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Cafe Shakerato

July 17, 2017 By Paula Barbarito-Levitt 6 Comments

Caffe Shakerato, perfect on a summer day | labellasorella.comCafe Shakerato surely evolved to satisfy those Italians who simply could not survive without their espresso, yet somehow the blistery summer days seemed to call for something a bit more refreshing.  Some years ago in Tropea,  Mia Sorella and I were deeply immersed in one of our favorite sibling bonding activities – shopping; we were madly searching for some locally produced ceramic tiles to incorporate into a project at home.  The shops had just rolled up their windows and it was sweltering; our stamina would surly be affected by the oppressive heat.  The astute shop owner of a tiny ceramic studio understood that these conditions would certainly affect our ability to supplement the local economy, so he discretely sent his young son off on a little errand.  Allora, after some minutes the boy appeared with two icy cold coffee drinks, and that was our introduction to Cafe Shakerato.

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Filed Under: Beverages with an Italian Twist, Living La Dolce Vita in California

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

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Filed Under: Living La Dolce Vita in California

Eggs Simmered in Tomato Sauce – Uova al Pomodoro

March 27, 2017 By Paula Barbarito-Levitt 10 Comments

Uovo al Pomodoro - Eggs in Tomato Sauce | labellasorella.comItalians eat quite simply at breakfast time, coffee is essential and generally in the form of a quick espresso, caffe al latte, or cappuccino.  Accompanying the morning coffee ritual might be a cornetto, a few cookies, or a small roll with jam  – nothing at all elaborate. The lavish breakfast buffets at Italian hotels are intended for istranieri, foreigners…. 

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Filed Under: Egg Dishes for Every Occasion, Living La Dolce Vita in California

Thanksgiving Day Rituals – Giorno del Ringraziamento

November 23, 2015 By Paula Barbarito-Levitt 4 Comments

All the qualities a Thanksgiving turkey should have | labellasorella.comThanksgiving is one day when my family does not welcome change, they take comfort in knowing what is to be expected.  The routine proceeding the big day with respect to planning, shopping and preparing the meal is a fundamental part of the holiday.  This need for consistency at this time translates into having the same menu year after year.

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Filed Under: Living La Dolce Vita in California, Thanksgiving

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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…

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  • Crostata di Ricotta & Viscioli – Ricotta & Sour Cherry Tart May 26, 2020
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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…

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