Latest news with #NorthernItaly
CTV News
13 hours ago
- Entertainment
- CTV News
Ottawa Watch Get a taste of Italy Take a ride to the northern region of Italy with your taste buds as we dive into a new summer food series at Johnny Farina restaurant
Ottawa Watch Take a ride to the northern region of Italy with your taste buds as we dive into a new summer food series at Johnny Farina restaurant
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Travel + Leisure
3 days ago
- Travel + Leisure
I Go to Lake Como Every Year, and I've Perfected Effortless Italian Style With Just These 12 Items—From $26
The Mediterranean's beaches are popular for travelers who want to hit Europe's best sunbathing spots, but if you ask me, nothing beats a weekend vacationing in Italy's lake district. For my family, our go-to choice is always Lake Como with its breathtaking scenery, cute villages, and some of the country's best luxury hotels in this little part of Northern Italy. I have been back and forth to Como for almost a decade, and some of the friends I met on my first visit remain close mates. Cristina Zucchi, the managing director of two hotels on the lake, Lake Flori and Vista Lago di Como, is someone I never fail to visit for an aperitivo when in Como. Over the years, Zucchi—who, to me, is the most stylish person in Como (think stiletto heels, a rockstar haircut, and that Italian flair we all wish we had)—has helped me perfect my travel style so I blend in with the locals and don't stick out as a tourist. 'The temperature around Como varies, so always think comfortable but chic,' she says. 'Lightweight, breathable fabrics are key since it can get warm during the day, but always remember to bring a jacket or scarf if you head out on the water.' I always know I'm in good hands when she tells me what to wear and what not to wear around her lake. Guided by her Italian fashion wisdom, here are the best clothes to wear in Lake Como, according to a local. Zucchi has her own personal tailor, but for those of us who don't, suit-style shorts look polished and elegant instead of baggy. These shorts are slightly longer than normal, making them more elegant and perfect for day and night wear. There is a zip fly with a hook and bar closure to ensure these bottoms stay in place and fit nicely around the waist. Most Europeans will tell you that linen is the most important material to travel with during the summer, so this 100-percent European linen dress is a must-have for Como. It's designd to be breathable, hypoallergenic, and lightweight for comfortable wear, and there are also functional front pockets as an added bonus. It can get very hot and humid around the lake; Northern Italy reaches temperatures as high as 104 degrees Fahrenheit at the height of summer. Zucchi suggests always traveling with skirts—both midi and short lengths—to combat the heat and stay cool. This San Carlos Embroidered Linen Blend Mini Skirt has a high-rise fit and is made from mostly linen for a soft, lightweight feel. It's machine washable, so upkeep will be a breeze. Despite Como being a major hub for tourists wearing casual gear around the lake, I like looking somewhat dressy when visiting the area. This shirred bubble-sleeve top is great to travel with because it adds flair to a regular white shirt, so you can get more wear out of it. Tuck in and out of your pants or mini skirt to style up this shirt as you please. $80 $60 at Rather than wearing super tight, uncomfortable jeans, Zucchi recommends a loose wide-leg denim pant instead. 'Pair this with a simple shirt and you have my favorite look,' says Zucchi. These low-rise baggy jeans have a cool light wash for a lived-in look, and the cotton blend fabric will be soft and comfortable. Although most tourists wear sneakers when visiting the area, Como is still an upscale Italian village, so wearing nice shoes to lunch and dinner is always a good idea. These Quince flats are made with American cow leather and are guaranteed to be soft, but the real beauty is in the breathable design so your feet won't get sweaty. There's also a non-slip, flexible rubber outsole for stability and an insole for added cushioning. With the hot, humid temperatures around the lake, a silk shirt can help you keep cool. This buttoned-up Everlane shirt is polished, with stripes for added flair. The button-up style is a versatile option for packing, since you can wear the shirt on its own or layer it to stay warm on a cool evening. Zucchi says she's never without