Jun112017by DishesOnly | News
Last week I hosted for dinner my niece and a couple of her friends. They are all in their twenties, the so called Millennials or Gen Y. We started talking about their lifestyle: what do they like, their favorites TV programs, the best singers, their hobbies. Apparently the three girls had contrasting preferences. They love science fiction and fantasy drama series such as Stranger Things, Sense8 or Games of Thrones . They are fans of Rihanna but also of a songwriter as Ed Sheeran (which, by the way, I like too). They cannot stay away from their smart phones and social networks, but they prefer to travel with their friends around the world. A must in their bedroom is a PC but, guess what, it could not be missing a picture board with printed photos… the old way… . Even fashion style is an oxymoron: shorts and sneakers with long shirts on top as in the 70’s, as well as jeggings (a mix of leggings and skinny jeans), better if ripped 😉 . The interesting thing for me is that these girls are able to manage direct opposites; they create harmony between old and new, combining together a sort of vintage charm and crazy patterns from the past, with simplicity and modern lines. They love nature, calmness and they pay attention to live the present and taking time to appreciate the moment. Design trends I was curious to ask them which were the DishesOnly collections they liked the most. The answer was coherent with the latest design trends: they adore the messy beauty of natural and organic shapes, as...
May42017by DishesOnly | News
How to cook the perfect pasta? If you really want to cook pasta as Italians do, here is what you need-to-know and the essential advice for cooking the perfect pasta. We take it for granted that the quality of the pasta should be excellent. We suggest Rummo , made with the best ingredients and in the traditional and artisan way. But, if you have time, and if you want to make your own fresh pasta, follow these steps on Sonia’s blog. Photo on the left: Oggi pane e salame, domani.... Photo on the right: Valdirose Once you have bought, or done, your spaghetti, fill up a large pan with cold water and bring it to boil. Drop in the pan, only after the water is boiling, a handful of salt. Weight the spaghetti as our Grandmothers use to do, by holding a bunch of spaghetti in your fist for each portion (as you see Italians use their hands to talk and also to cook !! ). Drop the spaghetti in the boiling water and turn them a couple of times with a wooden spoon or fork. Check the cooking time on the package . Now, pull up a chair and read our 5 secret tips to cook the perfect pasta. “Al dente” Cook the pasta always 2 minutes less then what it is written on the package. It will stay “al dente” and will allow you to mix in the condiment or sauce that you have prepared. “Risottata”: a chef touch! Get the sauce ready in a large flat pan. Add the spaghetti (or other pasta type) yet...
Apr22017by DishesOnly | News, Recipes
There are two traditional Easter cake which cannot be missed on any Italian Easter dining table: Colomba and Pastiera. Colomba has a dove shape topped with pearl sugar and almonds. This very popular easter cake was invented in Lombardy, probably in Milan, in the north of Italy. Pastiera is a Neapolitan tart, from the South of Italy. The two ingredients that make it unique are the cooked wheat and the extract of orange flowers. The orange flower water flavor is a celebration of the just started spring season. According to a popular ancient legend, during the night the fishermen’s wives left on the beach some baskets filled with ricotta cheese, candied fruit, wheat, eggs and orange flowers as offerings for the “Sea”, to bring back safely their husbands to their houses. In the morning, when the wives went back to meet their husbands, they noticed that during the night the waves had mixed the ingredients together and that in the baskets of their returning husbands there was a cake: the Pastiera. Besides this legend, it is said that it was a nun that invented the modern Pastiera in the XVI century, in an ancient Neapolitan convent: San Gregorio Armeno. She wanted to bake a cake that had the same perfume of the orange flowers, which grew in the convent’s garden. Another story refers that Maria Theresa of Austria, King Ferdinand II of Bourbon’s wife, accepted to taste a slice of Pastiera smiling for the first time in public after she eat it. Having seen her smiling, Ferdinand said: “ To make my wife smile again I will...
