Il Divo

Then:

Now:

Italiano Problems

Key phrases:

• can you help me? puo aiutarmi?
• I speak very little Italian. parlo molto poco l’italiano
• does anyone here speak English? c’e qualcuno che parla inglese?
• what’s the matter? che cosa c’e?
• I would like to speak to whoever is in charge of XXX: Vorrei parlare con chi e incaricato di
• I am lost: mi sono smarrito
• How do you get to? Come si far per andare a
• I missed my train/plane/conncetion: ho person il treno/l’aereo/la coincidenza
• Can you show me how this works? Mi fa vedere  come funziona ?
• I have lost my money. Ho perso i miei soldi
• I need to get to: Devo andare a
• Leave me alone: mi lasci in pace!
• go away! se ne vada!

Italiano Petrol

Key phrases:

• super: 4 star
• senza piombo/benzina verde: unleaded
• gasolio: diesel
• fill it up please: il pieno per favore
• please check the oil: per favore controlli l’olio
• can you check the tire pressure? mi puo controllate la pressione delle gomme?
• where do I pay? dove pago?
• can I pay by credit card? posso pagare con la carta di credito?
• Manca un po’ d’olio: you need some oil
• tutta a posto: all is well

Lunar Eclipse

A lovely lunar eclipse. Luckily for other reasons that fund my holiday I am up all night. Before dawn today, the Earth’s shadow darkens the bright full moon and it was time to look up into the skies. It lasted an hour and a half, to go from dull to dusky brown to orange red, depending on how dusty your subdivision was. A lunar eclipse occurs when the full moon and sun oppose one another in space as the Earth in between shadows the entire moon surface, but some indirect sunlight hits the moon surface. The earth’s atmosphere filters out most of the sun’s blue light but the red frequencies light up the moon rocks. The moon is always safe to look at so you can gaze or use a telescope/binoculars. There is no visual danger. The outline of the Earth shadow is always curved because we are round, wrote Aristotle historically but without fully realizing we are a blue ball. Tonight was one of the longest lunar eclipses we have had so I hope you caught it in time. Chabot had a “Once in A Red Moon” all night viewing party with lunar themed music from 2200 last night. There have been 58 lunar eclipses this century and they continue to fascinate me. Mythologically they have eerie significances. The partial eclipse began at 0151 PST, totalling from 0252 until 0422, then partialling until 0524. I hope you were out there to catch it.

Missing America

Italiano Colours

Key phrases:

• black- nero
• blue: blu
• light blue: azzurro
• navy blue: blu marino
• gold: oro
• green: verde
• grey: grigio
• orange: arancione
• pink: rosa
• purple: viola
• red: rosso
• silver: argenteo
• turquoise: turchese
• white: bianco
• yellow: giallo
• chiaro: light
• scuro: dark
• big: grande
• fat: grasso
• flat: piatto
• large: grosso
• long: lungo
• narrow: stretto
• pointed: appuntito
• round: rotondo
• small: piccolo
• square: quadrato
• tall: alto
• thick: spesso
• thin: magro
• tiny: piccolino
• wide: largo

Barolo Annuals

When you buy a bottle of My Favorite Varietal in the World, you would be well served to check the vintage. Fear not, here’s a guide for you -

1976: Mediocre

1977: Usual

1978: Grand!

1979: Optimal

1980: Optimal

1982: Grand!

1983: Optimal

1984: Good

1985: Grand!

1986: Good

1987: Usual

1988: Optimal

1989: Grand!

1990: Exceptional

1991: Good.

1992: Mediocre

1993: Optimal

1994: Usual

1995: Grand!

1996: Exceptional!!

1997: Exceptional!!

1998: Grand!

1999: Grand!

2000: Exceptional!!

2001: Exceptional!!

2002: Mediocre

2003: Grand!

2004: Exceptional!!

2005: Grand!

2006 – Trick question. Not so fast. You have to oak age for two years to the Monday beforeyou release or sample.

