The verbal cataloging of one's meal is part of the pleasure of eating in Italy.

A look at Indian restaurants in Rome, Milan, and Bologna to see if they measure up.

The general rule of thumb is that red wines should be drunk at room temperature.

The easiest way to make a bad risotto is to start with the wrong rice.

America's pumpkin is Italy's zucca, and the approach is different,

The best Vin Santo can weigh in at more than €100. But it's divine.

Saffron, that pungent little flower, is making a subtle comeback on Italian tables.

Artichokes are believed to be one of the more tasty and effective aphrodisiacs.

Nobody, it seems, is supposed to order a cappuccino after mid-morning.

Italian coffee culture never quits. And it won’t yield to iced Frappuccinos. If you’re worried about table charges, take heart. You can get around them. The places below are my top 5 in Rome. But buyer beware: They're known mostly to students, who scrape the bottoms of their book bags seeking spare change for a caffeine fix.

Finding a cheap espresso in Rome is the seeker's joy.