Colette's Bella Vita: local la bella vita

Showing posts with label local la bella vita. Show all posts

Monday, October 21, 2013

La Bella Vita Around the World: Lavazza Italian Film Festival

Today I came across the headline "Largest Italian Film Festival outside of Italy opens in Adelaide," and needed to learn more. An entire Italian film festival in a different country!? How fascinating!

The 2013 Lavazza Italian Film Festival opens on October 22 in Adelaide, a major city in Australia. It opens with a Cannes hit, The Great Beauty, set in Rome. The festival's focus is on "scenic Italy," and "a particular romance with Rome," according to a representative from Palace Cinemas, the theater at which the festival is held.

Adelaide, South Australia
Photo Credit: TravelBlat.com

Fellini's Roma, will close out the festival on November 11. I love the festival's focus on Rome - historically, it is the center of Italian cinema and so many of the country's classic films are set there. To this day, Rome exudes the same romance it did when classic Fellini films were in production - it is the perfect focus for a film festival.

This sounds like a magnificent experience, I wish a spur of the moment trip to Australia was possible!

Tuesday, October 15, 2013

Local La Bella Vita: Vapiano on Clark

Craving Italian food, but want different atmosphere? Try Italian fast-casual restaurant Vapiano! Although I thought it was a local chain, Vapiano is a worldwide Italian restaurant concept that began in Germany and has over 100 locations around the world.

Vapiano's environment is completely different than any other Italian restaurant I've visited. Upon entering, you are greeted by a hostess that hands each person in the party a plastic card and then you are free to visit any antipasto, pizza, pasta or salad station your heart desires.

Buon appetito at Vapiano!

Don't let "fast casual" fool you - this food is delicious and probably the most authentic Italian food I've had at a restaurant in that category.

A full bar is stocked with alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, espresso and dessert. Each time you order an item, tap your card against the register and all purchased items are loaded there. At the end, each person brings their card to a cash register and pays individually - no need to worry about splitting checks!

Always save room for dessert - the tiramisu is to die for!

I love Vapiano's modern atmosphere. My friends and I sat at a lower table in comfortable reclined chairs next to a huge window that looked out on to the street. The white walls, black and white portraits and red accents add to the fun, modern European vibe. Guests will feel at home and inclined to stay awhile upon seeing rows of magazines and comfortable red couches in the lounge area.

If you are ever in a city with a Vapiano, I highly recommend it. Buon appetito!

Sunday, July 14, 2013

Local La Bella Vita: Davanti Enoteca

On a beautiful summer Sunday, what is more fun than exploring Chicago neighborhoods? Eating delicious food while doing so! Today I finally had the opportunity to try Davanti Enoteca on Taylor Street in Chicago. All I have to say is that it is absolutely delicious. Their brunch menu was the perfect combination of traditional brunch food and Italian cuisine - I am dying to go back for dinner already!

Kiddie corner from renowned Francesca's on Taylor, your tastebuds will have a field day at Davanti Enoteca. From marscapone polenta and meatballs to pizza, pasta and various meat dishes, there is something for everyone. The tapas style setup makes it a great place for groups to explore Italian cuisine and share menu items.

Source: timeoutchicago.com

I definitely recommend the marscapone polenta and meatballs, pizza, and cacio e pepe. Honestly, everything there looked delicious! My two regrets are that I did not take food photos and that we were too full for dessert.

For a more casual, yet authentic dining experience on Taylor Street, Davanti Enoteca is a wonderful choice!

Sunday, June 2, 2013

Recipe for "una bella vita"

A "bella vita" is more than traveling and consuming copious amounts of delicious food. A beautiful life is simple, it requires good days, nights, food, fun and work.

So important to keep in mind!