EAT + ITALY, Part I

Exterior facade

In Rome for the month of August (and the majority of the summer, for that matter) I have taken refuge in a new construction (i.e. fabulous renovation property) less than a 10 minute walk from my Garbatella apartment.  Taken refuge thanks to the adequate temperature of the air conditioning… but I must say equally because of the wonderful atmosphere… that said, let me edit by adding (between the hours of 10 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.), before the masses of gente converge in this new world called Eataly. 

In fact I am here this morning, as my trusty Acer posts 10:50 a.m., sitting in the Caffé Vergano, savoring a chocolate croissant and a perfectly cocoa dusted marocchino all while Pavarotti serenades me with Nessun Dorma.  Yes, I am in Italy, but specifically at Eataly.  

View of Caffe' Vergano

Caffe' Vergano bar facade

Vintage designed espresso machine

Chandelier from Luceplan

Eataly signage

Luceplan chandelier

Lait gelato shop

Beautiful wood counter top and millwork

View looking toward the bakery; high stool seating

Bespoke espresso cup chandelier in the Illy bar

Illy espresso cups and saucers

Kartell seating in the pastry shop

Delectable delights at the pastry shop

Carrera marble bar facade at the pastry shop

It is now 12:50 p.m. and I have moved on to a perfectly chilled glass of Bollicine di Prosecco and extra crunchy Kettle chips, all Made in Italy.  More tomorrow... 

The Savonarola & Maritime Details

When your backdrop is the sparkling, aquamarine Adriatic Sea you don't need much more to create an alluring beach house.  And yet, my good friend, O. Renzo Linsalata, has created a small gem out of his condo in Torre a Mare, a relaxed beach town about 13 kilometers south of Bari.  It is not just for the positioning on the top floor with multiple balconies overlooking the sea, or for the maritime collections of miniature ships, sunburst motifs, lanterns, compasses, binoculars or pipes (belonging to Renzo's father, Enzo)... But for the furnishing gem, a set of four Savonarola chairs (plus stool, sgabello).  It is a seating arrangement quite unexpected in a beach house, but it is perfectly befitting in this home.  Historically, these X-chairs originate from the Quattrocento in Italy, the Early Renaissance, and are known for their interlacing curved slats with carved wooden back and arms.  The dark wood work (most likely walnut) is beautifully contrast against the white walls (a beach house standard) and they indeed set the tone of the home.  

A pair of Savonarola chairs, plus sgabello

Detail of the Savonarola wood work

Principle painting of the space, reminiscent of the Adriatic

View from the study area out to the Adriatic

Part of the compass and binocular collection

Simple window drape

Pottery of Puglia

Brass porthole inset behind the fish tank

View from the bedroom through the porthole

Dresser in the bedroom with multiple collections

Bespoke copper sink

Bespoke iron cabinet and oven

Custom pantry and kitchen tile floor

Entry gate and vestibule showing a fresco style design of a sea port

 

'O Sole Mio

Fiat 500 in downtown Rome, photo by JHM

Walking down the uneven asphalt along Circonvallazione Ostiense these last few days with the sun beating down on my back has been tough, yet I strategically know the location of each refreshing Roman nasone, water fountain, along this long street.  While trying to overcome the power of the heat, distracting myself, I've begun humming bars of the Neopolitan classic, 'O Sole Mio...

Che bella cosa e` na giornata 'e sole

n'aria serena dopo na tempesta!

Pe' ll'aria fresca pare già na festa

Che bella cosa e` na giornata 'e sole.

  

Ma n'atu sole,

cchiù bello, oje ne'

'O sole mio

sta 'nfronte a te!

'O sole, 'o sole mio,

sta 'nfronte a te!

sta 'nfronte a te!

... And so, along with the sun and all its glory, I've shone the spotlight on some gorgeous designs reminiscent of il sole. 

Piero Fornasetti Sole Chair

Whithaven Self-Trimming Undermount Sink in Piccadilly Yellow designed by Jonathan Adler for Kohler

La Marie Side Chair designed by Philippe Starck for Kartell

Atelier Versace Suit with Swarovski Elements from the Spring 2012 Couture Collection

Sorrento Platter from Anthropologie

Ciel De Paris Restaurant in Montparnasse by Noé Duchaufour-Lawrance

Crane Desk Lamp by Benjamin Hubert for Orsjo

Coral Chandelier with Yellow Tips and Splinters, 50cm diameter by Peppino Campanella

Lily by Alexander Couwenberg for Soho Myriad

Dress from Emilio Pucci's 2012 Resort Collection

Pompom Throw in yellow from Karma Living

'O Sole Mio performed in Rome, Italy by The Three Tenors

Una Piscina = Magica

Castello Di Casole in Tuscany

With temperatures in the 100s almost everywhere this summer a trusted, cool refuge is always the swimming pool.  At home recently, visiting my family in Marietta, I was oh-so-happy to take advantage of their neighborhood pool.  I really felt like a kid again, grabbing my pool bag and towel and taking the 8 minute walk over to the tried and true Chimney Springs pool-- only difference was that I didn't go running as soon as the ice cream truck pulled up to the pool's gate with its all knowing bell ring.  Rather, I chose to stay put, immersed in the perfect little heaven of shimmering blue water, albeit with a hefty dose of chlorine.  Now back in Rome, I am already nostalgic for a nice dip in a chilly body of water (not including my shower); I must check myself into the Radisson Blu (or any of the other paradise-like hotels listed below). 

With gorgeous backdrops in every region of Italy, the addition of a swimming pool, una piscina, is nothing less than magical.     

Castello Di Casole in Tuscany

Castello Di Casole in Tuscany

The Four Seasons in Florence

Il Salviatino in Florence

Romeo Hotel in Naples

Villa Arcadio Hotel & Resort on Lake Garda

Villa Arcadio Hotel & Resort on Lake Garda

Villa Le Rose from the Lungarno Collection in Chianti

Radisson Blu Rooftop Pool in Rome

Hotel Petra Segreta Olbia along the Emerald Coast

J.K. Place in Capri