Welcome fellow Italophiles. If you have a passion for visiting and learning about ITALY, a county rich in history, culture, natural splendor and gastronomic delights, In Love With Italy™ is for you! It’s an additional service we hope our friends and visitors will enjoy. List of all In Love With Italy™ editions and credits appear at the bottom of this page.
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Did you know?
The Statue of Liberty, although a gift from France to the United States, was most likely fashioned after the Liberty of Poetry statue in the Basilica of Santa Croce in Florence, Italy. (Photo to the right) Sculptor Frederic Auguste Bartholdi, son of an Italian immigrant, spent time in Italy and even served under Giuseppe Garibaldi’s command during the Franco-Prussian War. Bartholdi created the Statue of Liberty as a classical Roman deity with a toga to represent the Ancient Republic of Rome. Seven spikes on Lady Liberty’s crown represent the Seven Seas. The striking resemblance between the two statues, both with arms outstretched towards heaven, cannot be dismissed. |
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 Famous Italian
Sophia Loren. Romilda Villani welcomed her daughter Sofia Scicolone into the world on 20 September 1934, at Rome’s Clinica Regina Margherita. Fourteen years later, Sofia would dominate beauty pageants and begin working toward her dream of becoming an actress. She would eventually change the spelling of her name to Sophia, and experiment with the last name Lazzaro before settling on Loren. She would go on to accept acting awards from all over the globe and become the first and only woman to win a Best Actress for a foreign film at the Oscars in America. But on this day, in the hospital’s charity ward for unmarried women, Sophia was just another child born into poverty. Sadly, Sophia’s father, Riccardo Scicolone, repeatedly refused to marry Romilda. As a single mother, Romilda struggled to support her new daughter. Romilda left Rome and returned home to Pozzuoli near Napoli. One evening Sophia went with friends to the nightclub where the Miss Roma contest was held. She caught the eye of pageant judge and well-known film producer Carlo Ponti, who encouraged her to enter. On a whim, Sophia agreed. She took second place in the contest, but more importantly, won a screen test from Ponti. At that time he was credited for launching the careers of many actresses, including Alida Valli and Gina Lollobrigida. Soon, he would proudly add Sophia Loren to the top of his list. Sophia was 18 when she landed a sizeable part in “ Africa Under The Seas”. As many of her scenes were shot underwater, she was required to learn how to swim. In 1957, Sophia filmed “Legend Of The Lost” with John Wayne. She found him to be “exactly as advertised,” a true pro. Loren and Ponti married in 1957. Sophia had a string of successful movies, including: “The Key”, with William Holden and Trevor Howard; “It Started In Naples”, with Clark Gable and de Sica; “The Millionairess”, with Peter Sellers and “The Black Orchid” and “Heller In Pink Tights”, both of which co-starred Anthony Quinn. When Sophia received word that she received a Best Actress Academy Award nomination for “Two Women”, she was ecstatic. Cary Grant was the one to call Sophia and tell her she was the first performer ever to win a Best Actress Academy Award for a foreign film. Personally and professionally, Sophia has continued to expand her horizons. She and Carlo have two sons together, Carlo Jr. and Eduardo. Sophia has written numerous books, including “Sophia: Living and Loving, Her Own Story”; “Women and Beauty; Eat With Me”; and “Sophia Loren’s Recipes and Memories”. Her chemistry with both de Sica and Mastroianni, her favorite co-star, continued to produce successful collaborations, such as: “Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow”; “Marriage, Italian Style”; “The Priest’s Wife”; “Gun Moll”; “A Special Day”; and “Ready To Wear”. Other favorite co-stars of Sophia include: Anthony Perkins (Five Miles To Midnight), Robert Wagner (The Condemned Of Altona), Paul Newman and David Niven (Lady L.), Gregory Peck (Arabesque), Marlon Brando (A Countess From Hong Kong), Peter O’Toole (Man Of La Mancha), Richard Burton (The Voyage and Brief Encounter), Burt Lancaster and Ava Gardner (Cassandra Crossing), and Jack Lemmon and Walter Matthau (Grumpier Old Men). Today, Sophia Loren is considered one of the best-loved, most phenomenal actresses in history. During a career spanning more than 50 years, Sophia has amassed 100 films to her credit. She received an Honorary Oscar® for Lifetime Achievement in 1990, and in 1999 “People” magazine called Sophia "one of the world's most stunning and age resistant women.” She is a precious tribute to Italy and the world! Visit the spectacular Sophia Loren web site for more about her amazing life: http://www.sophialoren.com/home.htm
New proverb
Amore è cieco: Love is blind.
