Roving IQ: Mario and Linguine

Photo: Epicurious

In my effort to cook more and to cook more traditionally Italian recipes, I purchased Mario Batali's Molto Italiano: 327 Traditional Italian Recipes to Cook at Home on a recommend from a friend. I've just begun thumbing through the recipes and delicious-looking photos, but a few have already been added to my "must make" menu. In search of more from Mario, I found this Linguine with Clams recipe from epicurious.com and decided it seemed like something I could pull off without massive amounts of culinary know-how. Now, I just need some of these signature orange Crocs and clams - where do I find those in the Midwest? 

Linguine con le Vongole (Linguine with Clams)

Ingredients: 

• 3 tablespoons kosher or coarse sea salt
• 1 pound linguine
• 12 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
• 1 pound New Zealand cockles or 24 Manila or littleneck clams, scrubbed
• 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1 cup dry white wine
• 1 (14-ounce) can whole San Marzano tomatoes in juice, juice reserved and tomatoes coarsely chopped
• 1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons fresh flat-leaf parsley, coarsely chopped

Directions: 

In large pot over moderately high heat, combine 8 quarts of water to boil and salt. Bring to boil, then add linguine and cook to 1 minute short of al dente according to package directions (pasta should still be quite firm).

Meanwhile, in large sauté pan over moderately high heat, heat 6 tablespoons extra- olive oil until hot but not smoking. Add garlic and sauté until just golden, about 30 seconds. Add clams and 1 tablespoon red pepper flakes and sauté 1 minute. Add wine, tomatoes and juice, and 1/2 cup parsley and simmer, uncovered, just until clams open, 7 to 8 minutes.

Reserve 1/2 cup cooking water, then drain linguine and add to pan. Simmer, tossing occasionally, until linguine is just tender, about 1 minute. If necessary, add some of reserved cooking water to keep moist. Remove from heat. Add remaining 2 tablespoons parsley, 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes, and extra-virgin olive oil, tossing to coat. Transfer to serving dish and serve immediately.

Roving Pic: Towers of San Gimignano

Towers
Photo: Scott Clark
July 2011

We could see the towers of San Gimignano as we approached from the hills to the east. The majestic, medieval structures grew taller with every passing mile until we entered the city walls and stood beneath them. Amidst the fifteen towers, we walked in wonder as the mid-afternoon sun caused them to cast shadows on the ancient, winding walkways below. Guarded by their winged inhabitants, the towers stood tall, unwavering, unyielding and unaware of time.

Roving I Finds: All About California

California Coast
Photo: Jetsetter.com

I'm already looking forward to our next trip even though we have five months before we go. Since California is the planned destination, these lovely deals including some Californian hotels and inns and a special savings card for wine country caught my eye. 

• La Jolla: La Valencia Hotel in La Jolla near San Diego has a flash sale deal on Jetsetter.com for dates through January with rates starting at $185/night. 
• Sonoma Wine Country: If you're headed to wine country, Jetsetter.com has another great deal for the Applewood Inn in Guerneville. Rates begin at $110 with available dates through April 2012. 
• LA: Travelzoo has a deal for the hip Mondrian on Sunset Boulevard with rates starting at $215/night through January, including weekends. 
• San Francisco: Save 50% off of the 4 star Le Meridien San Francisco with this Travelzoo deal for select fall dates. The per night price could be as low as $169 if you book by tomorrow (9/23).
• Yosemite National Park: The AAA 4 Diamond Tenaya Lodge is located just 2 miles from the park's south entrance. With rates starting at $129/night, you can save up to 60% off peak season rates. Click here for more info. 
• Napa Valley: The Napa Card can save you on wine tastings, spas, hotels, restaurants and more across Napa and Sonoma. You can get yours for $45 (normally $100), just in time for harvest season travel. Book by 9/23 and travel by 12/31. Learn more here.

Thanks for reading!

Roving Pic: Columns of Pompeii

Victorious Vesuvius
July 2011

Century after century, the columns stood in the shadow of a giant, in defiance of its power. And centuries later, we stood in awe of them.

Roving IQ: Casa Mariantonia, Capri

Positano is a mere 13 miles from the island of Capri. But after driving from Positano to Sorrento, returning the rental car, hauling the entirety of our luggage a mile or more through the streets of Sorrento down to the harbor in the 90 degree heat, catching the hydrofoil to Capri and taking a taxi to Anacapri, I was relieved beyond belief to walk through the front gate of Casa Mariantonia.  

