This Month We're Loving... Amore

As we inch closer to springtime, we want to bring your attention to what we’ve been loving to bring you some joy and escapism. To kick things off, this month we’ve been loving everything Italian.

By Anna Pearce

We made it! Yes, we made it through the first month of 2021. As we slowly inch closer to springtime, we want to bring your attention to what we’ve been loving. Things that will hopefully bring you some joy, escapism and change of routine for the remainder of these wintery days.  
     To kick things off, this month we’ve been loving everything Italian. It is the month of Amore after all!   

     

     Food

    Too tired to cook? Bring the Italian restaurant to you with Pasta Evangelists and thank us later ;)

      Alternatively, we have tried and tested Skye McAlpine’s deliciously simple, zesty creamy lemon spaghetti - it’s like eating a bowl of sunshine!  Check out Skye’s Instagram – not only beautiful food photography but you’ll see dreamy Venice.  

       Photo credit: Skye McAlpine & Pasta Evangelists

      Of course, there really is nothing better than dining out with friends.
      Here’s our hitlist for post lockdown grub:
        1. Circolo Popolore: Big Mamma Group’s sunny Sicilian trattoria in the heart of London's Fitzrovia district. 

          2. Chucs London: Nestled in the heart of Notting Hill, Chucs boasts an Italian Menu to die for. Lucky for some, it’s on Deliveroo!

          3. Lina Stores: this Italian Delicatessen & Restaurant has everything authentically Italian we could ever want. They also do takeaway home kits.

          Photo credit: @chucsrestaurants & @linastores

           And we all need some beverage inspiration for nights in! Our suggestions:
             Negroni (of course)
             
            For all the Red Wine lovers - Give Vino Nobile Di Montepulciano La Braccesca a try (again, thank us later...)
              For all the coffee lovers, try an at home Affogato.
                  

                 

                FASHION

                 Check out these Italian influencers for a bit of classic Italian style…
                   
                  Image credits: @othersparkles & @carlap_91

                   

                  WANDERLUST

                  From the cusp of Amalfi coast, through its historical cities to the snowy peaks of the Dolomite mountains, Italy has it all.  Have a browse through our Italian bucket list, let them inspire your post lockdown travel destinations…

                  Coast
                     Amalfi Coast, Villa Rufolo, Ravello - A historic villa in the heart of Ravello, the view from this extraordinary mountaintop home is like no other.

                      Cinque Terre - Five villages linked by hiking trails, rugged and charming we can’t wait to get back.

                      Photo credit: Emma Gregory & Instagram

                       

                       City

                      Venice: Famous for its network of hundreds of canals, Venice’s appeal is magnetic, it really does look as stunning as it does in the pictures and films.
                       
                       Florence: The cultural capital of Italy, Florence has it all: picturesque buildings, stunning rolling hills and the Duomo. 
                         Rome, Trevi Fountain: One of Rome’s biggest sights for a reason, the Trevi Fountain’s charm is even more so in person — but a photo of its clear blue water is a must. 

                          Image credit: Skye McAlpine & Instagram

                           Mountain

                          Arabba, Veneto - This village is surrounded by the famous Dolomites, making for the perfect cosy winter getaway.  

                           

                           READ, WATCH, LISTEN, FOLLOW!

                          Two to follow
                           We've been loving @ciao_chiara - Illustrator / Painter. Follow her for simply beautiful Italian nostalgia.

                           We’ve also been obsessing with everything @bymonicafederici - An Italian themed Candle maker  Add a little light to your home!

                           

                          Reading list

                          My Brilliant Friend:

                          We’ve been so invested in the friendship of Elena and Lila. Even more so since lockdown has kept us from our own best friends. A truly mesmerizing story, ‘never has a female friendship been so vividly described’.

                           Call Me By Your Name:

                          A coming of age and all engulfing first fall into love. Set in the Italian Riviera, pure travel escapism.

                          Coffee table books:

                          Assouline, Amalfi Coast

                          We have been loving this book to escape to the Amalfi Coast. Photographer Carlos Souza (@carlossouza1311) takes us on a visual tour of this iconic Italian coastline.

                           Listen

                          Travel Diaries Podcast with Holly Rubenstein –

                          She has an episode on Italy with a mixture of guests talking about their favourite locations/ hotels/ hidden gems. The perfect armchair inspiration for our future trip to Italy!

                           Watch: 

                          The list of Italian film is long! Here are a few of our favourites…..
                           La Dolce Vita
                          Romeo & Juliet
                          The Italian Job 
                          The Godfather
                          Il Postino (The Postman)

                             

                            And that's Amore... x