Delicious Gnocchi and Tiramisu Cooking Lesson

The gnocchi and tiramisu cooking lesson was a tasty introduction to both traditional Italian cooking and independence in the kitchen. Students from the Piazza Navona and Trestevere residences worked together to prepare the meal under the expert guidance of Simona (the student service coordinator). Our conversation mixed with the fragrances of the simmering tomato sauce and freshly ground coffee. We finely diced the market fresh vegetables and then learned how to make the gnocchi dough from scratch.

After a few minor spills and miscracked eggs, we shaped the noodles by hand and assembled the multi-tiered tiramisu. The meal was a great success. We ended the night with stories and the heavenly taste of tiramisu.

Stellar Pantheon Institute EUR Boat trip

The EUR Boat trip offered a breath of fresh air and deepened my appreciation of Rome and its history. It was the first overcast day in Rome, but our spirits were still high. As I walked by the Pantheon, its shadows and antiquity were emphasized by the darkness. Meeting Simona, the student service coordinator, our small group of students moved through a eclectic crowd and the high-end fashion district near the Spanish steps. We glimpsed the famous Fountain of the Old Boat before descending into the artificial lights of the subway system. It was my first time using the subway system and I was pleasantly surprised by its efficiency and clarity.

When we emerged from the underground the sun peaked through. The buildings were so modern that it was like being in a different time-period We made our way to the park after buying lunch from a local store with fresh fruit and pizza. After our picnic we went on a very calming and private boat ride.

For a sweet finale we went to Giolitti, renowned as the finest gellataria in Italy! It was heavenly- a tantalizing mosaic of mango, fragola (strawberry) and Lemon. This out of class experience was so positive that I can't wait to do another.

Coffe Culture

Probably the most intricate and thriving coffee cultures in the world would be that of Italy. Apart from having the best coffee beans available, baristas, and bar accessibility, they have all different ways to drink, order, and enjoy the espresso. As it might take some getting used to, living like a local Italian you will have coffee on the run. This is not to say that it is similar to the mocha carmel frappuccino with whipped cream Starbucks gives you in a paper cup to go. It is to say that it is a daily ritual, to stop into a bar by yourself or with a friend to drink a shot of espresso, cappuccino, or hot chocolate while standing up at the bar numerous times a day. So whenever you need a pick me up, stop into any BAR and you can enjoy a caffè made the Italian way:

Caffè – what we think of as “espresso”

Cappuccino – A shot of espresso with steamed milk in a small cup.

Caffè corretto – espresso with a dash of liquor

Caffè corto – A small concentrated shot of espresso

Caffè decaffeinato – decaffeinated shot of espresso

Caffè doppio – two shots of espresso “double”

Granita al caffè – blended caffè with ice and topped with whipped cream

Caffè macchiato – espresso with a dash of hot or cold milk

Caffè latte – hot milk with a tad of coffee added

Caffè lungo – espresso made with extra hot water, though small enough to serve in an espresso cup. (weak black coffee)

Caffè marocchino – a strong cappuccino with cocao on the bottom served in a glass

Caffè ristretto – A small concentrated shot of espresso (similar to that of “corto”)

Caffè solubile – instant coffee

Caffè Shakerato – espresso over ice with a dash of amaretto or liquor

You can also get your caffè…

Con la cremina – the barista mixes sugar into the first drops of caffè to make your cappuccino or caffè sweet and delicious

Caldo/Freddo – You can order your espresso hot or cold

Con panna – with whipped cream

Con cacao – with cocao

Macchiato/ schiumato – with a dash of milk or foam

In tazza bollente/fredda – In a hott cup/cold cup

In Vetro – In a glass cup

Al volo – On the fly

INDULDGE!!!

Buy Seasonally...

When you walk into an Italian market, you will notice that it does not carry the variety of fruits and/or vegetables you might be used to seeing in the United States as well as restaurants not having artichokes or certain products on their menu all year round…this is a GOOD thing!!!

