Gala Placidia's activity

Questions Asked

We all have cooking tips and techniques learnt through personal experience or because someone else was kind enough to tell us.

Tue, 08/04/2009 - 05:07

 A fairly comprehensive list of words related to food and wine has been prepared by a few of us. It still needs revision, corrections, additions and you may be able to help as it is a Wiki.

Tue, 06/30/2009 - 04:31

 It is official, the old Casino in Bagni di Lucca is reopening its doors after many years; however, it is going to be a modern version, more "little Las Vegas" style than its elegant and exclusive predecessor.

Mon, 06/29/2009 - 09:04

A few weeks ago I started a thread in the old forum about this topic. I still think that it would be great if we could all share our favourite recipes which our families and friends enjoy.

Fri, 06/19/2009 - 05:29

 I think that there are quite a few members who have married overseas an Italian citizen; however, I am not quite certain whether they have registered their certificate of marriage before the nearest Italian Consulate.It is advisable to do this an

Tue, 06/16/2009 - 03:43

 It is most important, if you own a property, to have a clear description for it. That is possible through the "visura catastale" which gives you and confirms many facts regarding your title.

Sun, 06/14/2009 - 05:21

 Polenta is one of those Italian dishes that you either love or hate. Considered in the past as the poor people's staple diet it is nowadays served in the best restaurants. 

Sat, 06/13/2009 - 17:53

I have just seen on TV some images regarding the Treviso tornado. I sincerely hope that any members in the area have not suffered from this disaster.  

Sun, 06/07/2009 - 16:44

 The base for many Italian sauces and dishes is the "soffritto" (sofrit in French, sofrito in Spanish), a mixture of some diced vegetables which are cooked in a heavy pan with three tablespoons of olive oil (although some other kinds of oil and fa

Sat, 06/06/2009 - 05:37

 Hi everyone, this is a warm invitation to joint this group and discuss Italian food, wine, regional cooking, recipes, tips, cooking utensils, history of cooking and any related subject you may wish to talk about.And welcome, Mimosa, glad to see t

Fri, 06/05/2009 - 08:28

Comments posted

Thu, 05/21/2009 - 13:58

 Singing songs is an excellent tool to learn a language. It helps to build up both vocabulary and expressions in an easy and relaxed manner. Toto Cutugno is a great singer and composer born in Fosdinovo (Tuscany) to a Sicilian father and a Tuscan mother. He has many great songs, but "L'Italiano" is a particularly famous one and easy to learn. Enjoy!http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZvA1utmKVxM 

Thu, 05/21/2009 - 12:40

 As Chardonnay mentioned, Richard was very involved in this project and we corresponded several times on the topic. I don't think that he would mind if I let you all know about this project that he had. This is part of his message:QUOTE........and the various decisions that I am having to make with regard to this project are based on an understanding of the situation through having visited the factories, spoken to the owners, bought material, been given pattern books, catalogues and artefacts, and been offered more including a full size automated Jacquard loom. The important question of conserving the punch-card programs rests on my winning the confidence of three separate long-established italian textile manufacturing families. It is not a question of asking once, being given them and then storing them under the bed. There is a huge quantity in total, there is the question of the copyright of the designs, there is obvious concern on their part that I'll simply take them all back to England and so it requires tact, diplomacy and an ability to convince them of my complete integrity, before I can achieve my aim of preserving a part of this region's industrial and cultural heritage. Whether the museum idea ever extends beyond the second of my two houses is an unknown at present. I do have contacts within the Regional Dept of Culture as well as within the Comune of Sulmona and am very well aware of the procedures that one needs to follow. .......UNQUOTEI would really love to see his project turning into reality; however, I do think that his precious input was vital. Personally, I would love to see the museum being created in his memory. I can only regret that we are not in Abruzzo to help.

Answer to: ICI advice
Thu, 05/21/2009 - 12:27

I understand that ICI is still payable on luxury properties even if they are your "prima casa". Also, non-residents must pay ICI even if it is your only property in Italy..It would be advisable to check with a "commercialista". 

Answer to: Washing Machines
Thu, 05/21/2009 - 12:15

 It would also be advisable to look at what your local shop can offer. Sometimes the differences are not very big, but some of these locals carry the goods and install them at no extra cost, plus you have the advantage that you can go back to them if anything does not work properly and they will fix it. We bought most of our white goods, particularly the large ones, at our local shop in Bagni di Lucca. The owner is an electrician and he took care of everything without any extra charges.  And it is always good to do something to support the local small businesses. Without them, there would not be a town providing us with goods and services.

Thu, 05/21/2009 - 07:29

 I am very glad to hear that you are looking after the male pup, Moxie. Just post some pics when you will have him at home. We have seen them in photos since they were born. It brought tears to my eyes.

Thu, 05/21/2009 - 07:25

 It is fine with me, easier to use. Thanks Ronald.

Answer to: confused
Wed, 05/20/2009 - 15:51

 The "Grazie" button is "gone with the wind". Now, if you want to thank anyone you have to write it down. Perhaps it is not a bad idea, you have to think twice before you do it.

Wed, 05/20/2009 - 12:23

Welcome missjanem from New York. You will enjoy this community. I also share your love for antique and vintage furniture, but my information is limited to Tuscany. I have heard that the Arezzo market is most interesting and I plan to inspect it on my next trip. It takes place on the 1st Sunday of the month. Up to now, i have been going to the Lucca one, on the 3rd Sunday and the Florence one on the 4th Sunday of each month.

Answer to: Markets
Wed, 05/20/2009 - 08:59
Answer to: Hello again
Wed, 05/20/2009 - 08:47

A warm welcome to the Macs. Enjoy the community.