On supermarket tours, they are the best! I fondly remember a business trip to Delhi nearly 20 years ago when we pressured our Indian colleagues hosting us into going to a local supermarket. We had the time of our lives, got lots of culinary souvenirs and gifts ( and left our hosts utterly exhausted) and still keep talking about it.
So funny about the local supermarkets! I arrived in Italy today for two months in Pisa. I hit the local Conad at 6 pm, and there I found almost EVERYONE who was not yet out on their passegiata! I just needed a few items—so I went for the locally-sourced apples. I am eating one now, and it is delicious. Crisp. Flavorful. And not really beautiful to the eye. But as a whole, I couldn’t pass the bin without picking up a few.
The other memorable moment—a comical one—was an employee telling me to hurry up and decide what type of milk I wanted and move away from in front of the refrigerated dairy case so that others could get what they needed (and so that she could restock). I was so jetlagged and unable to make sense of the choices (many non-dairy) that I went for the non-fresh, long-life conserved milk that we always had when I was a student. It took me away from the cold case and, I hope, made the tired employee happy. 🙄
I know, right? But the choices here in Italy keep increasing. Usually it’s fairly easy for me to select intero or scremato from the fresh items. Probably at another time of day I would not have been reprimanded…
Fabulous post Elizabeth. I truly feel like I've just enjoyed a mini-break in Italy. Sophie's video was inviting and both of you have me thinking about a female-only, foodie, slow travel experience to Umbria. Una ragazza può sognare!
As a tourist I think a visit to a supermarket would be a great addition to your tours. But as a part time resident, I would ask you to try to minimize disruption for people who are there to get what they need and quickly get out. Many Italian supermarkets are small, with smaller aisles than those in the US and can get crowded really quickly. Perhaps choose a quiet time of day and/or provide a guide to the aisles of where certain things are to orient your guests.
Loved all your news … especially glad to hear your mom was safe from the hurricane!
Completely on the other side of the state.
On supermarket tours, they are the best! I fondly remember a business trip to Delhi nearly 20 years ago when we pressured our Indian colleagues hosting us into going to a local supermarket. We had the time of our lives, got lots of culinary souvenirs and gifts ( and left our hosts utterly exhausted) and still keep talking about it.
Exactly! When you live in a place you don't see the charm. But I'm sure your Indian hosts would love going to the Walmart in Wilmington.
Love your guides. I am currently in Torino for a week and making use of your recommendations. Thank you!
Oh good! We are actually planning a trip to Torino this winter. We haven't been in ages.
We are utterly captivated by this city.
Hi Elizabeth - I am a subscriber but I missed where to find the PDF of your app. I loved using your city food guides. Kathy
Just send me a direct email and I'll send you the link.
Please send me the link to your guides. Betscw@aol.com (don’t judge)
I had the supermarkets are the best vacation activity with TWO people today!
It's a thing.
So funny about the local supermarkets! I arrived in Italy today for two months in Pisa. I hit the local Conad at 6 pm, and there I found almost EVERYONE who was not yet out on their passegiata! I just needed a few items—so I went for the locally-sourced apples. I am eating one now, and it is delicious. Crisp. Flavorful. And not really beautiful to the eye. But as a whole, I couldn’t pass the bin without picking up a few.
The other memorable moment—a comical one—was an employee telling me to hurry up and decide what type of milk I wanted and move away from in front of the refrigerated dairy case so that others could get what they needed (and so that she could restock). I was so jetlagged and unable to make sense of the choices (many non-dairy) that I went for the non-fresh, long-life conserved milk that we always had when I was a student. It took me away from the cold case and, I hope, made the tired employee happy. 🙄
Sorry, but the Italian milk case has nothing on the American cases. OMG, the dairy section was beyond overwhelming. ;)
I know, right? But the choices here in Italy keep increasing. Usually it’s fairly easy for me to select intero or scremato from the fresh items. Probably at another time of day I would not have been reprimanded…
Fabulous post Elizabeth. I truly feel like I've just enjoyed a mini-break in Italy. Sophie's video was inviting and both of you have me thinking about a female-only, foodie, slow travel experience to Umbria. Una ragazza può sognare!
Thanks! So glad you enjoyed it!
How do I find the downloadable PDF for your "Eat Italy" content? I'm a premium subscriber...
As a tourist I think a visit to a supermarket would be a great addition to your tours. But as a part time resident, I would ask you to try to minimize disruption for people who are there to get what they need and quickly get out. Many Italian supermarkets are small, with smaller aisles than those in the US and can get crowded really quickly. Perhaps choose a quiet time of day and/or provide a guide to the aisles of where certain things are to orient your guests.
I’m so ready to come back to Italy, and it’s only been a year.