You’re thinking we’re going to say pizza aren’t you? Well pizza isn’t to be sniffed at… Especially in its motherland Italy. All pizza aside, we thought we’d share some of the favourite delicacies that have gastronome’s flocking to this foodie mecca.

Italy is a country where food is a way of life.  Family, friends, romance, it’s all played out in the food.  Easy on hostel backpackers pursestrings whilst also having some of the world’s most impeccable fine dining, Italian cuisine is loved by everyone.

Here are 5 morsels you simply must try.

Pici

We start under the Tuscan sun, with Pici – a hand rolled pasta, akin to spaghetti.  This pasta dish, like every dish in Italy is steeped in history.  Each family has their own way of making it and their tried and tested best accompaniment.  Spaghetti bol is a staple in most people’s weekly menus but in Italy, you’ve got to try this pimped up pasta.

Olive Oil Chocolate Mousse

Olive oil is so fabulous in Italy, it’s little wonder they don’t pour it on their cereal.  This super healthy oil is added to naughty chocolate resulting in a mousse that dances on your tongue.  You’ll find it almost everywhere and you’ll probably love it a little bit too much.

Spaghetti al Nero di Seppia

Or squid ink pasta to you and I. Totally weird on first glance but completely delicious.  Usually topped with crispy squid, this blackened pasta is a firm favourite for seafood lovers along the Italian coast.

Truffles

Ok, so you might just have to sell your right arm to afford these but seeing as you’re in the country, truffles just have to be tried.  Thinly shaved over eggs, pasta or risotto, truffles are expensive for a reason. They are out of this world.

Affogato

This is a taste sensation in every sense. A bowl of hot coffee with a splodge of cold ice cream dropped in. Rather mad on the taste buds but totally divine. I wonder if this might be allowed as a breakfast? Who said you can’t have ice cream in the morning?

Of course, there are infinite other dishes that should pass your lips whilst travelling in Italy, so just loosen your belt another notch and dig in.

We don’t need many more reasons to want to visit Italy and chatting to Alexandra of the super blog ArtTrav has just made the list even longer!  This lovely lady has a passion for art and her blog combines her both the art world and her life in Italy.  We love it…

Read the full story

The lovely Tanisha of Wonderlust Expat and Lattes and Lipstick (cc) Catalina Alvarez

TraveLinkSites.com talks to the cool and funky Tanisha Shulamit, who’s been making quite a name for herself over on her blogs Lattes and Lipstick and Wonderlust Expat. Tanisha talks travel in Italy, where she’s lived and travelled extensively in places like Rome, Bologna, Venice and Verona. Read the full story