 Place to visit
Ischia. Not as well known as it’s sister isle of Capri, Ischia has often been called the Isle of Well Being by Islandophiles. Ischia boasts tropical gardens, panoramic ocean views and over 100 thermal spas. Guided boat tours offer highlights such as Grotta Verde, tour of Aragonese Castle, the picturesque church and the rocks of Santa Anna, Cartaromana Bay and the hot water springs. It’s best to avoid Ischia and most other popular places in Italy from July through August at peak travel times. April-June and September-October are the optimal times to travel to Italy although every month here is special. Poseidon Gardens are one of the most famous Italian thermal parks near Forio d’Ischia. Visit D’Ambra Vini D’Ischia in Forio d'Ischia, a beautiful and highly rated winery. They offer two marvelous tours and wine tastings. Located at Mario D'Ambra Street 16, Forio d'Ischia , Naples 80075. Phone 081.907246 Fax 081.908190 info@dambravini.com Before taking the ferry from Napoli to Ischia, enjoy some of Italy’s best pizza at Brandi Antica Pizzeria where they have been making it since 1780! The pizza maker at Brandi in 1889, Raffaele Esposito, was invited to make pizza at the Royal Italian court along with his wife Maria Giovanna Brandi. The couple was asked to prepare for her Majesty the Queen Margherita a brand new pizza, that he named Pizza Margherita after the Queen. This is the origin of one of Italy’s most popular pizzas. Not only is Brandi the oldest pizzeria in Italy, they serve some of the best pizza and other dishes. Salita Santa Anna di Palazzo1-2, Via Chiaia, Napoli. Tel. 081.416928 http://www.brandi.it/
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Restaurant and Hotel: 
Giardino Eden*** Truly paradise on earth, Giardino Eden’s small resort is set on the Bay of Cartoromano with breathtaking views of Aragonese Castle. Above is a tavern where Michelangelo stayed to complete sketches. The restaurant specializes in fresh seafood and local pastas, all served within steps of the ocean. A few scenes from “Cleopatra” starring Elizabeth Taylor were filmed here in 1962 and it has for decades been a favorite of Italian and international celebrities hosted by the vivacious founders Ugo and Hildegard Germani, who are still associated with the resort. Now managed by Anna and Ciro Calise. Four pools and two spas. Seven double rooms and apartment for up to six people. Via Nuova Cartaromana 68, Ischia, NA Napoli Italy 80070. Telephone and Fax +39.081.985015 e-mail: info@ilgiardinoeden.it | http://www.ilgiardinoeden.it/home_eng.php
Hotel and Ristorante: 
Hotel Umberto a Mare*** Built in 1936, this charming family-run hotel is set above the ocean with private stairs to the beach. The owners Umberto and Nadia Regine are warm, friendly and treat guests like family. It is a romantic setting not far from the historic town of Forio d'Ischia which offers one of the most beautiful beaches of the island. Hotel Umberto a Mare includes a romantic restaurant with superb fresh seafood with local recipes. Favorites include pasta from Gragnano, Pappardelle Zucchine e Gamberoni, Pennoni di Gragnano Scampi and Totanelle. Umberto recommends the L’Ischia Bianco Superiore wine from Chignole Pietratorcia with seafood. Bon vivants salute the entire experience! Excellent wine list. Impressive Michelin Italia 2004 two fork designation and recognized in Gambero Rosso in its “Ristoranti d’Italia” guide. “Guida ai Ristoranti d’Italia 2004” di Mondadori rates the restaurant a 9 out of 10. All well deserved accolades! Via Soccorso 2, Forio d'Ischia NA, Napoli Italy 80075 Tel. & Fax 081.99.71.71
E-mail: umbertoamare@pointel.it | http://www.umbertoamare.it/inglesehome.htm
Book
“Sophia Loren’s Recipes and Memories”. Sophia Loren is more than a beloved movie star--she's a cook. The author of two personal cookbooks, she's been recognized by the Italian government for her culinary prowess. In “Sophia Loren's Recipes & Memories”, she offers a hundred or so recipes arranged by course--antipasti through desserts. With a like number of photos, most in color, and all sorts of Sophia memorabilia--a shot of the 16-year-old Sophia shows us just how early Sophia was Sophia--the large-format book is also filled with reminiscences of family, home, and work. Cooks shouldn't be disappointed, though. Sophia's recipes, taken from all over Italy as well as her table, include pizzas and risottos, hearty soups, savory fish dishes, and simple but satisfying sweets. The recipes are models of clarity, and Sophia's introductory notes and other asides leave no doubt that the author is a serious, passionate cook. Reading her book and trying her recipes, we come to applaud the star in her apron as well as on the screen. Review by Arthur Boehm.
