. I know it’s that “best-friend-in-my-head” syndrome, but in the most feel-good kind of way.
My only regret is I can’t actually pull up a chair to one of the many lunches or dinners he throws. But! I can recreate them at home. I just got an advance copy of his newest cookbook, Let’s Party, and it’s full of delicious, easy-to-make recipes, organized by party theme, complete with full menus.
I’m currently obsessed with the Tomato Girl Summer chapter since our garden is overflowing right now. So I was thrilled to see the recipe for Tomato Pie, which I’d been eyeing on his Instagram. It’s exceedingly rich, somewhere between a quiche and a pizza and perfect for a summer lunch served at room temperature.
I definitely recommend pre-ordering the book (it drops September 2). And if you pre-order now, it comes with a giveaway:
But in the meantime, here’s a secret sneak peek: the recipe for Tomato Pie. Enjoy!
AND FINALLY…
I realise I am writing this newsletter from a position of extreme privilege. Like so many of you, my heart breaks seeing people, especially children, go hungry. As always, when there are people to feed, Chef José Andrés and his team at World Central Kitchen are on the ground providing meals before the rest of the world catches up. Their mission is not political. Simply to to feed those most in need.
If you’re in a position to give, please consider donating
x, Elizabeth
I'm with you... A typing class I was forced to take as an elective in high school remains one of the most practical classes ever.
Two essential tomato pies for summer
Anna thomas vegetarian epicure book two http://legacy.culinate.com/content/229111/index.html
Laurie Colwin Tomato Pie https://whatsanniecooking.wordpress.com/2019/09/02/laurie-colwins-tomato-pie/