her hat when walking and working in Como, and she just loves Italian-made brand Borsalino. Its Sophie Braided Straw Hat is a favorite, as it's lightweight and sits firmly on your head with a cute little grosgrain ribbon, helping you blend in with other well-heeled Italians around the lake. You can try a few lower-priced options, too, like this Furtalk straw hat from Amazon or the Brixton straw hat from Nordstrom. This Quince dress is comfortable to wear while having an aperitivo by the lake or out to dinner. Slightly stretchy because of the tencel fabric, the dress is very comfortable, with one reviewer saying they love 'how fantastic it looks under a blazer or jacket.' Not many people go to Lake Como for hiking, trail running, or cycling, but if you don't, you're definitely missing out. There are hundreds of well-marked trails from Lake Como, and you can also hire bikes from your hotel to make the most of the mountains flanking the lake. Packing sunglasses is important for keeping the flies and mosquitoes out of your eyes on the trail, as well as shielding your eyes from the blaring Como sun. These polarized sunglasses prevent glare so you can see clearly, and they'll match everything in your wardrobe. Picnics around the lake or simply having an aperitivo on a boat means you have to lug all your food essentials (prosecco, rosé, and the list goes on) with you. I love this Cotopaxi Allpa Gear Hauler because it can fit large bottles of wine, beer, and food without everything getting squished. The outer material is also made with nylon so it's easy to wipe down if it gets dirty. Boat rides on Lake Como are a must, and Zucchi recommends always traveling with a scarf because things can get choppy and windy. On my last trip, I loved speeding around the lake in a speedboat with my folks giggling behind me, and I remember a scarf was super useful to keep the water out of my eyes. This scarf is made with a mix of cashmere and silk, so it's soft, plush, and comfortable for warmer nights in Como, too. Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we'll send you our favorite travel products each week.
The Citizen
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
Settebello: How two friends are taking South Africans on a culinary tour of Northern Italy
Settebello is an eatery that offers patrons an Italian experience. Pino Di Benedetto co-owns the restaurant with Miro Marques. When people think of Italian cuisine, they usually think of pizza and pasta; however, there is more to Italian food. 'While those dishes are iconic, they only scratch the surface of Italy's rich culinary heritage,' restaurant co-owner Pino Di Benedetto tells The Citizen. Nestled in the heart of Bedfordview, in Johannesburg, Settebello is an eatery that offers patrons an Italian experience. Di Benedetto co-owns the restaurant with Miro Marques. Their passion for traditional Italian cuisine and desire to share the lesser-known aspects of Italy's culinary traditions inspired them to create a unique fine-dining experience that proves Italian cuisine extends far beyond pizza and pasta. The pair has committed to giving patrons a culinary tour of the European country through their '7 Stops of Northern Italy'. Settebello means 'The Beautiful Seven', and the number is special to the owners. Settebello is on 7 Marais Road. Settebello holds a special place in the world of Italian card games, particularly in 'Scopa,' where it represents the luckiest card in the deck. 'Over the past five years, we've made it our mission to challenge that perception. Through education, experience, and trust, our patrons have become increasingly open to trying traditional dishes like tripe, rabbit, and oxtail — ingredients that are deeply rooted in Italian culture,' says Di Benedetto. 'It's been incredibly rewarding to see guests embrace the full spectrum of what Italian cuisine truly offers.' ALSO READ: Bold and delicious: Big Zuu is redefining food TV Tour of Northern Italy The pair has spotlighted Northern Italian food during the South African winter because its rich, hearty dishes, slow-cooked stews, and indulgent comfort fare are ideally suited to the colder months. 'While the South of Italy is close to my heart and widely celebrated for its sunshine, simplicity, and soul, it's the cuisine of the North that often takes centre stage in culinary conversations,' says Marques. 'It's food that warms you from the inside out, beautifully complemented by robust wines and mountain flavours.' Marques said education is essential in the presentation of the seven-course experience. 