If you’re new to Barolo world, stick with the Grand or Exceptional vin

Italiano Signage

Key phrases:

• acqua potabile: drinking water
• affittasi: to rent
• alt: stop
• ascensiore: life
• bigglietti: tickets
• caldo: hot
• camere: rooms to let
• cassa: cashier desk
• chiuso: closed
• completo: no vacancy
• deposito bagagli: left luggage
• enoteca: wine tasting
• entrata: entry
• entrata libera: free admit
• freddo: cold
• fumatori: smokers
• fuori servizio: out of order
• guasto: out of commission
• libero: free
• occupato: engaged
• pieanterreno : ground floor
• privato: private
• saldi: sale
• so noleggiano: for hire
• spingere: ush
• spuntini: snacks
• suonare: ring
• uscita: exit
• vendesi: for sale
• vietato fumare: no smoking
• vietato l’ingresso: no entry

Italiano Rental

Key phrases:

• driving license: la patente
• fully comprehensive insurance: la polizza a casco
• reverse gear: la retromarcia
• I want to hire a car for XXX days- vorrei noleggiare una macchina per XX giorni
• with automatic gears: col cambio automatico
• what cars do you have? che tipo di macchina avete?
• what are your rates? quanto costa?
• per day? al giorno
• per week? per settimana
• how much is the deposit? quant’e l’anticipo?
• do you take credit cards? accettate le carte di credito?
• is there a mileage charge? so paga per chilometro?
• how much is it? quant’e?
• must I return the car here? devo ritornare la macchina qui?
• by what time? per che ora?
• I’d like to leave it in… vorrei lasciarla a
• how do the controls work? come funzionano i comandi
• ritorni la macchina con il serbatoio pieno – return with a full tank

Piemonte Wineries

Some suggestions:

• Abrigo Giovanni (Via S Croce 9, Diano d’Alba; 39-173-69129; g.abrigo@giovanni.it) for the lovely flat round soft hazelnuts, dolcetti, barbera and nebbiolo
• Azienda Vinicola Colli Favorita (Bra; favorita@itbiz.com). A good Barbera
• Mauro Sebaste (Via Garibaldi 222, Fz Gallo 12051 Alba; 173-262-148; maurosebaste@areacom.it)
• Atelier Ceretto (San Cassiano 34, Alba; 39-0173-282582; ceretto@ceretto.com)
• Michele Chiarlo (www.chiarlo.it)
• Marchesi Incisa della Rocchetta (Via Roma 66, Rocchetta Tanaro, Asti; 39-0141-644-647; marchesi.incisa@lacortechiusa.it); go for the cooking class

Torino Cioccolato

You would be considered mental if you were in Torino and did not pay homage to Peyrano Fabbrica (the Italian Willy Wonka) which is at Corso Moncalieri, 47 (cross streets via Duchessa Jolanda Angolo and via Principi d’Acaja; bus #18; 0900-1230 and 1500-1930 closed Sundays; 011-660-2202). Of the more than 60 varietals (note the word used), the one to try is giandujotti, an alchemic mixture of cioccolati and the round gentle hazelnut of Piemonte that makes Nutella taste like pulverized sawdust paste. You should also taste cialde (hazelnut wafers), Sicilian almonds (try with the Albarino), and caramelized puffed rice covered with pure dark chocolate. The store at Corso Vittorio Emanuelle II, 76 also has the pastry production line. Pick up some chocolate boxes, designed by Ettore Sotssass, Ricardo Dalisi or Alessandro Mendini. The old style shop on Via Andrea Doria, 2B is for tourists.

Say it again, slowly – tonde gentile nocciola.

Just Called

Then

Now

The last three notes (C, C, C) are the best.

