What's ailing Italy? Read The Economist

This special report from The Economist (you can see the cover in this photo) is the most thorough I've seen on Italy's economic, social and institutional problems. Oh it ain't pretty! But if you're at all interested in Italy, it's definitely worth a read.

In fact, you can even order reprints! (Sadly enough, I'm thinking of doing just that).

Another English-language periodocal, The New Yorker, has also produced a solid report (below) on Berlusconi's shenanigans, and what it says about the country he rules.

Italian beer guide

Il Nostro Inviato's friend, Mike, gave him this guide to Italian beers, and I've been meaning to post a photo for a long time.

There's a beer revolution going on in Italy, and if you wanted to plan a trip around Italian breweries and innovative beer bars, this book would be your guide.

Actually, I think Il Nostro Inviato would like to do just that!

And there are some really good Italian craft beers. I suppose it shouldn't be surprising since Italians simply know what to do once they have good ingredients in their hands whether you're talking about food or drink.

Caffe Kimbo @ Toscano & Sons

Do you remember a few months back I was oohing and ahhing over Caffe Kimbo?

Turns out I CAN buy it in Atlanta at Toscano & Sons on Atlanta's Westside.

YAY!

While I was shopping there for coffee and biscotti and fresh bread, I also picked up a really great mozzarella and prosciutto sandwich.

They'll make them fresh for you so stop in -- you won't be disappointed.

Buon appetito!

Toscano & Sons Italian Market
1000 Marietta St NW # 106
Atlanta, GA 30318-0524
(404) 815-8383

Alla ricerca di ciambelline in USA

Va bene, sinceramente, non si trovano facilmente le buone ciambelline qui.

Quelle che si vedono nella foto erano buone, ma con rispetto alle amatissime (da me) paste italiane, erano troppo zuccherose e troppo pesanti.

Beh, allora, bisogna che io mi fermi presto dalla pasticcieria Patrizio Cosi a Firenze (magari!).