Stylish, simple and sublime, Casa Mariantonia is a relaxed oasis residing at the top of another long-established oasis in the Mediterranean, the island of Capri. Its location, in the shadow of Monte Solaro and the iconic chairlift, make Casa Mariantonia as convenient as it is chic. 

At check-in, we were greeted by genuine Italian hospitality, elegant surroundings and a bowl of the largest lemons I have ever seen, grown on the property. 

After being shown our lovely, lemon-scented room, we finally landed poolside for the remainder of the afternoon. The morning's marathon transfer to the island was more than enough to warrant some down time in the sun. Lucky for us, invitations to relax were everywhere. Lounge by the pool, in a hammock in the lemon tree grove or on your private terrace. 

Breakfast was served al fresco near the pool and offered a serene start to a summer's day on Capri. 

ALL PHOTOS: Casa Mariantonia

When returning from dinner each evening, Casa Mariantonia appeared welcoming and inviting, its softly lit exterior highlighting the property's best features. 

Understated. Unassuming. Elegant. Casa Mariantonia shines as a moderately-priced Mediterranean retreat. 

Roving Pic: Sunset over Capri

Anniversary Sunset
July 8, 2011

It took 10 years to the day, 5200 miles and countless perfect moments to get to this place. Nine years, nine months and 25 days from now, I can only hope the view will be this good - and that we'll be the ones on that boat.

Roving I Finds: Sin City Savings

Photo: Sniqueaway.com

Opulent high rises. High rollers. The Strip. Strippers. And lots and lots of slots. Whether you approve of Sin City's ways or not, Vegas is always in style. And this fall, you can snag some fantastic deals for stays, shows and more. Here are a few I found this week:

• Book the 4-Star The Signature at MGM Grand for as low as $79/night on Sunday through Thursday stays through December 22nd. And it's only $40 more for weekends. Details here.
• If you're a fan of Penn & Teller's Bull$hit on Showtime, check out Travelzoo.com's deal for mezzanine tickets for their Vegas show at the Rio Hotel for as low as $45 (40% off) through November. 
• On select dates through November, you can book a suite at The Palazzo at the Venetian for $129/night. More info here.
• You can secure your stay at the swanky Palms Place Hotel & Spa at SniqueAway.com for as low as $85 for a Studio Suite and $149 for a 1-Bedroom Suite. Dates are available through December but the flash sale ends next week. 
• Take a break from the rigors of the Strip with a spa voucher for Planet Hollywood's Spa by Mandara. For $99 you get a 50-minute massage and two other Balinese-inspired services. Get more info and purchase here. Redeem by March 15th, 2012.

Happy Travels! 

Roving Pic: The Wrath of Grapes

Grape Drying Racks
Castello di Verrazzano, Greve in Chianti
July 2011
Photo: Scott Clark

Ancient grape torture devices hang in the drying room at Castello di Verrazzano. Oak strips spiked with simple nails stretch from the centuries old ceiling to the floor far below. For several months each year, they sadistically dry white grapes in the warm, ventilated air, unknowingly sweetening them, one by one, in pursuit of Holy Wine perfection. 

Web Roves of the Week: Learn Something New

I started graduate school a couple of weeks ago and it started me thinking about how we learn, what we learn from and what makes us want to keep doing it throughout our lives. Travel for me is learning in its purest form. From discovering new sights, foods and things to do to simple geography, I learn best from going places and experiencing them first hand. I consider each day I'm away a part of my "life" education and it's one degree I hope I never finish. 

When I'm not traveling, I learn in other ways. Reading books, articles and blog posts from other travelers out there is currently feeding my wanderlust while I'm stationary at home. Here's a list of a few of the things I'm learning/learned this week:

• Six plus years of French and a semester of German should be enough to sufficiently mess with my Italian lessons I'm starting this weekend via Rosetta Stone. Has anyone used this program? Would love to hear your thoughts!
• We lived in Vienna for a time several years ago (hence the German lessons) but I learned five things I didn't know about this incredible city in this Frommer's Slideshow.
• I learned about the Indie Ink Writing Challenge for bloggers and I think just might give it a go.
• The Travel & Leisure Global Bazaar is happening September 17th and 18th in NYC. Looks like a very cool way to learn more about the world through "immersive installations and events." 
• Buffalo Mozzarella cheese is probably my favorite cheese on the planet. This post taught me about its origins and some new ways to enjoy it. 

Have a wonderful Friday and if you're in the US, enjoy the long Labor Day Weekend! Thanks for reading!