First impressions can mean a lot. It’s taking your knowledge of something or someone (probably close to 0) and filling that cup entirely in one shot. But I don’t believe first impressions are the definitive insight into that person or place, and with time you can peel back all the layers. Barcelona has a secret [...]

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These crispy, hot bites with a tender finish and that sweet aftertaste artichoke hearts leave in your mouth when you eat them alone. These particular fried artichoke chips, or in Spanish chips de alcachofas fritas, (even more fun, in Catalan: xips de carxofes fregides) we devoured (and then savored when we ordered them a second [...]

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I published a post on how to order an Italian coffee in Italy years ago on this site – the definitive guide to Italian coffee for coffee lovers! Since then, it’s been one of my most popular posts, and I’ve had requests to make it into an ebook and expand it ever since. I’m happy [...]

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It takes stepping back and shaking routine off your shoulders to see the details and intrigue in things that have become commonplace. It happens when friends come to visit, and often when I spend time in another city in Italy. And most of those experiences happen when I step away from the computer. (telling myself [...]

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It’s tradition for me to post about the birthday cake I make myself on my birthday (that’s today). (For past birthdays, read about Drunken Devil’s food cupcakes, Kitchen Sink cookies, Chocolate Brownie cake with homemade caramel, and a Chocolate and Coffee Mousse Cake) This year, things have changed a bit for me. If you’ve been [...]

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