Discover an Italian tradition: the passegiata!

Coming from the Italian word, passeggiare, to stroll, la passeggiata is the the Italian ritual of the evening stroll. Before dinner, it's a healthy habit that gets you moving and relaxed after a day of work and routine. It's a social affair where people go to see and be seen, often dressed to impress. If you find yourself out and about in almost any Italian city, town or village for la passeggiata, you'll be able to observe entire families with children on proud display, young women fluttering eyelashes, acquaintances tipping hats, stories of the day being exchanged... It's a cultural performance that is a quintessential part of the Italian way of life.

It's a tradition enjoyed by all generations and one of the best times to people watch. As the sun goes down, the people come out and the passeggiata commences. Watch...



Come by La Piazza Dario to fuel your love of Italy and inspire the Italian lifestyle!
Learn more about the passeggiata from Fodor's Travel and discover the most Italian time of day. Ciao! :)

Enjoy a healthy, hearty Italian meal at La Piazza Dario!

When many people think of Italian food, they think of carbohydrate overload and heavy creams. But eating Italian food doesn't have to be bad for you. While some dishes are served with (delicious) cream based sauces, there are ways to tailor your meal to suit your healthy lifestyle, even while dining out!

Come to La Piazza Dario and order your favourite Italian dishes with just a few modifications. You get to enjoy the delicious tastes of Italy, without having to feel guilty about what you're eating!

Tips to Healthy Italian Eating:

1. Ask if the dish comes in a whole grain option, such as whole wheat bread or pasta. Eating whole grains is believe to lower the risk of many chronic diseases.
2. Have some olive oil! Whether it's in your appetizer or main course, olive oil is a healthy dietary fat that is good for your cardiovascular system. It also helps maintain healthy cholesterol levels.
3. Choose tomato based sauces over cream based ones for a meal with a lower fat content.
4. Say no to the parmesan cheese. 
5. Have a glass of Italian red wine (but don't overdo it). Red wine provides antioxidants and resveratrol which helps support good cardiovascular health.

(Image via Pixabay)

Resources:

1. Whole Grains Council
2. Medical News Today
3. CBC News

Get in the mood for Italian food with Fred Buscaglione!

Press play and close your eyes. Imagine you are sitting in an adorable Italian cafe, sipping on a rich espresso, or perhaps a glass of rich red wine. There's a hum in the air of musical Italian voices, glasses clinking, forks and knives tapping plates as they cut into delicious pastas and carne (meat). There's a scent flowers from apartment balconies and the sound the pigeons strutting on cobblestones in the sunshine...

Now open your eyes. Don't be too disappointed that you are still in your living room or kitchen. Let us help you experience the tastiest part of that vision. 

Il mio braccio ti daro e con me ti portero. I'll give you my arm and I'm taking you with me... to La Piazza Dario's for a delicious, mouthwatering Italian experience!