When I lived in Bologna, my Italian roommate Mariangela would make this heavenly Butternut Squash Risotto on special occasions. She would stand there by the stove, stirring away with her ancient looking wooden spoon (she claimed it imparted extra flavor) until a magical transformation took place and plain rice became creamy risotto. She [...]

There are two similar sayings in Italy: la bella vita and la vita è bella. The former refers to the beautiful life, or the good life. The latter is the shining outlook that life is beautiful. If you are Matt Stuhl, Sommolier of Americano, and have the opportunity to taste [...]