'We don't just serve food — we tell a story,' he says. 'Each course is rooted in Northern Italian tradition, and by sharing the origin, technique, and reason behind each dish, we bring guests on a journey. Especially in South Africa, where this specific regional cuisine isn't widely known, it's our responsibility to educate while we serve. It deepens appreciation, creates connection, and transforms a meal into an experience.' My favourite dish of the night was the Trofie al pesto con patate e fagiolini, which originates from the Italian city of Genoa. The seven-course meal, which includes dessert and wine, is served once a month on the last Thursday of said month. The first of these was in March and will run until August, after which the southern Italy experience will begin. Later in the year, the menu will be refreshed to focus on southern Italian cuisine. NOW READ: 'Never say never' — Jack Parow speaks on refugee status amid European success
The Drive
19-05-2025
- Automotive
- The Drive
Williams' Battle for F1 Imola Podium Proves Alex Albon Was Right All Along
The latest car news, reviews, and features. This time last year, Alex Albon dragged his royal blue Williams Formula 1 car two laps behind the rest of the field in the heart of Northern Italy. A faulty pit stop and wheel nut issue dashed any dreams for a points-paying finishing position, as the Thai-British driver retired to the garages. During yesterday's virtual safety car-riddled Emilia Romagna Grand Prix, however, Albon had a different outcome. He crossed the checkered flag in fifth. Just shy of a podium, Albon's on-track tango with two Rosso Corsa machines in Ferrari's capital is a welcome turn of pace for the back-of-the-pack team. It also tells a story Albon has been trying to convince F1 fans of all along: Williams' future is bright. Getty RUDY CAREZZEVOLI When the then-25-year-old joined Williams for the 2022 season, the seat that allowed Albon to remain in the sport after Red Bull dropped him came with some caveats—namely, driving under a team emblem that wouldn't be winning races anytime soon. But Albon and others at Williams seemed to see something far off in the distance that no one else could. Williams Grand Prix Engineering was born in 1978 and had success early on, winning its first race the following year at home in England. By the turn of the decade, both a World Drivers' and a World Constructors' Championship title sat in the team's headquarters. Williams did it again in 1992, thanks to Nigel Mansell, and again in 1993 with Alain Prost. The '90s held success for the team with five team titles and four driver championship trophies, marred by Ayrton Senna's death in a Williams car while competing in Imola in 1994. Getty Alessio Morgese On Sunday, Albon tested his driving prowess against the best of the best: Seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton and his teammate Charles Leclerc, who finished in a respective fourth and sixth place. As the No. 23 Williams went wheel-to-wheel with Leclerc's Ferrari, it was a poetic reminder of the rivalry that caused Williams to drop off in the early 2000s. Since the start of the century, the team has been chasing a return to championship form that has seemed increasingly unlikely. That is, until now. When Carlos Sainz left Ferrari at the end of 2024 to make room for Hamilton, Williams was regarded as a poor, laughable choice. After all, the Spaniard had been the only non-Red Bull driver to win a race in 2023. He ranked fifth in last year's driver standings on the heels of this season's championship leader, Oscar Piastri, and fought for the constructors' title alongside then-teammate Leclerc. Getty LUCA BRUNO Williams, in comparison, had finished ninth in 2024 and failed to complete 20 out of 24 races last year, largely due to crashes and the Excel Spreadsheet From Hell. Albon's performance in Imola in 2024, paired with then-teammate Logan Sargeant's qualifying DNF, represented just one stroke of bad luck in a series of unfortunate race weekends that plagued the British team in recent history. Sainz's signing with Williams buoyed a fresh surge of energy that team principal James Vowles brought in 2023. Armed with two talented drivers, a clear vision forward, and an injection of capital, Williams hasn't looked as laughable after starting the 2025 season with 10 top-10 finishes. Getty Jayce Illman 'The journey will take time, but