Books for Cooks & Explorers

Each of the ten itineraries in this cookbook/guidebook takes readers through parts of Tuscany that still remain largely undiscovered—and into the kitchens of more than fifty restaurants whose cooks reveal their most authentic recipes. In addition to 100 recipes, also included are descriptions and contact information for restaurants, trattorie, gourmet shops, wineries, olive oil producers, local markets, and regional food festivals, and how to find the monasteries, workshops, and artisans' studios that offer local items ranging from herbal beauty products to traditional ceramics and hand-woven linens. Learn More

From the innovative kitchen of the American Academy in Rome come fifty authentic, simple recipes for Italian bite-sized cookies, or biscotti. They are divided into five categories—Milk and Wine; Nuts; Honey, Citrus, and Spice; Meringue; and Chocolate. Some are dry and not too sweet—traditional Italian biscotti that are eaten for breakfast with caffè latte or dipped into a glass of vino dolce—others recall medieval and Renaissance kitchens and the influence of the spice trade. Whether chocolate, lemon, pistachio, or simply butter, flour, and sugar, each memorable cookie is infused with the history and conviviality of la cucina romana, Chez Panisse, American childhoods, and international friendships. Learn More

The second in the highly-acclaimed City Secrets series, this volume brings together the recommendations of more than 200 experts, including curators, composers, artists, journalists, architects, and historians. Topics covered include art, architecture, museums, restaurants, shopping, flea markets, monasteries, churches, wineries, gardens, and day-long excursions. Learn More

Italy, the birthplace of the Slow movement and the home of Slow Food, is a natural as the second destination in our new Slow series. Alastair Sawday has handpicked forty-six exceptional places to stay–places where attention is lavished on some of the most important things in life: convivial meals, community, a respect for the environment, and a celebration of regional distinctiveness. From the mountainous north, through cypressdotted Tuscany, and on down to the gutsy, colorful south, you’ll discover innkeepers and cooks that have an unmatched passion for Slow Travel and Slow Food, and whose hospitality embody their commitment to the finest accommodations and food. Go Slow Italy celebrates fascinating people, fine architecture, history, landscape, and real food. Learn More

Our 25 simplest recipes in a small format featuring photographs celebrating author and Bella Cucina creator Alisa Barry's trips to Italy. Recipes include: Grilled Rib-Eye with Cranberry Butter, Baked Bocconcini with Tomato Basil Antipasti, and Chocolate Olive Oil Cake with Mascarpone Icing. Each recipe can be prepared with minimal effort in little time. 36 pages, black and white photos throughout, 4x6 inches. Learn More

Italianissimo (literally, very very Italian) profiles fifty enticing Italian contributions to culture high and low, from the lofty realm of great ideas to the delicious realities of cuisine, fashion, cinema, and much more—an eclectic mix of the customs, culture, and concepts that embody the essence of Italy. This intimate guide will enlighten and enrich all journeys to Italy, both real and imaginary, and holds a wealth of sophisticated information about such icons as:hand gestures, patron saints, pasta, parmesan, the piazza, the Fiat 500, ex votos, fashion, Neo-realist cinema, authority figures, Pinocchio, the Italian male, the mezzaluna, shoes, opera, the Vespa, the Ferrari, gelato, gondolas, and more. Learn More

Italy Dish by Dish describes more than 3,000 dishes you’ll find throughout every region of Italy. Even if you speak fluent Italian, regional terms for food and dishes can be confusing. No longer—with this translator you’ll know exactly what’s on the menu, how it’s cooked, what ingredients it contains, and how it fits into la cucina italiana. Lovers of good food and Italian culture will find this guide an irresistible and indispensable stew of culinary information, definitions, and local lore. And any cook will soon realize that the detailed descriptions of hundreds of dishes also serve as mini recipes that can easily be followed to create hundreds of authentic meals at home. Learn More

The companion cookbook to Bella Cucina products, from Alisa Barry, chef and owner of Bella Cucina Artful Food. Full-color throughout, photographed entirely on location in Tuscany by Rob Brinson. More than 50 recipes using Bella Cucina products. Second printing. Learn More

Where do Florentines go to for the finest handmade shoes, leather gloves, jewelry inspired by Renaissance paintings, artisanal chocolates, exquisite lingerie, and more? This discriminating guide of eight walks will take you to shops of legendary quality and fine craftsmanship. Also featured are dozens of dining recommendations, from where to find cioccolata da bere (“drinkable” chocolate) to a sumptuous meal served in a former convent. There are more than seventy shops included in The Civilized Shopper’s Guide to Florence. Dining options include 37 venues, including cafes, restaurants, gelaterias, wine bars, and pastry shops. Learn More