Although you might want to buy a watermelon in February, you cannot here in Rome; this is because Italians sell what is IN season. They have locally grown products and it is actually healthier for us to eat what is grown in the current season as opposed to buying products worldwide and having them shipped internationally just to fill the market baskets with tasteless objects. This will ensure you that every plate you order here in Italy will be fresh and use local seasonal products allowing the dishes to intensify every flavor in your mouth and not lose any of the nutritional value that most out of season products lose!

As an example, September is perfect for eating figs, apples, pears and grapes, zucchini, peppers and eggplants...

And, as Fall is getting closer, get ready to have some delicious oranges, mandarines and pumpkins!

When in Rome: Americans vs Italians

When living in Rome you will discover the subtle differences in culture, the dos and don’ts, and the Roman’s way of living. As Americans, we are used to wearing, washing, eating, and sleeping differently than the Romans. Although it is easier said than done, one can slowly adapt to the Italian lifestyle through an open mind, acceptance, and a little humor.



Fashion Faux pas
Although Americans do have certain trends that are popular in the States, many of these items are undesirable in the Italians’ eyes. The Romans always say that “you can HEAR an American coming from a mile away” due to our unsophisticated fascination for flip flops. Although they are the standard shoe for an American summer, Italians favor a stylish sneaker, boot, or a classy flat.
Some more examples include short shorts! NEVER - they are strictly for the beach. As for the cinema, the typical comfy sweats will leave you feeling extremely underdressed next to the fashionable Italians with their designer heels on a Sunday afternoon. Church-wear is more elegant, the Roman God does not accept anything above the knee or bare shoulders. You just might have to sport the plastic poncho that is handed out in front of most churches if you are more of the shoulder bearing type (which is relatively standard for an American summer). As you stroll through the streets, supermarkets, and stores, you will notice that the Italians are more dressed up than you are used to in the States. No one is wearing sweats in the supermarkets or slippers to class; most Italians will be wearing pants even in the summer heat and they always look like they are heading to some fabulous party. Because of what we are used to and the cultural differences, it is hard NOT to stand out as an American; we can only observe and take note to try and adjust ourselves to our surroundings in order to strive for “full immersion”. There will always be some things we may never understand, like why the Italians have to change all of their clothes and shoes when they are going to and from the “palestra” (gym)… but they just do.

Breakfast
Another cultural difference that might take some observance and patience in getting used to is the Italian breakfast. If you are an eggs and toast in the morning kind of person, you might have some difficulty getting that extra dose of protein in your diet these next few months , but I can assure you, if you approach it with an open-mind, you will want to have breakfast in Rome for the rest of your life. A typical Italian breakfast consists of a ‘cornetto’ (croissant) and cappuccino; the ‘cornetto’ comes with different fillings such as cream, nutella, honey, or ‘semplice’ (plain). If you get to a BAR early in the morning, the ‘cornetti’ will usually be warm and you will be next to a variety of working Italians each getting a different kind.

The Italian coffee culture is fascinating and if you are a coffee lover, this is the country for you. Local Italians are likely to make a couple stops at different bars throughout the day; in the morning, they usually start with a cappuccino and cornetto. If they stop at numerous bars before work or school, they will also get a caffé (shot of espresso). After lunch however, it is strictly caffé time; if you order a cappuccino, you can expect an “are you sure?” expression on the barista’s face. If it is just unbearable to have a shot of espresso without any milk/cream, it is often popular to order a “caffè macchiato” (a shot of espresso with a little milk).


The Pizza and the Pasta
As you will experience in eating at different restaurants around Rome, Italians pride themselves on their incredible and simple dishes. In the United States, most places have the idea of “the more the merrier.” When Italians go out to eat a pizza for dinner, you will notice that most of them order the “Pizza Margherita,” the plainest pizza on the menu! If there is an American in the restaurant, I wouldn’t be surprised if he/she is stuffing down a “Capricciosa,” a pizza with everything but the kitchen sink on top. Through observance and experience, you will learn that there are many differences in Italian food in the United States and Italian food in Italy. For example, local Italians do not eat meatballs in their pasta, but it is its own dish, chicken parmesan does not exist in the local restaurants, and they do not serve olive oil with their bread. It is hard to change your diet from what you are used to or from your expectations of Italian food, but in order to enjoy the incredible local cuisine that the eternal city has to offer, choose out of your usual comfort zone or expectations and order what the Italian sitting next to you is ordering.

