Gina Tringali

A client recently said to me “I thought the feast of 7 fish was an Italian-American tradition not an Italian one, is it true?”As I sat down to my first Christmas Eve dinner in Italy, I thought of this question and am happy to say that this tradition continues in many Italian homes. I was [...]

Vino Roma is a wine studio where you can learn about Italian wines through guided tastings. I’ve attended both “My Italians” and “Sparkling Saturdays“. Last week a special tasting, “Super Wines of Friuli” was on the calendar. With sommelier exams on my mind, I couldn’t wait to delve into this region with wine educator, colleague and friend Hande Leimer (pictured below).Our [...]

What to say about Pizzeria Tonda? It is one of Rome’s best pizzerias. With warm service, bright decor and simply delicious brick oven pizza, it is still going strong. I ate there with a group of friends on Monday night.Starters included home-made crisps, suppli ortolano (Roman vegetarian fried rice ball stuffed with eggplant, zucchini, pepper and mozzarella) and eggplant trapizzino. [...]

Panificio Bonci is open! The latest addition to the Gabriele Bonci dynasty opened its doors this week. Last night I attended the launch party where Bonci served up savory and sweet treats. Trays of pastry puff pizzette with tomato sauce and absolutely addictive pizza bianca were served. What makes the crust perfectly crisp? skill, love, 2 day dough leavening [...]

I am a huge fan of Glass Hostaria, Salumeria Roscioli and Il Forno Roscioli. When I heard that they were combining forces to create a new venture, I couldn’t wait to experience it. Cristina Bowerman, Fabio Spada and the Roscioli brothers, Pierluigi and Alessandro are the chefs & bakers behind Romeo. Pulling on their collective strengths, Romeo offers [...]

“It all started with la graffa, a Sicilian fluffy donut jam-packed with sweetened ricotta and dusted with sugar. When I was 11 years old, my parents sent me to apprentice with a barber. I spent my weekly earnings on movie tickets and graffe. With a sugar addiction and empty pockets, it was apparent that I was [...]

I feel a deep connection to Sicily, her people, land, food and wine. It started with my grandparents, Maria and Sebastiano, who grew up near Siracusa. It grows each time I visit. I recently spent a week at San Vito Lo Capo. I couldn’t wait to buy, cook and eat local seafood. First stop, Pescheria [...]

It is official, the inauguration of the Nuovo Mercato Testaccio (New Testaccio Market) is today. I stopped by the original Mercato di Testaccio and found Carmelo d’Agostino, tomato expert, there alone. Sadly, he’s not moving to the new market but he’s hoping to find a space in Testaccio. Despite my mixed emotions about the controversial closing of the [...]

It’s hot as #@! in Rome. All I can think about is my recent escape to San Vito Lo Capo, Sicily. Home to crystal clear water, white sandy beaches and stunning mountains, it is the birthplace of the caldo freddo (hot cold) dessert. Caldo freddo is an extravaganza of sponge cake soaked in liquor, gelato (italian ice cream) [...]

It’s been quite a long time since I’ve posted. I’ve been happily traveling and have much to report. Today, I want to wish a Happy Easter to my family, friends and all the amazing people in my life. I am grateful. Here’s my Easter post from last year which lies close to my heart. Buon [...]