Blog
A Mixologists guide to the perfect Espresso Martini
Tribe Digital
Originally called the ‘Vodka Espresso’, this short cocktail became popular in the 80’s. The first espresso Martini was believed to have been created by a barman in London named Dick Brasdel. Rumour has it, a famous model walked into his bar and asked him to serve up a drink that would ‘wake him up'. Italians have been combining coffee and alcohol for a very long time. In the second half of the 20th century, a dash of spirit was added to their signature espresso and crowned the ‘caffè corretto’. This tipple is enjoyed all over the country, but each region adds its...
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A Definitive Guide To Truffles
Tribe Digital
Truffles are a culinary treasure. They are extremely sought-after all over the globe, but especially in Italy where they are known as ‘tartufo’. In Piedmont and Umbria, harvest season is a time for celebration and the towns even hold popular truffle festivals! A visit to these regions during this time will offer the traveller edible gold in the form of fresh truffles, harvested that very morning. What are truffles? Truffles are grown in soil near the roots of trees. They are commonly produced in Italy where they're always richly aromatic. People often mistake them as a type of mushroom. Although they...
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How to celebrate an Italian Easter
Emily Shaw
Easter is a big deal in Italy. For Italians, it’s the most important holiday after Christmas. Some even prefer it as it’s all about spending time with friends and the larger family circle. In essence, it’s another chance to eat lots of pasta and raise a glass with loved ones. A traditional Italian Easter For many Italians, the holiday holds religious significance because it marks the resurrection of Christ. This is why an entire week is dedicated to the event - known as Holy Week. Holy Week starts the day after Palm Sunday and ends on Easter day. The main...
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Everything you need to know about Burrata cheese
Emily Shaw
Burrata is a type of cheese produced in the Southern region of Puglia, Italy. It's made using mozzarella, rennet and cream (from cow’s milk). Burrata became more widely available in the 1950s. At this point, multiple cheese factories began producing it as a way to use up any leftover mozzarella scraps. This delicious cheese is known for having an unusual texture. It has a solid outer casing, with a soft and creamy centre. It’s extremely indulgent and a great choice for the warmer months ahead! Cut through the unique, solid casing of the burrata to reveal a soft, creamy inside. ...
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How to treat your Mamma this Mother's Day
Emily Shaw
This year, Mother’s Day in the UK falls on Sunday, 14th March. Granted, things are still a bit tricky and you may not be able to celebrate the way you’d like to. We’ve put together a few ideas that may hopefully inspire you and allow you to show your Mamma you care, without physically being there. Flowers for Mother's Day Giving flowers as a gift is a thoughtful and affectionate way of showing someone that you’re thinking about them. You may already know your Mamma’s favourite flower, but if you are stuck for inspiration, a few Italian favourites are bluebells, violets and periwinkles. Sending a bouquet...
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How to create the perfect dining experience at home
Emily Shaw
Italians believe that food should be enjoyed and celebrated through the connection of family and friends. A meal should quite simply never be rushed. Our busy schedules can sometimes interfere with this idea, but it’s important to savour the moment, switch off after a long day and enjoy an indulgent dinner. Considering socialising is off the cards for now, it’s nice to have something to look forward to in the evenings, and making a few changes to your evening routine could ultimately elevate your overall sense of happiness. Here are some small changes you can try in order to transform...
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A Guide To Drinking Coffee In Italy
Emily Shaw
We’re Italian, which means we love coffee. It’s just as much part of our culture as a delicious pasta dish - which is why we’ve created two special blends for you to try. But before you do, get to know the basics of Italian coffee culture - from the absence of the ‘take-away’ to regional specialities. Never drink a cappuccino after 11am Traditionally, Italians will never drink a milky coffee after 11am. Why? Because milk is thought to be too heavy to drink in the afternoon or after a meal. And if you think about how filling a cappuccino or latte can...
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A perfect recipe for romance this Valentine’s Day
Emily Shaw
With Valentine’s Day quickly approaching, our date night options aren’t quite the same this year. While candle-lit restaurants are off the table, it’s time to get creative. After all, the tradition was born from adversity. It’s said that Valentine, a Roman priest who served during the third century, performed secret marriage ceremonies against the Emperor’s orders - he believed it made his soldiers weak and unfit for battle. There are several origin stories about Valentine’s Day, but they all have one thing in common: a kind and romantic figure who acted to preserve love against all odds. Just because you...
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The ultimate guide to Italy’s most loved cheeses
Emily Shaw
Italians love cheese. In fact, Italy has the largest variety of cheese in the world, with over 2,500 traditional kinds. Many of these hold protected status which means their authentic production, unique recipes and traditional names can’t be meddled with by other countries. Many towns have been crafting world-famous cheese for centuries. For example, communities in the Aosta Valley first produced their renowned Fontina cheese in the 12th century. Now awarded protected status, this semi-soft cheese must always be made authentically, using unpasteurized milk from a single milking. At Scarpetta, we use plenty of classic Italian cheeses in our recipes....
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The History of Pasta
Emily Shaw
The origin of pasta really depends on your definition. The ancient Etruscans, who were around from about 900BC, combined and cooked a combination of cereal, grain and water to make a paste. Some consider that an extremely basic form of pasta. However, if we think about the delicious dishes we enjoy today, it’s best to jump forward a few centuries. As with most long-existing foods, there are a few stories about pasta's origin. A common story, but one that’s been debunked, dates pasta back to the 13th century and Marco Polo. The myth says that Polo travelled back to Italy...
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