Osterie & Locande d'Italia: A Guide to Traditional Places to Eat and Stay in Italy

This new guidebook combines for the first time in a single volume--and in English--two of the most popular Slow Food travel guides to Italy: Osterie dItalia and Locande dItalia. In the seventeen editions of the Osterie dItalia guide that have been published to date the book has done much to promote Italian regional cooking and has contributed to the revival of eating places that particularly reflect local flavor and character: restaurants osterias trattorias and wine shops--all of which serve foods known for their quality value and faithfulness to tradition. The ambience and cuisine of each establishment is described in each brief review with special emphasis on the most significant dishes of the relevant local tradition. The distinctive Slow Food symbol--the snail--is awarded to those places that best represent the ideals and philosophy of the international Slow Food movement. The guide also dedicates special sections to theme itineraries: from the ombre or wine bars of Venice to the street food stalls of Naples and the tripe sellers of Florence. Added to this classic culinary guide for the first time are entries from Locande dItalia which features the best lodging establishments in Italy: B&Bs small hotels holiday or "agriturismo" farms guest houses and hostels. All the places profiled provide good old-fashioned hospitality and reflect the unique character of Italys diverse regions and landscape. Each entry discusses the history local context personnel and amenities offered. With more than 2 100 entries this new guide offers the most comprehensive resource available to dining and lodging in Italy. It is sure to prove an indispensable companion for tourists planning a trip to this country with its rich varied and deeply rooted history and traditions. In addition this first English edition of the book will be supplemented by a gastronomic glossary in which clear concise definitions will help the reader find his or her way among the myriad dishes of Italian regional cuisine.