The Vinegar of Spilamberto: And Other Italian Adventures with Food, Places, and People

by Doris Muscatine, Alice Waters (Foreword)

In 1958, Doris Muscatine’s husband, a medieval scholar, got a Fulbright for a year of research in Italy. They lived in Rome and almost immediately became hopeless Italophiles. The Vinegar of Spilamberto is the enchanting story of their experiences. The couple returned often, staying in various apartments—a house in Venice, a medieval tower in Tuscany, and a villa on the Appia Antica with its own catacombs.

From such small places as Populonia and Rovescala to bigger ones like Riace and Dozza, the family immersed themselves in the Italy off the typical tourist tracks. Muscatine describes the extreme cultural differences everywhere, but most notable in Sicily, and delights in various foods—including Il Ranocchio, dall’antipasto al dolce (The Frog, from antipasto to dessert)—and the wines that went with them. Chapters are devoted to the Italian appreciation of slow food and of special products such as truffles and balsamic vinegar.

Genres: Italy, Food

224 pages, Hardcover

First published September 28, 2005

Reviews

[Marlene · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think this book would be more interesting to someone who has traveled in Italy. I would have liked to have learned more about the culture and incidences that the author ran into than the food. But food is her line. She wrote about many different parts of Italy and the differences from one place to the other. I envy her opportunity to travel and it was interesting to learn about the regions that produce some of the different foods. If you are into cuisine, do read this.

[Kathy · Rating 3 out of 5]

The setting for this work of non-fiction is Italy. The author writes of her experiences with food, places, and people. I have been to many of the locations of which she writes. I have a picture in my mind as I read her words. If you have not been to Italy.....I do not think that you would especially enjoy this book. But...since I have spent time in many of the locations, the book brought back memories of enjoyable times.

[Micha · Rating 3 out of 5]

Brought back memories of our trips to Italy

[Lu]

Tvl in the 50's and then culinary bounty 50 years later

[Sue · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very descriptive of places and food. It doesn't read like a story and is very detailed in many areas.