Allora, Andiamo!

Sharing recipes from my Italian travels, and learning Italian.

Montalcino, Tuscany photo credit: Jay Jackson, 2008

“Allora” is one of my favorite Italian words. It loosely translates to “so”, “then”, “well” “therefore, “anyway” … You can start a conversation with “allora’. You can end a conversation with “allora”; and certainly, if there is a pause in the conversation, “allora” fits right in. When the waiter or waitress approaches your table, “allora” is often their way of letting you know they are ready to take your order.

I have also found that food and food preparation questions are a great way to get Italians talking, and to practice my Italian. I can talk about food all day, and I have found that most Italians I meet can do the same. Allora, I have learned a lot, and gathered many recipes and tips by just starting up conversations about food when I am in Italy. Food is an important part of daily life, and it is absolutely acceptable that while you are eating lunch, you will be talking about what to have for dinner. Works for me!

With the hope of vicariously inspiring you, I am sharing these recipes and tips to a wider group than my close friends and cousins (Ciao, cugine!). After all, travels don’t have to begin on an airplane. So, Let’s go! “Allora, Andiamo!”