🇮🇹 In Search of the BEST Gelateria
Does such a thing exist? Here's how to tell if your gelato is up to par. Plus, stumbling upon citizenship, making sense of Italian flours, and an intimate (but well-connected) location spotlight.
The Art of Choosing the BEST Gelateria 🍨 😋
If you’ve been to Italy, you know the dilemma. You’re wandering through your favorite hilltop village, seaside town, or city center when the overwhelming urge for gelato hits you. Fortunately, there are (usually) many gelaterie to choose from, but what do you do next? Just jump into the first shop you see or are you a bit more discriminating when it comes to your cold treats?
There are those occasions when gelato, ANY gelato, will do, but if you really want to find the best artisanal selections, you may have to do a bit of hunting. These treasures are often hidden away in a cobblestoned alley, identified only by a simple sign and the long line of connoisseurs pouring out of the front door. Trust us, the hunt is worth it.
Sometimes it seems like every gelateria is competing for the most elaborate display with colorful flavors bursting out of their trays, sprinkled with irresistible add-ins that beckon you like chocolate chips, fresh fruit, and shredded coconut. It’s literally like walking into a candy store. But these bright displays may do more for your eyes than your taste buds.
The absolute best gelaterie take a more subtle approach. The color of the gelato is much more subdued, especially when it comes to flavors that logically shouldn’t be brightly colored, like pistachio, hazelnut, or lemon. Check out how the flavors are displayed. A tell-tale sign of freshness is when the gelato is almost hidden in metal tins under the counter (sometimes even covered with a lid). Also, notice how the gelato is served. If it’s with a flat paddle, not a scoop, you can expect a decadent dessert with proper density.
Italians take gelato very seriously so consider doing the same next time you’re on the hunt for a sweet treat.
Community Success - Stumbling Upon Citizenship
Sandy Ferlisi knew she wanted to live in Italy when she retired so, like most people in her shoes, she started her journey on the Chicago consulate website looking at the qualifications for an ERV. While there, she stumbled on the citizenship by descent page and started casually perusing. After investigating, it appeared that she might qualify for citizenship through jure sanguinis, but she still had a lot of questions.
Rather than trudge through the requirements on her own, she reached out to Smart Move Italy’s citizenship team for a review of her file. Once we confirmed her eligibility, Sandy’s journey was underway.
She’s now on the other side of the process after being officially recognized as an Italian citizen and is ready to share some of the lessons learned along the way.
❓ Why did you want to pursue recognition?
I have long considered myself a "transnational." I am an American, but have always felt more Italian in every way. Securing Italian citizenship would allow me to live full-time in Italy and pursue my authentic Italian life.
❓ Why did you utilize the services of SMI?
Being familiar with the difficulties and often slow pace of Italian bureaucracy, I knew I needed professional help. In addition, I was unable to get ANY appointment at the Chicago consulate — it wasn't even a matter of an appointment two years into the future. They were simply not accepting ANY appointment requests. I was not about to give up before I even started so I turned to SMI to determine what, if any, other options I might have. SMI made me aware of the "No Appointment" route which was my path to success.
❓ What was the experience like?
All pathways to living in Italy are difficult and fraught with frustrations, but I think citizenship by descent is, perhaps, the most difficult because of the many different entities you must rely upon to secure the required documentation. I elected to procure my own documents and had to deal with four US states and two Italian communes. This part of the process took nearly 18 months to complete.
❓ What advice would you give others in a similar situation?
Don't ever give up. I was told my father's birth certificate could not be located. This could have ended everything right there, but I refused to accept this. I kept inquiring and pushing until a dusty old hard copy was found in an old records book in a back room of the county courthouse. Don't lose sight of your ultimate goal and keep persevering. It WILL happen.
❓ What's it like to be recognized?
It feels great. I have a great feeling of accomplishment but also so much anticipation and excitement about starting my new life in Florence.
If you’re inspired by Sandy’s story and are curious about your own potential path to citizenship, visit our citizenship page👇🏽and then schedule a call with our team. We’re excited to get your journey started!
A Guide to Italian Flours 🥖 🍪 🍝
Eating in Italy can be equated to many things…heaven, a sport, an art, a science. The science part is evident when you stand in front of the flour section at an Italian market and see a myriad of different labels staring back: 00, 0, 1, 2, W180, W250, W330. What does this all mean and should you care? Aren’t all flours the same?
Depending on your home country, you may only be familiar with a limited variety of flour types. In the US, for example, an all-purpose flour is typically a combination of soft white and red hard wheat. It is used for pretty much everything. Of course, there are pastry flours and bread flours but most people stick to all-purpose because it’s, well, for all purposes (in theory).
In Italy, however, food is a delicate combination of creativity and specificity. Flour, the foundation of many Italian delights, is serious business. The North of Italy produces mainly soft white wheat, which is used for pastries, breads, pizza dough, and delicate pasta such as ravioli, tortellini, and tagliatelle (think of anything that requires a sheet of dough). The South produces mainly durum wheat, a more rustic variety used for “dragged” pasta like cavatelli, orecchiette, and spaghetti.