Travel Stocking

Some ideas for stocking stuffers for friends going away on holiday:

• International adapter plug
• Ear plugs
• Slipper socks
• Sleep aid
• Airborne
• Baggage tags
• Sanitizer
• Moisturizer

Combal.Zero

Foodies know Davide Scabin likes to tease and play. At the hyperdesigned contemporary art museum in Rivoli (outside Torino) is the home of the glass enclosed Combal.Zero (with its funky website) which has a cult following for his out there food with weird names. Cyberegg is soft orange unfertilized yolk, vodka and caviar encased in a gelatin shell/cell. Virtual oyster is watermelon, salted and air dried roe (bottarga) and almond paste that tastes improbably like oyster (I have confirmation). Foie gras milk shake served in a VERY tall glass with a straw. The seating s very uncomfortable but he has a Michelin star so they won’t be updating soon. (Castello di Rivoli, Piazza Mafalda di Savoia; 011-39-011-956-52-25). For something more earthy, go to Caffe Groppi which also has a Michelin one-star. Belgian beer and cioccolati in a gorgeous gelee (Via Mameli, 20; 011-39-0321-711-54).

Londontown Indian

Maharani: 77 Berwick St, London W1V3PF. 0871-0757268 (tube: Oxofrd Circus)

Gopals of Soho: 12 Bateman St, London W1D 4AH. 0871-3328831 (tube: Tottenham Court road)

Chennai Dosa: 353 High Street North, Manor Park, E12 6PQ. 0871-0757314 (tube: East Ham)

Cochin: 111 High road, East Finchley, N2 8AG. 0871-14268823 (tube: East Finchley)

Masala Zone: 9 Marshall St, Soho, W1F 7ER. 0871-2238056 (tube: Oxford Circus)

Imli: 167-169 Wardour St, W1F 8WR. 0871-0751069 (tube: Tottenham Court road)

The Cinnamon Club: Old Westminster Library, Great Smith St, SW1P 3BU. 0845-166-4253 (tube: St. James’ Park)

Veeraswamy: 99-101 Regent St, W1B 4RS. 0871-3328569 (tube: Piccadilly Circus)

Benares: 12 Berkeley Square, W1J 6BS. 0871-0757047 (tube: Green Park)

Chowki: 2-3 Denman St, W1D 7HA. 0871-3328062 (tube: Piccadilly Circus)

Torino Dining

La Gola (Corso Matteotti 59, Torino; 011-511-1012) is near the Porta Susa stazione and not far from centro. Domenico Cairola (the owner) is a legendary Alpine climber from the fifties who lost his toes from frost bite after staying up all night below 30 to help an injured friend. Dom chooses the wines himself from vineyards too small to reach overseas fame. Do not even bother collecting corks. You won’t see the bottle ever again. Just get sloshed. 80 Euro for two, which includes antipasti, primi, secondi, dolci AND a bottle of wine. Not for people watching but the hoi polloi are not here.

La Prima dal 1979 Moreno (Cordo Unione Sovietica 244; 011-317-9657 ) features small plates. Too many small plates if you ask me. Good people watching. Pricey.

Torino is known for chocolates so you should immediately go to Peyrano (Corso Moncalieri 47; or Corso Vittorio Emanuele II 76); and Guido Gobino (Via Cagliari 15/B)

Trattoria Torricelli (Via Torricelli, 51;011-581-9508) is great to find long shift cops and solo diners. Known for its chestnut pasta and truffle sauce.

Casa Vicina (Via Massena 66, cross street is Corso Sommeriller, not far from Torricelli; 011-590-949) is elegant and very traditional. While modern, it is not lifeless. Expensive because it is inside the Hotel Boston.

Le Antiche Sere (Via Cenischia 9, near Corso Peschiera; 011-385-4347) is one of the last family owned traditional pimontese trattorie left. Great wine, limited choices but hardcord piemontese food. Bookings are a must. Only dinner is served and it is closed Sundays.

