About Francesca.....
I was born and raised in a small town in Southern Italy and lived there for most of my younger years. My parents and our region in Southern Italy really helped me appreciate our food, culture and all its bounty. My dad was a produce merchant so our home was always filled with delicious fresh produce that always found its way to the table. My dad had several dinner specialties that he liked to showcase, and my mom always had a delicious meal waiting for my sister and I for when we returned home from school. Food has always been very prominent in my household, just like any other Italian household. We discuss dinner while eating lunch and tomorrow’s lunch while enjoying dinner!!
We lived in a small town built on traditions and customs that I still value today. I have fond memories of walking to church on Sunday mornings and smelling the delicious aromas coming from people’s homes. Sauces, meatballs, fried peppers and a fresh pot of brewing espresso always bring me back home. How funny it was to walk to church and be able to tell what everyone would be having for lunch that day!
After our move to the States, we were able to travel back and forth during the summers and this process really allowed us to maintain our Italian way of life. We frequently brought back authentic Italian ingredients, particularly the dried spices such as oregano and rosemary. Things haven't changed all that much now and we still travel back whenever possible. It's such a blessing to still have our home there and be able to go back and forth. And yes, we still bring some spices! Nothing like roasted potatoes with Italian rosemary or a tomato salad with real oregano!
Today, I lead, plan and organize culinary tours to Italy and offer customized itineraries. I also teach cooking at several local Adult Education Centers in the Boston area as well as private classes in clients’ homes or my own. I am convinced more people should have experiences like mine. Authentic meals, the best espresso a Euro can buy, and the joy that can only come from traveling to Italy. What a thrill it is for me to bring people back to my native land and share with them my Italy.
We lived in a small town built on traditions and customs that I still value today. I have fond memories of walking to church on Sunday mornings and smelling the delicious aromas coming from people’s homes. Sauces, meatballs, fried peppers and a fresh pot of brewing espresso always bring me back home. How funny it was to walk to church and be able to tell what everyone would be having for lunch that day!
After our move to the States, we were able to travel back and forth during the summers and this process really allowed us to maintain our Italian way of life. We frequently brought back authentic Italian ingredients, particularly the dried spices such as oregano and rosemary. Things haven't changed all that much now and we still travel back whenever possible. It's such a blessing to still have our home there and be able to go back and forth. And yes, we still bring some spices! Nothing like roasted potatoes with Italian rosemary or a tomato salad with real oregano!
Today, I lead, plan and organize culinary tours to Italy and offer customized itineraries. I also teach cooking at several local Adult Education Centers in the Boston area as well as private classes in clients’ homes or my own. I am convinced more people should have experiences like mine. Authentic meals, the best espresso a Euro can buy, and the joy that can only come from traveling to Italy. What a thrill it is for me to bring people back to my native land and share with them my Italy.
About Lazy Italian Culinary Adventures....
Search Italy's world-renowned food culture by experiencing its regions and well-known recipes, while at the same time, learning of the new ways in which its chefs are moving into the future. Experience the delicacies of cured products in Emilia Romagna, the pesto from Liguria, and the mozzarella from Campania. And who can forget the Prosciutto from Parma. These creations, just as well-known as Italy's Renascence masterpieces, will leave you yearning for more. In that case, there is always a pizza margherita around the corner, or a dish of tortellini in brodo to indulge in. Experience the unmatched pleasure of tasting Italian food in its native environment.
Perhaps you've been dreaming of going to Italy for the first time, or perhaps it's your 20th. A milestone birthday is coming up, or anniversary perhaps and you want to do something special, really memorable. That's why we created this company. To give people the opportunity to have a life-changing travel experience, one that will be remembered for years to come. At LICA, you will travel with a native passionate about all things Italy. You will have exclusive opportunities not typically found on the Internet. You will get to know shop keepers and learn from them. Visit off the beaten path locations and perhaps even run into our family members along the way! If you're planning a trip to Italy and are hesitant to do it on your own, traveling with a native will be key. Join one of our already scheduled tours, or create your own group for a real personalized, once in a lifetime experience.
Every corner in Italy holds wonderful surprises. Encounter the country's rich landscape, historical cities, unique personalities. Fall in love with the soul that is Italy, and we hope that after reviewing our offerings, you will be inspired to take an adventure of a life-time with us!
Perhaps you've been dreaming of going to Italy for the first time, or perhaps it's your 20th. A milestone birthday is coming up, or anniversary perhaps and you want to do something special, really memorable. That's why we created this company. To give people the opportunity to have a life-changing travel experience, one that will be remembered for years to come. At LICA, you will travel with a native passionate about all things Italy. You will have exclusive opportunities not typically found on the Internet. You will get to know shop keepers and learn from them. Visit off the beaten path locations and perhaps even run into our family members along the way! If you're planning a trip to Italy and are hesitant to do it on your own, traveling with a native will be key. Join one of our already scheduled tours, or create your own group for a real personalized, once in a lifetime experience.
Every corner in Italy holds wonderful surprises. Encounter the country's rich landscape, historical cities, unique personalities. Fall in love with the soul that is Italy, and we hope that after reviewing our offerings, you will be inspired to take an adventure of a life-time with us!