I am confident we are building the right team to move forward and achieve great things in the years to come,' Albon said in May after extending his contract. While the team is inching rather than speeding toward catching the McLarens and Max Verstappen's Red Bull up front—Albon's place among the top five on Sunday still had him trailing nearly 20 seconds behind race leader and winner Verstappen. Perhaps, Williams' anticipation of a 'long-term' podium project might be fast-tracked—though, it could also be too soon to tell. The Emilia Romagna Grand Prix gave Albon a taste before yanking the third-place trophy away when he failed to overtake both Ferraris and was pushed into the gravel by Leclerc before claiming the position back. Getty Mark Sutton – Formula 1 'It's weird, isn't it? On the pure race [outlook] we were fighting for P3, P4,' Albon said post-race. 'Back-to-back P5s and [we're] coming away today a bit disappointed, which is a bit strange to say…I was kind of licking my lips! I thought I could even get Oscar up in front as well.' Sainz finished in eighth and sits in 11th in the standings, 19 points behind Albon as he adapts to the new car. It is more of a matter of when, rather than if, Williams scores its first podium in five years. What commentators are calling an inevitability, Albon already knew to be true a few years ago. 'I'm ready. I'm ready to win races, to fight for a championship,' Albon said at the end of the 2023 F1 season. Sainz, the anticipated superstar tasked with bringing a back-of-the-grid team to title-contending status, might not be the one holding the trophy. Got a tip? Email us at tips@ Olivia Hicks is a Brooklyn-based sports and environmental journalist specializing in the business, politics and culture behind Formula 1 for NPR and . Over a race weekend, you can find her reporting live for The Independent . She is The Drive 's F1 correspondent for the 2025 season.
News.com.au
17-05-2025
- Automotive
- News.com.au
Yuki Tsunoda survives terrifying Emilia Romagna Grand Prix crash as Oscar Piastri claims pole
Australia's unstoppable Formula One star Oscar Piastri has produced another brilliant drive under enormous pressure to snatch pole position during a dramatic qualifying session for the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix. Chasing his fourth successive win of the season after reeling off victories in Bahrain, Saudi Arabia and Miami, Piastri kept his cool to nail his final lap and claim pole after qualifying was delayed by two huge crashes involving Yuki Tsunoda and Franco Colapinto. While Piastri managed to keep his composure to book himself a spot at the front of the grid at the famous Imola track in Northern Italy, his McLaren teammate Lando Norris lost his nerve and only managed fourth place after messing up his last flying lap. Grateful to see Yuki Tsunoda walk away from this enormous shunt in Q1 #F1 #ImolaGP — Formula 1 (@F1) May 17, 2025 Piastri's other big title rival, four-time world champion Max Verstappen, qualified second fastest in his Red Bull to join Piastri on the front row but knowing that overtaking is extremely difficult on the tight Autodromo Internazionale Enzo e Dino Ferrari circuit. George Russell qualified third for Mercedes. Despite being caught in traffic, Piastri once again demonstrated his remarkable ability to stay calm even when things don't go perfectly to plan to capture the third pole position of his career with a blistering lap time of 1:14.670 on soft tyres that were hard to extract a lot of speed out of. 'It was a great session. Very tough session, with all the delays, the red flags, and then also the tyres,' Piastri said. 'The team did a great job, got the car in a nice window. We've been trying a few different things this weekend and we got into a nice place for qualifying. 'The lap was good. I had about four cars in the last corner, which didn't help, but it was enough. So very, very happy with the job well done, and yeah, I'm excited for tomorrow.' Piastri appears to be in the box seat to win the race as long as he can make a clean getaway and hold off Verstappen at the first corner. Piastri has already gone on and won both previous races where he has started from pole this season – in China and Bahrain – and shown no signs of crumbling after dominating the first quarter of the season to emerge as the outright championship favourite. 'I think as long as I can get a good start, then confident. It's a difficult track to overtake on,' Piastri said. 