Sixty Years

Italiano Airfare

Key phrases:

• arrivi: arrivals
• controllo passaporti: passport control
• ritiro bagabgli: baggage reclaim
• uscita: exit
• Where is the luggage for the flight from? Scusi, dov’e il bagaglio del volo da?
• Where can I change some money? Scusi, dove posso cambiare i soldi?
• How do I get into town? Come si va in cittta?
• partenze: departures
• sala: lounge
• carta d’imbarco: boarding card
• imbarco: boarding gate
• ritardo: delay
• volo: flight
• where do I check in for.. Dove in check-in per il volo XXX per XXX
• which is the departure gate for: Qual e l’uscita per il volo per
• l’imbarco sara all’uscita numero – boarding will take place at gate number
• vada subito all’uscito numero: hurry to gat enumber
• il volo… e in ritardo di: flight delay !
• I’d like to reconfirm my flight to: vorrei la conferma per il mio volo a
• Is the flight to XXX delated/ Il volo per XX e in ritardo?

Italiano Weather

Key phrases:

• weather forecast – previsioni del tempo
• changeable weather: tempo variabile
• fine: bello
• cloudy: nuvoloso
• it’s sunny: c’e il sole
• it’s rianing: piove
• what a lovely day: che bella giornata
• what awful weather: che brutto tempo
• what will the weather be like tomorrow? come sara il tempo domani?
• do you think it will rain? pensa che piovera?
•  it is very hot today. fa molto caldo oggi
• what is the temperature? quanti gradi ci sono?

Torino Ten

Ten things you do not know about Torino:

• Torino on the 45th Parallel is one of the vertices of the Triangle of White Magic with Prague and Lyon; and the Triangle of Black Magic with Londontown and SFO. Nostradamus lived here and the Holy Grail is buried here. Somewhere. Take a Magic Tour.
• Museo Egizio has 30,000 Egyptian artefacts, the largest collection outside Cairo.
• if you buy a Cioccolato Pass, you can use it for 15 treats from any store but try giandutto, a blend of cioccolate, hazlenuts, and sugar, the pre-Nutella.
• Between 1861 and 1864, it was the first capitol of reunified Italy
• The Shroud of Torino is not scheduled for public display until 2025 but you can see the chest that stores it.
• Vermouth was born here in 1786 so it is a nightly tradition at each cafe.
• Its royal Savoyard palazzos are listed as UNESCO World Heritage sites
• The Italian Job (not the Marky Mark version) is one of many films made here. Guests at the Meridien Lingotto hotel (housed in a former FIAT factory) can jog around on the rooftop test track used in the movie. Visit the National Museum of Cinema.
• Juventus is one of the most popular futbol teams in the world with over 10 million Italian (100 million worldwide) fans.
• The world’s oldest map was on display to the public earlier last year at Palazzo Bricherasio

Piemonte Basics

Of the twenty regions in Italy, Piemonte is the most international and northwest. It is bounded by the Alps on three sides and thus France and Switzerland, beside the Italian regions of Liguria, Valle d’Aosta and Lombardy. Critical to accelerating the unification of Italia (sometimes called Piedmontization), it was initially part of the Kingdom of Sardinia, thanks to the Counts of Savoy annexing the territory as part of their empire building plan. After losing in war to Austria, Torino (the current capitol) became the capitol of reunited Italia. Paradoxically, with increasing geography, the capitol shifted to Firenze and now to Roma.

Piemonte is home to UNESCO world heritage sites such as the residences of the Royal Houses of Savoy and the Sacri Monti (di Cria, di Ghiffa and di Domodossola). Piemonte (foot of the mountain) itself bespeaks its anatomy at the foot of Monviso (Mount Vis) where the Po arises. Monviso is part of the Alps.

Piemonte is one of the greatest wine regions in the world and home to my favorites, Barolo and Barbaresco. It also gives rise to Barbera, Moscato and the lesser known varietals of Dolcetto, Freisa, Nebbiolo, Grignolino and Brachetto. Torino is home to Fiat cars and hosted the Olympics in 2006. Biella produces exquisite silks. This year, it hosted the Universiades, Olympics for students. Cuneo is the home of Ferrero’s chocolate factories.