Recipe
Sophia Loren’s Tiramisu - Serves 8. Ingredients: Eggs, 3 separated . Sugar, 5 tablespoons. Mascarpone cheese, 6 ounces. Ladyfingers, 1 large package (approximately 36) . Orange liqueur, 1 cup. Espresso coffee, 1 cup. Bitter chocolate, 2 ounces, grated. Unsweetened cocoa powder, 1/2 cup, or 2 ounces grated bittersweet chocolate.
Directions: Combine egg yolks and sugar in a medium-sized bowl and beat well. In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites to stiff peaks. In a third, larger bowl, combine the egg yolk mixture with the mascarpone, then fold in the egg whites to produce a creamy mixture. Arrange a tight layer of ladyfingers in a 9-by-12-inch serving dish. Using a spoon, drizzle about half the liqueur and half the espresso over the ladyfingers. Cover the ladyfingers with the mascarpone mixture and the grated chocolate, and dust it with a little more than half the cocoa. Cover the filling with a second layer of ladyfingers and drizzle with the remaining liqueur and espresso. Place the dish in the refrigerator for at least 12 hours (the Tiramisu can be made 24 hours in advance). Top with the remaining cocoa before serving. Buon appetito!
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New In Love With Italy™ communiqués are emailed every month as a complimentary service to Sette Angeli customers. We invite you to visit the online showroom of exquisite, hand painted Deruta creations – the ceramics of Italy at www.setteangeli.com Viva Italia!
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© 2004-2006 Sette Angeli “Seven Angels”, LLC. Tutti i diritti sono riservati. Le parole “Sette Angeli-Seven Angels” ed il disegno associato sono marchi di Sette Angeli "Seven Angels”, LLC. Le parole “In Love With Italy” ed il disegno associato sono marchi di Sette Angeli "Seven Angels”, LLC.
In Love With Italy™ - List of All Editions:
- Vol VII, No. 1
- Vol VII, No. 2
- Vol VII, No. 3
- Vol VII, No. 4
- Vol VII, No. 5
- Vol VII, No. 6
- Vol VII, No. 7
- Vol VII, No. 8
- Vol VII, No. 9
- Vol VII, No. 10
- Vol VII, No. 11
- Vol VII, No. 12
- Vol VII, No. 13
- Vol VII, No. 14
- Vol VII, No. 15
- Vol VII, No. 16
- Vol VII, No. 17
- Vol VII, No. 18
- Vol VII, No. 19
- Vol VII, No. 20: In Heaven with SEVEN and Seven Angels
- Vol VII, No. 21: The Heavenly Angels - Sette Angeli - Seven Angels
In Love With Italy™ Index >>
In Love With Italy™ Directory >>
Vol. VII № 10 Source Notes and Credits
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Statue of Liberty fashioned after the Liberty of Poetry statue in the Basilica of Santa Croce in Florence
- Sophia Loren
- Amore è cieco: Love is blind
- Ischia
- Giardino Eden
- Hotel Umberto e Mare
- “Sophia Loren’s Recipes and Memories”
- Sophia Loren’s Tiramisu recipe
Statue of Liberty fashioned after the Liberty of Poetry statue in the Basilica of Santa Croce in Florence
Sophia Loren
Amore è cieco: Love is blind
Ischia
Giardino Eden
Hotel Umberto e Mare
“Sophia Loren’s Recipes and Memories”
- “Sophia Loren’s Recipes and Memories” by Sophia Loren. Published by GT Publishing Corporation, 1998. ISBN 1577193679. English hardcover.
Sophia Loren’s Tiramisu recipe
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