'I think our pace has been strong. Our long run pace looked very encouraging. So yeah, as long as I can get a good start and have a good first lap, then that would be good.' The hottest young talent in F1, Piastri keeps stepping up at every race he contests. In just his third season in F1, he has already equalled Daniel Ricciardo's lifetime tally of pole positions. The only Australian drivers to have claimed more are Jack Brabham (13), Mark Webber (13) and Alan Jones (6) but Piastri is quickly catching up to them. If the 24-year-old Piastri does manage to win in Imola, he will become the first Australian driver to register four grands prix victories in a row since Brabham won his third world championship in 1966. He will also become the first McLaren driver to win a four in a row since Brazilian legend Ayrton Senna won his third world title in 1991. McLaren team boss Andrea Stella has been impressed by Piastri's accelerated rate of improvement but said no-one was taking anything for granted with the season spanning 24 races. 'Oscar himself is gaining these kinds of chances and opportunities because overall Oscar has become a faster driver,' said Stella. 'But it's a very long season, we need to keep the concentration (in the)] team and Oscar himself because we have only done one fourth of the season so far and there's a long way to go.' Senna was tragically killed in a high-speed crash at Imola in 1994 and with this year's race likely to be the last Grand Prix at the circuit, driver safety has again been a huge talking point. The qualifying session was red flagged twice, the first for a terrifying accident involving Verstappen's teammate Tsunoda at the Villeneuve chicane – the same part of the track where Roland Ratzenberger was killed in 1994, the day before Senna was killed. Tsunoda's Red Bull spun across the gravel and was flipped over after launching into the tyre barrier. He was unhurt and walked away from the wreckage but the crash gave everyone a fright. 'I asked if he's OK. And I heard yeah, he's OK,' Verstappen said. 'But then I saw the replay — I'm like, 'Jesus, is he really OK? 'It was a big impact, a lot of damage as well. But the most important thing is that Yuki is okay.' Colapinto, the young Argentine driver who replaced Australia's Jack Doohan at Alpine, also hit the barriers hard, at the Tamburello chicane, the infamous corner where Senna fatally crashed 31 years ago. Like Tsunoda, Colapinto was unhurt but Piastri said the other drivers had to quickly try and put it out of their minds. 'Obviously, when there's a shunt that big, it's hard to not look at it,' Piastri said. 'But I think generally in racing — and in a lot of things in life — when you start to second guess or doubt what you're doing, that's when things go wrong. 'You need to commit, especially on a track like this. So, of course, you probably think about it a little bit, but by the time you get to the corner, you're back in the groove of doing what you've done the rest of the weekend.' Verstappen was just three-hundredths of a second behind Piastri in qualifying and said he was hopeful of staying closer to the Aussie ace than the last race in Miami when he ran away with it. 'The last race was not really a fight,' Verstappen said. 'I'll just try to do a good start and see where I'm at with the pace. 'We'll just see with the new set-up we have on the car. Hopefully it all sticks a bit better on the tarmac and, hopefully, in general a bit more competitive.' After claiming pole position at the season opening race in Australia, Norris has not been able to repeat that performance in the critical third phase of qualifying (Q3) and is becoming increasingly frustrated. 'I guess I just wasn't quick enough. None of my performances in Q3 have been strong enough this year, so it's the same thing,' Norris said. Starting grid order for Emilia Romagna Grand Prix 1. Oscar Piastri, McLaren 2. Max Verstappen, Red Bull 3. George Russell, Mercedes 4. Lando Norris, McLaren 5. Fernando Alonso, Aston Martin 6. Carlos Sainz, Williams 7. Alex Albon, Williams 8. Lance Stroll, Aston Martin 9. Isack Hadjar, Racing Bulls 10. Pierre Gasly, Alpine 11. Charles Leclerc, Ferrari 12. Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari 13. Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes 14. Gabriel Bortoleto, Sauber 15. Liam Lawson, Racing Bulls 16. Franco Colapinto, Alpine 17. Nico Hulkenberg, Sauber 18. Esteban Ocon, Haas 19. Oliver Bearman, Haas 20. Yuki Tsunoda, Red Bull