Emporio Diamonds

Italiano Wines

Key phrases:

• the wine list, please: la lista dei vini
• white/red wine: vino bianco/rosso
• can you recommend a good local wine? ci puo consigliare un buon vino locale?
• a bottle: una bottiglia
• a carafe: una caraffa
• house wine: di vino della casa
• what liquors do you have? quali liquiri avete?

Blue Genes

Pick one 

Italiano Vegetarian

Key phrases:

• are there any vegetarian restaurants here? ci sono dei ristoranti per vegetariani?
• plates – piarri per vegetariani?
• which dishes have no meat/fish? quali piatti no n hanno carne/pesce?
• I’d like pasta as a main dish. Vorrei un piatto di pasta come secondo
• What do you recommend? Che cosa mi consiglia?
• Is it made with vegetable stock? E fatto con dadi vegetariani?
• Insalata mista
• Insalata tricolore/caprses
• minestrone
• pasta al sugo/al pomodoro
• pasta al pesto
• peperonata
• pizza ai funghi
• polenta uncia
• riso in bianco

Italiano Body

Key phrases:

He has hurt his – Si e fatto male..

I’ve broken my – Ho rotto…

• ankle: la caviglia
• arm: il braccio
• back: la schiena
• bone: l’osso
• ear: l’orechio
• eye: l’occhio
• finger: il dito
• foot: il piede
• hand: la mano
• head: la testa
• heart: il cuore
• hip: l’anca
• joint: l’articolazione
• kidney: il rene
• knee: il ginocchio
• leg: la gama
• liver: il fegato
• mouth: la bocca
• muscle: il muscolo
• neck: il collo
• nose: il naso
• shoulder: la spalla
• stomach: lo stomaco
• throat: la gola
• thumb: il pollice
• toe: il dito del piede
• wrist: il polso

Italiano Lodging

Key phrases:

• albergo: hotel
• completo: full
• camere: rooms available
• single: singola
• double: doppia
• with bath: con bagno
• with shower: con doccia
• quiet room: una camera tranquilla
• we’d like two rooms adjacnet: vorremmo due camere attigue
• we’d like to stay XXX nights: vorremmo restare per XXX notti dadl XXX al XXX

Italiano Food

Key phrases:

• cookie: biscotti
• bread: pane
• bread roll: panino
• brown bread: pane integrale
• butter: burro
• cheese: formaggio
• coffee instant: caffe solubile
• cream: panna
• Ruffles: patatine
• eggs: uova
• flour: la farina
• herbal tea: l’infuso di erbe
• honey: il miele
• jam: la marmellata
• OJ: il succo d’arance
• margarine: la margarina
• milk: il latte
• olive oil: l’olio d’oliva
• pepper: il pepe
• rice: il riso
• salt: il sale
• sugar: lo zucchero
• tomatoes: pelati
• vinegar: l’aceto
• yoghurt: lo yogurt

Bourne Ultimatum

It is here. And it is fantastic. (Early premiere in Hong Kong)

Italiano Drinking

Key phrases:

• espresso: strong small coffee
• cappuccino: frothy white coffee (before 1100 only)
• caffe americano: black filter coffee
• caffe corretto: coffe laced with grappa
• caffe: coffee
• birra: beer
• orange juice: un’aranciata
• un te: tea
• al latte: with milk
• con limone: with lemon
• senza zucchero: no sugar
• per due: for two
• per me: for me
• per lui/lei: for him/her
• per noi: for us
• con ghiaccio: with ice
• a bottle of mineral water: una bottiglia d’acqua minerale
• sparkling: gassata
• still: naturale
• would you like to have a drink? prende qualcoda da bere?
• what will yu have? che cosa predne?
• I’m very thirsty: ho molta sete
• I’m paying: pago io!
• analcolico: non alcoholic
• chinotto: fizzy orangina
• cioccolata calda: hot cocoa
• spermuta di: freshly squeezed juive of