LaBellaSorella

Italian food, travel & lifestyle

  • Home
  • About
  • Italian Specialty Dishes
  • Italian Travel Memories
  • La Dolce Vita
  • Notable Italian Restaurants
  • Contact La Bella Sorella

Archives for May 2017

The Evolution of La Pizza at Casa Levitt

May 29, 2017 By Paula Barbarito-Levitt 4 Comments

Outdoor forgo or pizza oven | labellasorella.com

Outdoor Pizza Oven at Casa Levitt

Where do I begin… let’s just say that pre dot-com boom, Silicon Valley was not the food mecca it claims to be today, especially in terms of Italian food. Now you must understand, we were coming from a New Jersey suburb with easy access to New York City, so our expectations were high. We took New York pizza joints and corner family run stores where you could  grab a slice or a pepper and egg sandwich for granted.

In the early days, Mio Marito and I visited every local pizza place possible in search of something remotely familiar to what we were accustomed to. Every so often a fellow transplant from the New York metropolitan area would suggest a spot where the  pizza vaguely resembled that of the old country – the East Coast.  Yes there were a few contenders, but honestly nothing compared to John’s in the Village or the Reservoir in Boonton.  We were determined and in our humble rental home with it’s basic oven devised a recipe and system that eventually resulted in a rather exceptional New York style pizza (yes, a future post, stay tuned).

Ceramic Tile hand carried from Tropea |labellasorella.com

Ceramic Tile From Tropea Calabria

… 

Read More »

Filed Under: Living La Dolce Vita in California

Peperonata in the Style of A16

May 22, 2017 By Paula Barbarito-Levitt 6 Comments

Peperonata in the style of A16 | labellasorella.com

Peperonata, that combination of peppers and onions often with just a tang of acidity, once typical of Southern Italian cuisine has become a staple in many Italian homes.  Peperonata has been described as a stew of red peppers of sorts, but I think of it more as a condiment.  An uncomplicated dish based on red peppers, Pepperonata can be served with roasted meats or chicken, a topping for bruschetta, alongside a frittata, or as a sauce for pasta.

… 

Read More »

Filed Under: Appetizers, Antipasti & Wonderful Things to Nibble On

Italian Lemon Cocktail – Sgroppino

May 15, 2017 By Paula Barbarito-Levitt 8 Comments

Sgroppino anyone? | labellasorella.com Sgroppino…I had almost forgotten about that Venetian potion, a cross between a digestivo and dessert until last April when we spent an afternoon with the Cheschin family of Il Colle Prosecco.

… 

Read More »

Filed Under: Beverages with an Italian Twist, Desserts to Dream Of, On the Road in Italy, Wine & Aperitivo Time

Baby Lamb Chops Roman Style – Agnello a Scotta Dito

May 8, 2017 By Paula Barbarito-Levitt 7 Comments

Grilled Lamb Chops Roman Style, Scotta Dito | labellasorella.comDid a dish ever seem so tempting that you couldn’t wait to eat it?  Well, this is where the term Scottadito comes into play; meaning burn the finger.  Lamb Chops Scotta Dito originates in Rome where the tasty little chops are often picked up with the hands and nibbled at while still hot.

… 

Read More »

Filed Under: Main Course Dishes or Secondi

  • 1
  • 2
  • Next Page »

Welcome to La Bella Sorella!

After years of teaching regional Italian cooking classes, planning Italian adventures, and sharing my travel tips about Italy, starting a blog about Italian food, travels and lifestyle was a just natural next step. Learn More…

Let’s Connect

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Tumblr
  • Twitter

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Thank you. Check your inbox or spam folder now to confirm your subscription.

Recent Posts

  • Crostata di Ricotta & Viscioli – Ricotta & Sour Cherry Tart May 26, 2020
  • Almond Cookies with Cherry Preserves – Biscotti di Ceglie March 25, 2019
  • Gnocchi alla Romana – Roman Style Semolina Gnocchi February 11, 2019
  • Chickpea & Pumpkin Soup – Zuppa di Ceci & Zucca November 26, 2018
  • Chiara’s Pear Torte – La Torta di Pere della Chiara November 4, 2018
  • Gavi Ravioli – Ravioli a Culo Nudo al Gavi October 1, 2018

Archives

  • May 2020
  • March 2019
  • February 2019
  • November 2018
  • October 2018
  • July 2018
  • June 2018
  • May 2018
  • March 2018
  • February 2018
  • January 2018
  • December 2017
  • November 2017
  • October 2017
  • September 2017
  • August 2017
  • July 2017
  • June 2017
  • May 2017
  • April 2017
  • March 2017
  • February 2017
  • January 2017
  • December 2016
  • November 2016
  • October 2016
  • September 2016
  • August 2016
  • July 2016
  • June 2016
  • May 2016
  • April 2016
  • March 2016
  • February 2016
  • January 2016
  • December 2015
  • November 2015
  • October 2015
  • September 2015
  • August 2015
  • July 2015
  • June 2015
  • May 2015
  • April 2015
  • March 2015
  • February 2015
  • January 2015
  • December 2014
  • November 2014
  • October 2014
  • September 2014

Categories

  • Appetizers, Antipasti & Wonderful Things to Nibble On
  • Basic Techniques
  • Beverages with an Italian Twist
  • Breads & Pizza
  • Comforting Soups, Pasta Dishes & Risottos
  • December Holidays
  • Desserts to Dream Of
  • Egg Dishes for Every Occasion
  • Living La Dolce Vita in California
  • Main Course Dishes or Secondi
  • None
  • Notable Italian Restaurants
  • On the Road in Italy
  • Passover
  • Rosh Hashanah
  • Salads for Every Season
  • Shavuot
  • Side Dishes or Contorini
  • Thanksgiving
  • Wine & Aperitivo Time

Blogroll

  • Parla Food
  • La Tavola Marche
  • Aglio, Olio e Peperoncino
  • Panini Girl
  • smitten kitchen
  • Due Spaghetti
  • Italy on My Mind
  • Ciao Chow Linda
  • Brooklyn Salt
  • Elizabeth Minchilli in Rome
  • Memorie di Angelina
  • Juls' Kitchen
  • Silvia's Cucina
  • Emiko Davies
  • Domenica Cooks
  • Marisa’s Italian Kitchen

Connect

After years of teaching regional Italian cooking classes, planning Italian adventures, and sharing my travel tips about Italy, starting a blog about Italian food, travels and lifestyle was a just natural next step. Learn More…

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Twitter

Popular Posts

Copyright © 2023 Paula Barbarito-Levitt