The Best Dishes Of 2022 | Truffle Edition
It’s hard to believe that in just a few days, we will say goodbye to 2022. It’s been a remarkable year, to say the least. I’m so incredibly grateful that travel has resumed, and I’ve had the opportunity to explore several new areas and revisit a few favorites. Recently, I spent some time scrolling through my photos, reliving some of my favorite moments and dishes from 2022. Trust me; there have been a lot ( and yes, the scale agrees.) If you’re new to Blonde Voyage Nashville, you should know that I am a truffle enthusiast. If it’s on the menu, I am going to order it. The aroma is simply intoxicating; it’s like nothing else you will experience.
Rome-ing Around Italy
Hi, Friends!
Courtney, here. Yes, I am still alive, and contrary to what my Instagram account may depict, I have not traded in my day job to become a world traveler….yet! It has been too long since we’ve had a chance to catch up. Between work ( yes, that day job pays the bills!) and my travel schedule, I haven’t had much time to share what’s been going on.
Living La Dolce Vita In The Amalfi Coast
2020 did not diminish my desire to travel and see the magnificent world we live in. The “lockdown” only fueled my desire to seek out new destinations and rediscover the world. I hope that we will all be a little kinder to one another and realize what a true privilege it is to pack our suitcase and run through airport security as we embark on your next adventure.
One Of My Best Meals Of 2019: Pianostrada Laboratorio di Cucina
Keep your friends close and your friends with excellent restaurant recommendations closer. Isn’t that how the saying goes?
Earlier this year when I was creating my itinerary for Croatia and the Amalfi Coast (more to come on the blog about that) when I realized that I would have just enough time in Rome to enjoy dinner before boarding the train to Naples.
Osteria Del Tempo Perso: Ostuni, Italy
When I travel abroad, I inevitably find one dish I fall head over heels in love with. Of course, I arrive back in the states and try my hardest to find a dish locally that emulates it. Realizing that it is an impossible task, I end up scrolling through pictures on my phone re-living that meal.
This past week was no different. Overcast rainy Nashville nights had me craving pasta.
Cheers To Pour Decisions: I Pàstini
What's better than a fire when you are freezing your a$$ off in Nashville? A bottle of VersoSud from I Pàstini. I am savoring every single drop!
One of my favorites from my Puglia trip was our visit to I Pàstini. Located in Martina Franca, I Pàstini is a winery not to be missed. Not only is their harvest organic, but every single grape is hand-picked.
Picturesque Polignano a Mare
After wrapping up the amazing cheese tour at Masseria Lamapecora, we headed to the coast to explore Polignano a Mare.
Unfamiliar?
Without a doubt, you have seen photographs pinned to a travel inspiration board on Pinterest or perhaps you have stumbled across articles in Travel and Leisure. It is quite possibly one of the most photographed regions of Southern Italy.
The Finest Formaggio at Masseria Lamapecora
If someone asked what your favorite food was, what would be your answer? Pizza? Steak? All things Italian? When your fondness for food is as great as mine, it can certainly be a tough question. However, there is one thing that I can never get enough of, cheese!
Evo Ristorante : Alberobello, Italy
Who would have thought that wandering could work up such an appetite! Um, this girl! Fortunately, we had reservations at one of Alberobello's best restaurants, Evo.
Puglia, Italy: Trulli Charming and Different
Arrivederci, Venice!
Ciao Puglia!
My bags are packed and I am anticipating countless adventures ahead. Where is Puglia you ask? Don't worry, I've got you covered!
Loco for Locanda Marinelli
After spending the day tasting an array of Proseccos from Adami and Col Vetoraz, I was starving. Perhaps, borderline hangry. Oriana, our driver in Prosecco, recommended this lovely inn, Locanda Marinelli, for lunch. Nestled in the hills of Treviso Prealps, Locanda Marinelli is a must for anyone visiting the Prosecco region.
Knock Knock...It's Prosecco O'Clock
What's a girl to do when she has an open day on her Venice itinerary? Make her way to the Prosecco Road, of course! After all, I may not speak Italian, but rest assured I am fluent in Prosecco.
Island Hopping: Murano and Burano
We've all seen the pictures on Instagram and Pinterest. Ones featuring picturesque landscapes that are so brilliantly colorful and eye-catching it doesn't even look real. Welcome to the islands of Murano and Burano. Even if it is your first time in Venice, you would be remiss not to plan an island hopping excursion.
Going, Going, Gondola- A Guide to Venice
A planner. That's how many of my friends would characterize me. However, this recent trip to Italy was quite the contrary. I booked my trip to Puglia over a year in advance based on a few instastories and photos that I saw following EPM. To be honest, I had never heard of Puglia but was intrigued by the stunning white landscape.
Recharge and Refocus
Buongiorno amici! Some of you may have been wondering where I have been. No, I have not fallen victim to a food coma nor did I fall out of the blogosphere. To say that life has been a hot mess lately is quite the understatement. I decided to take some time to recharge and refocus...in Italy! Over the next couple of weeks, I plan on sharing all of the juicy details of my adventures through Puglia, the southern region of Italy forming the "heel" of Italy's "boot" as well as my escapades through the canals of Venice. By far a trip of a lifetime.
The Hidden Gem of Florence
Tucked away on a side street in Florence, Brac is one of those can’t miss places. I’ll admit, I was a little skeptical when it came to vegetarian food. I am SUCH a steak and cab kinda girl, but I was BLOWN AWAY. Brac is certainly one of those venues that could be considered the “third space.” Brac is a restaurant, library, art gallery and coffee house all rolled into one small quaint space.
Art and Aperitivo
Widely known as the film location for "Under the Tuscan Sun," Cortona is a quaint little town nestled in the province of Arezzo.
Exploring the winding cobblestone roads, I happened upon this incredibly talented artist, Antonio Massautto.
Ohh.. Santa Maria...
One of the best parts about my EPM retreat was the fact that we had daily excursions throughout Italy. My favorite was Florence.
Florence or Firenze as it is called by the Italians is not just the capital of Tuscany but is considered the birthplace of the Renaissance.
Watch Out! Wine on the Loose
After a good night's sleep and delicious vegetarian dinner, I was ready to take on Italy. Up first, a walking tour of Umbria.
Fun Fact: Umbria is the only region within Italy that does not have a coastline or borders another country.
EAT.PRAY.MOVE
Perhaps I have watched Under the Tuscan Sun one too many times or maybe it was the fact that I was craving pasta and wine. Regardless, I couldn’t stop thinking about Italy. After endless searching on the internet, I came across Eat.Pray.Move.