Life & Death at Ground Zero: Part 2
October, 2001 Dearest Luca, The following is the story of what happened on a day in September 2001, right before …
Prologue from Before Romeo and Juliet
The path I take is a dark one. It is narrow and cold, even in the days of summer. Forged …
Treasures on the Beach
I used to walk along the beach looking for sea shells. Gathering them in my hands, remarking on their imperfect …
Aldus Manutius and the paperback
Aldus Manutius (c.1450–1515) was the father of modern publishing. Born near Rome, he moved to Venice in the 1490s, where …
Boo! Happy Halloween!
The Alphabet of Death composed by Hans Holbein the Younger between 1523 and 1525 is the companion to Holbein’s The …
26. May these words echo through the expanse between us … thank you — Vittoria
Maria Grazia’s sister in law writes to thank her for her colic cure and to tell of Bartolomeo’s wedding to Costanza di Corrado d’Antiochia
In bocca al lupo (In the mouth of the wolf)
“In bocca al lupo!” this phase was regularly shouted by my Mother to me as I walked out the door …
FEAR
“I must not fear. Fear is the mind-killer. Fear is the little-death that brings total obliteration. I will face my …
Hotel Review: Hotel Escalus (Verona, Italy)
“Modern sophistication in the heart of the ancient city” Review of Escalus Luxury Suites Verona Travel Date: May 2016 Traveled …
Restaurant Review: Maccheroni Republic (Los Angeles, CA)
“Amazing true Italian fare in downtown LA!” We had dinner last night at Maccheroni Republic. It is a charming trattoria …
Hotel Review: The Chamberlain (Los Angeles)
Trip dates: April 2017 Travel type: family vacation My family and I stayed at the Chamberlain hotel in West Hollywood …
25. I bid you well wishes — Romeo Abbandonato, soon to be Montecchi
10 February 1287 The Venerable Lord Interminelli of Lucca, I write to inform you of my progress in the matter …
Hommage to Marcella Hazan: Pork Roast cooked in Milk
This recipe is too easy! It takes a couple of hours, but requires very little attention, or even skill! The pay off is yummy! Improbably rich and gently sweet and satisfying.
Crustless Quiche
An easy recipe for a light lunch, brunch, or snack. Zucchini and lemon zest add complexity when paired with Parmigiano.
24. Your Father — Lord Interminelli, Lucca
Caterina’s father writes her about marriage–his and hers.
Spaghetti Carbonara
Origins of the dish pasta Carbonara explained. Recipe for the dish pasta carbonara
Annie Leibovitz photos of “Romeo & Juliet”
These photos byAnnie Leibovitz appeared in US Vogue. Leibovitz imagined “Romeo & Juliet” with Coco Rocha as Juliet Capulet and dancer …
Preserved Lemons
An ancient ingredient, most associated with Moroccan cooking. Preserved Lemons can add zest to any savory recipe calling for lemons!
The Master of Verona by David Blixt
Master of Verona provides much needed backstory to the Capulet and Montague feud in Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. Richly detailed, entertaining, and robustly masculine this is a great read. Highly recommended.
23. Your loving friend — Caterina
Caterina seeks out Maria Grazia’s advice on a familial issue.
22. My love accompanies this parchment to you! — Agneta
Caterina’s sister Agneta writes her with news from home and tells her how life at home in Lucca has changed forever.
21. I had the queerest dream—Caterina
Caterina has a dream she fears foretells the future. Maria Grazia is away, who can Caterina share her fears with?
a tasteful life 