Mar122017by DishesOnly | News
Dulcis in fundo our favorites wedding planners. This time we have chosen to remain in our country, Italy, since it is one of the top destination in the world for an unforgettable wedding. Although Italy is full of marvelous places, our three friends have the power to make any location magical. With their different personalities and styles, they will meet all your needs and wishes. Here they are! Exclusive Italy Weddings, founded by Laura Frappa. Le Jour du Oui, founded by Cristina Di Giovanna. Honey and Cinnamon, founded by Federica Beni. When looking at their web sites and social profiles their overarching style stems out very clearly, so that you can decide if it is one you like. Are you looking for an over-the-top and glamorous wedding? Are you looking for a small, intimate gathering? No matter which style you choose, Laura, Cristina and Federica are credible, prepared, full of relationships and, most of all, they exactly know how to put together every detail of a wedding, from the invitations, to the paperwork and legal practices required. Exclusive Italy Weddings If you are lost, or in a panic, Exclusive Italy Weddings will embrace your vision and style and orchestrate your luxury wedding from start to finish. Laura’s Team is a solid task force, with strong planning and execution skills and an international work approach. Exclusive Italy Weddings has a long record of VIP and celebrities clients. Le Jour du Oui If your dream is to create something spectacular, more than you could ever envision, then, Le Jour du Oui is the right choice. Cristina and...
Feb122017by DishesOnly | News
Here we are back again with our second post about the best bloggers that we love. Having presented our top food bloggers, this time we will talk about our preferred lifestyle bloggers, which we urge you to follow: Valdirose, Renée Kemps and The Jungalow. Although they apparently have three completely different styles, they share the same philosophy and passion for beauty in the simplest things, nature and handmade. In their blogs and social profiles they talk about life, food, travel, interior design. You will be inspired by their creativity, attention to details and perfection in each shot. Let’s get a closer look at Valdirose, Renée Kemps and The Jungalow glam styles. Valdirose: Country Chic lifestyle Irene is the queen of hosting. If you want to learn how to through a party, host a candlelit dinner, or set up a charming B&B, you should attend her workshops in Tuscany and definitely follow her Instagram profile and her blog. There is no need to know or learn Italian!! Her pictures tell a story and stories are universal. Renée Kemps: Modern lifestyle From Italy to Europe. Renée lives and works between Amsterdam and London. She is drawn to minimalist. “Light “ and “white” are two fundamental elements of her beautiful pictures. Although she loves streamlined clean design, her style is absolutely not cold and impersonal yet it inspires warmth, comfort and elegance. The Jungalow: New Boho lifestyle Turn the page and turn up the volume! Justina is… bold colors, rich textiles, fun, joy and freedom. What we love about her is the vitality and...
Jan192017by DishesOnly | News
We have been studying reports and reports for several weeks about 2017 style trends in fashion, home decor, colors and materials. After careful analysis we’ve came up with four major trends, around which every trendsetter, designer and influencer seems to agree: 1. Greenery – Pantone ® color of 2017. Greenery is refreshing and revitalizing; it symbolizes the need to reconnect with nature and to each other. 2. Blue for the home. From wall painting, to furniture, to accessories, navy blue and in general all the shades of blue are back. 3. Black Steel. Black steel gives a beautiful, modern and sophisticated touch in any space: a coffee shop, a urban loft, a wedding party or a table setting. 4. Terracotta. Terracotta is warm, is rustic-chic, it recalls that “brick and mortar” need to disconnect from the digital world and get together. Your “Style Horoscope” for 2017 What do stars recommend to each Zodiac Sign? Which are the style trends to follow for a glam and stylish 2017? If you are an Air sign (Gemini, Libra, Aquarius), stick to Greenery this year! This color is perfect for lively, sociable, easygoing personality like yours. Buy a rug, a sofa for your living room, or just create your secret house garden where to rest and enjoy some times for yourself. For Water signs (Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces) the stars suggest to add some Blue to your interiors. Blue is the color of the sky, of the sea and it is emblematic of the desire to escape and unwind. Blue speaks to your dreams in 2017! What about planning a trip to...
