La Dolce Vita
The Key to a Beautiful, Italian-Style Summer
Photo via www.ilsanpietro.com
Close your eyes, lovers, and travel with us to Italy—the enchanting oasis of mesmerizing landscapes, rich history, and culinary delights. Picture yourself amongst the oh-so-savory pasta aromas, the tantalizing tang of limoncello on your lips, and the rhythmic beats of tennis balls on the court; an Italian summer that truly is "La Dolce Vita."
How, you ask, can we embrace this delectable “Sweet Life” while stateside? Worry not, beautiful people! We have you covered with three essentials to transform your world with the delights and characteristics of the dreamy (and leisure-heavy) Italian essence.
Step 1: Slow Down
Looking at you, our fellow New Yorkers, as you weave (at the Speedy Gonzales pace of 5mph), through flocks of people on the city sidewalks. Take a breather. Look at the scenery. Pretend you don’t actually have anything to do (even if it’s false!). Having “places to be” and “things to do” is such a post-labor day sentiment. Yawn. Stroll without a purpose and let the day take you wherever it plans. Indulge in an afternoon apertivo or a late night espresso. Bar Pisellino, described as a place “dedicated to the Italian art of drinking,” is our favorite spot for an Italian style pre-dinner drink in New York City.
Photo via www.ilsanpietro.com
Step 2: Be Sportif and Sexy
Maybe it’s all the stair climbing required to get anywhere, or maybe Italians just take looking sexy very seriously, but I’ve never seen an unfit person frolicking around the Amalfi coast. Nor have I ever seen one with a sunburn, which is likely a testament to most Italians native melanin, but it’s a reminder to us all to lather up on sunscreen and keep that skin bronzed and beautiful. Regardless the reasons, the inspiring vision is clear: Take care of yourself! And what better way to stay fit and glowing than on the courts? Enjoy a leisurely morning then stroll to your favorite court for a pre-lunch match. Flying solo? Practice your serve or head to a tennis wall for target drills and sprints. Don’t forget to lather up with SPF! Being safe is gorgeous, lovers.
Photo via Bruna Bronco
Step 3: Treat Yourself!
It wouldn’t be called “The Sweet Life” if it didn’t include some type of reward, am I right? The Italians obsession with food and entertaining is a timeless love affair that only blossoms in summer's warm glow. From the classics like spaghetti alla carbonara to the divine seafood linguine, summer in Italy unfurls a sensory feast that beckons locals and travelers alike. So indulge yourself and cook up an Italian feast while drinking wine with friends. For dessert, let Italy's spirited elixir, limoncello, be the star of the show. A masterpiece from the Amalfi Coast, the Italians, true artists, extracted the very essence of lemons to conjure a refreshingly tangy elixir. A gracious gesture of hospitality, limoncello channels the vivacious spirit of Italian summers and will warm and delight your guests.
Don’t have time to host? Give yourself the night off and savor these delectable masterpieces at your local “trattoria”. Read about some of our favorite Italian restaurants in New York City here. Bon Appetit!
So, my fellow connoisseurs of life, take a cue from the Italians and let the dolce vita beckon you to a relaxing and indulgent summer.