RomaPolacchi

Yes, Christmas is over, but it's always the season for a festive meal. L'Espresso's food blog, Cucina , has a great holiday menu for vegetarians . Stefano Mazzone, the chef at Quisi (at the Grand Hotel Quisisana on Capri), has prepared a special menu using regional ingredients and traditions. All the courses would be appropriate at any time of year (except the Neapolitan cake, Struffoli, which should really only be enjoyed at Christmas). The menu begins with a vegetable and cheese bruschetta, moves on to a simple onion pasta, and for the main course Eggplant Parmigiana. Try Google's Translator for the recipes in English. The Italians celebrate Christmas until January 6th, so feel free to serve the Struffoli until then!

At the beginning of 2008 the Italian magazine Altrocosumo held a contest between the coffee shops of Rome and Milan. The coffee testers of the Istituto internazionale assaggiatori caffè tried coffees in both cities. Rome won and nine of its coffee shops were designated winners . Who will win in 2009? Below is a list of the best coffee shops in Rome. Caffe Colonna nella Galleria Sordi was given the top rating. Receiving honorable mentions were Caffe Maneschi (via del Corso), and Tazza d'oro (via degli Orfani), l'Antico Caffe Greco (Via Condotti), Giolitti (Via offici Vicariate) Sant'Eustachio (Piazza Sant ' Eustachio), Rosati (Piazza del Popolo), Baby Bar (via del Corso), Castroni Caffè (Via Flaminia) and Bar Centralissimo (Via S. Maria). Buon Gusto!

On the eastern side of Sicily, not too far from Palermo , is a lovely national seashore untouched and out of the way. Zingaro is a preserve that will have nature enthusiasts singing its praises. The waters are pristine, the beaches and cliffs are not too crowded in summer (although weekends can be pretty busy) and there are unlimited hiking trails. Every inch of the preserve is covered in wildflowers and protected plants. For the diving enthusiasts, there are reefs and coves to explore. One day is not enough to appreciate Zingaro -you will want to come back again and again.

Star chef Mario Batali knows Italian food and admits that the Amalfi Coast is his favorite foodie spot . Don't miss the alici marinate (marinated anchovies, a specialty of the region) and be sure to visit these restaurants in Positano, Amalfi and Massa Lubrense. In Amalfi he recommends da Gemma and la Caravella . In Positano be sure to try Il Capitano , Chez Black and La Sponda at Le Sirenuse .In Massa Lubrense, out of the way and hard to find, he loves Taverna del Capitano and Quattro Passi.

If you didn't get a chance to visit the Piazza Fontanella Borghese to buy antique prints when you were in Rome, relax. You can get them on-line through philographikon.com. You will be amazed at the selection of historical and architectural prints depicting Rome (and other cities and countries). Prices range from around $40 to over $1000 and Philographikon actually carries much more than they have on-line. If there's something that you want and they don't have it, you can contact them. Chances are they have what you are looking for.

The tiny island of Ustica off the coast of Sicily has definitely not been discovered by tourists yet-well, maybe some Sicilian tourists. Just a short ferry boat ride from Palermo (take the aliscafi -hydrofoil), Ustica offers some of the best diving and snorkeling in the Tyrrhenian Sea. Everything about the island is pristine, including its little town. Ustica even boasts its own Blue Grotto, almost as impressive as the one on Capri. Hotel La Grotta Azzurra is named for this cave and offers a great pool to relax seaside. Most hotels on the island are very simple (and quite affordable!). Profondo Blu can help you find a boat and captain to take you out on the sea for exploring, swimming and diving.

Originally built in the 12th century, the Hotel Palumbo was a private palazzo until 1875, when its owners turned it into a hotel. The great composer Richard Wagner stayed there and even composed many pieces on the piano which is still in use at the hotel. The public rooms were decorated in the 1600s and incorporate intricately frescoed ceilings and Greek and Roman columns from Paestum and around the Amalfi Coast. The hotel's restaurant, Confalone , makes use of these grand rooms and includes a terrace overlooking one of the most spectacular views of the Amalfi Coast. The hotel is an exquisite marvel, worth visiting even if the high room rates (600 Euros for a double in the summer!) make a stay out of the question. Stop in during the evening to truly make the most of this romantic place.