Naples has drawn travelers for centuries: its location on the bay with Mount Vesuvius in the background is among the most spectacular in the world, its historical and artistic attractions are myriad, its food is delicious. Its reputation has always been of a chaotic port city and in recent times problems with crime and garbage have been widely reported. Regardless, it remains a fabulous place to spend time in, a great destination. And, as noted in a New York Times “36 Hours In…” article, there is a cultural and artistic renaissance going on that, among other things, contribute to making it a premier venue for modern art in Italy. Also, pedestrian areas have been increased and even the traffic seems more orderly. All the more reason to visit or return to this city.
Tag: leisure (page 2 of 5)
Two fashion designers from different times are compared and contrasted in this exhibition at the Met. In the clothes and accessories on view, the show is curated to underscore the similarities between the two. Prada’s designs, since they are contemporary, are probably more familiar. This makes Schiaparelli (1893-1973) the more interesting of the two. Her accessories, especially, are fabulous. There is an omnipresent background video of simulated conversations between the two women which is somewhat distracting. The show becomes absorbing if this video is ignored and one goes at a time when the crowds are relatively thin!
In recent years, prosecco, the sparkling wine, has steadily been gaining popularity. Its appeal lies in its generally good quality and its fresh, bright taste. Prosecco, rare for an Italian wine, is named for the grape it is made from. (Today the grape is known as glera.) Most prosecco is produced in the hills – rive – of Valdobbiadene and Conegliano, near Treviso. It usually does not have a vintage and is drunk young. In 2009 a new area for prosecco production was established in Friuli; there large vineyards using mechanical harvesting produce a more generic wine. As a result, winemakers in the original prosecco areas have been trying to distinguish their wines – now called prosecco superiore and designated DOCG, the highest level in Italian wine. Prosecco from these hillsides is today often made from one vintage and sometimes comes from a single vineyard. Producers are also experimenting with different fermentation techniques, both modern and ancient. It all means that prosecco lovers have a wide variety to choose from and some noteworthy wines to taste.
From December 22 to January 5 MOMA will be screening ten Italian films from the 50s and 60s. A few of the films are well-known, such as the ever-popular La Dolce Vita. Others are not as commonly seen in the US – or in Italy. Some of the foremost Italian directors (Visconti, Germi, Monicelli, Risi) of the era are represented in the series. Fans of Anna Magnani can see her in two films: Bellissima and Risate di gioia.
© 2024 italiano per tutti