Nightlife
Italians and Americans have different definitions of “fun” which is prevalent after the sun goes down. If you sit in Campo de Fiori for an aperitivo with friends you can easily pick out the Americans in the crowd, they are usually loud, drunk, and in big groups. The Universities in the U.S. have a great environment for this type of typical behavior however , you must realize that you are no longer “on campus.” This is one of the most prevalent differences in the two cultures through Italians’ eyes.
“When in Rome, do as the Romans do.” In the afternoon around 6 pm, young Italians meet their friends for an ‘aperitivo’ at a local bar where they get a drink and some free snacks before dinner. After dinner they usually meet up with their friends for a drink or two at a local bar. As for the weekends, the discotecas are open till the wee hours of the morning and usually followed by breakfast (cappuccino and cornetto). The Italian culture is big on socializing, so you will rarely see an Italian stumbling out of a club unable to speak a word because of his drunken stupor. These are usually foreigners and it is not perceived as “cute.”

Sono Arrivati! (They have Arrived!)

After a long plane ride and numerous ‘Ciao’s and ‘Buongiorno’s the students of The Pantheon Institute Fall Semester 2010 have arrived!!! They were first greeted all together with a typical Italian breakfast of Caffè and Cornetti (croissants) and introduced to all of the teachers and directors of the University. Romolo gave a captivating speech on how Rome will change each and every student’s life if they allow themselves to humbly absorb the vast amounts of beauty that each crack in the eternal city has to offer.

The students gathered in different classrooms to get their cell phones and there were many laughs in discussing the cultural differences and language translations while waiting patiently for the exchange of their friends’ numbers. After a tour around the different University facilities, seminar rooms, and studios, the students felt a little more ready to approach Rome as their new home for the next four months.

On Saturday, the Penn State students started their workshop at Villa Adriana, Tivoli, which is located right outside of Rome. For the architecture and landscape architecture students, Villa Adriana, the most extensive ancient Roman Villa, offers a complete sample of architectural creations and is one of the most remarkable examples of imperial and dynastic palace. All of the other students from Kenyon College and Tulane participated in our orientation this past weekend, securing their permit to stay and visiting all of the facilities that we have around the city center.

Summer Session II Field Trips - Fuori Roma!

Our Summer Session II students are about to take a trip away from Rome.
Considering how hot it’s been here, they are hoping to meet up with a bit more temperate weather, but it’s not likely as they first head South. The two-day trip will take them to Paestum, a Graeco-Roman city south of Naples with three amazingly preserved temples – a treat especially for architecture students but for art historians and artists of all inclinations as well. They might be able to sneak some time at the beach as the Hotel Calypso is located on the shore of the “Mare Tirreno”. Then our fortunate students will visit the unfortunate city of Pompeii where life had stopped abruptly on account of Mount Vesuvius’ eruption in 79 AD. There is a lot to contemplate as one walks through the excavated city where some houses are so well preserved – with walls painted magnificently and pottery unbroken - as if expecting the owners to come back.

After a night in Rome, our students will head North to the place where Renaissance was born – the city of Florence. The center – it’s urban form – has remained pretty much unchanged since Leonardo and Michelangelo walked its street, but there is just so much art work to pay attention to and absorb that the two day visit will not be enough. The students will most likely feel the need to come back again – and they should - but we are glad to facilitate at last this short introduction to the amazing artistic legacy of Florence.

The getaway trip from Rome will conclude in Venice. Again, the time will seem much too short in this enchanting city in the waters of the Adriatic Sea. Hopefully the students will find the time to take a boat excursion (there is no other transportation choice) throughout the Venetian Lagoon to get a sense of how this city was built and organized. For the photographer who likes to get to know a city by walking and getting lost - Venice is the ideal city! There is no doubt that even with a trusty map in their pocket – our students will get lost. And they should.