The labels on soft white are where confusion can set in. This chart will help you make sense of it all:
Beyond the flour type is a W-rating, which indicates the strength of the flour or gluten content. A “weaker” flour has around 8-9% protein and a W rating of 90-180. A “strong” flour has 15-16% protein and a W rating of 350-380. The higher the W, the more moisture it absorbs. For perspective, a lower W rating would be best for cakes, pastries, and some pizza crusts while a higher rating is ideal for rustic breads like ciabatta.
If you’re still a bit unsure, know that it may take some time living in Italy to make sense of it all so…what are you waiting for? We’ll see you here!
Why Moving to Italy Changed Our Lives Forever—And It Could Change Yours Too!
In this episode of *A New Life in Italy*, we dive deep into the stories of two modern-day creators who took the leap and moved to Italy, discovering a life they never imagined possible. From the breathtaking hills of Todi to the bustling art scenes, see how Italy's timeless beauty has not only fueled their creativity but also completely transformed their lives.
Moving to Italy as a North American might seem like a daunting challenge, but it's an experience that can unlock a world of inspiration and new beginnings. Whether you're an artist, musician, or simply someone yearning for a fresh start, Italy offers more than just stunning landscapes—it offers a new way of life.
Are you ready to take the plunge? Watch this👇🏽episode and imagine yourself walking these same streets, breathing in the same inspiration. This could be you!
Location Spotlight - Cuneo, Piedmonte
The region of Piedmonte is a true Italian treasure full of opportunities to adventure. Whether you gravitate toward historic landmarks, awe-inspirint architecture, outdoor activities or restaurant-hopping, this area of Italy has everything you want, all rolled up in a truly stunning landscape. One of the most characteristic areas of Piedmonte are the Langhe Hills, home to many famous grape varieties, world-class wineries and a general sense of overwhelming tranquility.
Here you’ll also find the town of Cuneo. Often overshadowed by its more famous neighbors, particuarly Turin and the French Riviera, Cuneo’s welcoming atmosphere and rich culture make it worthy of consideration for those thinking about a new life in Italy (plus, you’ll avoid the crowds!).
If you’ve been known to experience “Goldilocks syndrome,” Cuneo should be on your list of must-visit locations. It’s not too big, not too small, but just right if you want a wide range of ammenities, excellent transportation options and just the right amount of hustle and bustle without feeling cramped.
When you go, grab a coffee and soak in the atmosphere from the Pizza Galimberti (named after a local hero of World War I) and don’t miss the stunning Cathedral of Santa Maria del Bosco or the Museum of the Monastery of San Francesco. Beyond these popular spots, Cuneo has many quaint nooks and crannies to discover, some full of artisal shops with local products, others featuring one-of-a-kind art or cozy trattorie serving up famous Piedmontese cuisine (hello truffles and risotto!).
Overall, Cuneo is perfect for those seeking an intimate vibe in one of the most picturesque parts of Italy. It truly is a special place. Is Cuneo speaking your language? Continue the conversation from this beautifully restored country house. 👇🏽This could be an ncredible opportunity to own a (possibly) 2-unit apartment close to ammenities with an amazing view and charming finishes. And the asking price is just as impressive (€150,000).
Want to see all the details? Don’t forget to subscribe to Vendita for 30 property picks sent to you every Sunday. To subscribe via email, click here or join our Telegram channel. It’s completely free!
Ask Samantha Anything - ASA
Send your questions to tiernan@smartmoveitaly.com.
Hi Samantha: Can you given an approximately cost of living to live full time in Italy. I know it will vary by area but is there a breakdown by area? I’ve heard I should plan on $5000 a month! Is this true?
Dear MaryRose: This is such a difficult question to answer simply because it can depend on so many factors, including the lifestyle you want to live. The best way to help you is to explain that the cost of living will vary depending on what part on Italy you choose to live in. The North is much more than the south. For example, buying a 1000 sq foot apartment in Bolzano can cost you around 900k, where a 1000 sq foot house with land in a small town in Puglia can cost you under 200k. Also food, entertainment and necessities will be lower because of weather and access to year long growing seasons. We have clients who live very comfortably on 2500 a month in the south but this would be a struggle in central or northern Italy.
I can suggest two things to help you budget. 1. Go to www.numbeo.com and compare cities. This is a user generated cost of living calculator and is excellent. 2. Check the property websites for rentals and purchases in the areas you are interested in. See how much rent is going to cost you and factor that into your budget.
Then be realistic in your spending habits. The good news is, there are always things to do in Italy, many are free so it is very likely that your cost of living will go way down once you live here.
Let’s Do This! See You in the Bootcamp.
You’ve been listening to us talk about it for at least a month, but now the time has (finally) arrived! Our once-a-year, FREE bootcamp is next week and we’re buzzing with anticipation. This year’s session is going to be a doozy. We have so much to share with you so prepare to take it all in.
We are setting a record with sign-ups this year (because the Smart Move Italy community is THE best!) but there’s still room if you’re Queen Procrastinator or King Domani (tomorrow). If you can’t be there in person, your registration will give you access to the replay. We’ll see you there!
That’s all for this week. As always, thanks for being here and for being a part of the (amazing!) Smart Move Italy famiglia. A presto!