Lauren writes and photographs for Tastes Of Italia Magazine. As the Italian correspondent living in Italy, she travels the 20 regions interviewing chefs and covering Italian cuisine, artisan producers, slow food purveyors, food and wine, and of course, all good things Italian. She is a passionate food lover, great cook and baker, who keeps everyone in the know with her stories in the beloved food magazine dedicated to Italy food and travel. Click on each front cover to read on. Buon Appetito!
Montepulciano, the Renaissance Town
Montepulciano is a Medieval Renaissance town set on a hill in the region of Siena in Tuscany. Rolling hills, endless vineyards, silvery green olive trees, and fields of sunflowers surround the village.
By Lauren Birmingham Piscitelli
Fall 2024
The Vineyard In The Hills
A sapphire sky and Mediterranean sun warm the air just enough for a morning caffè to be enjoyed on the terrace.
By Lauren Birmingham Piscitelli
Spring 2024
Christmas in Bologna
A culinary walking tour of Bologna’s Ancient Streets reveals a wealth of traditional dishes and treats that are especially prolific during the holidays season.
By Lauren Birmingham Piscitelli
Fall 2023
Savoring Positano
Close-Knit siblings stay true to their family’s Positano Restaurant, greeting customers, serving spectacular dishes, and sharing the hospitality of the Amalfi Coast.
By Lauren Birmingham Piscitelli
Summer 2023
Christmas Coffee in Rome
Stroll along the cobblestone street of the Eternal City while sipping a steamy cappuccino.
Travel with Lauren as she talks Christmas coffee with Signor Mario in Roma.
By Lauren Birmingham Piscitelli
Fall 2022
Gucci Osteria and Michelin Star Chef Massimo Bottura
Ispired by the word of a fashion icon, an award-winning chef takes his coloful and creative menu worldwide.
By Lauren Birmingham Piscitelli
Summer 2022
Visiting Cinque Terre
Charming and beautiful, each of the five villages along the Italian Riviera has its own unique character.
By Lauren Birmingham Piscitelli
Spring 2022
The Pope’s Pastry Chef
Known worldwide for his irresistible pastries, Salvatore De Riso’s holiday delights are especially popular this time of year.
By Lauren Birmingham Piscitelli
Fall 2021
A Town With A Past
Ancient and poetic, Montepulciano holds historical and culinary riches
By Lauren Birmingham Piscitelli
Summer 2021
Earth’s Treasures
The sleepy town of Savigno attracts hundreds of food lovers every october for its precious Truffle Festival.
By Lauren Birmingham Piscitelli
Winter 2021
Historic Feast
Rich in delicacies of the past, including art and architecture, Arezzo in Eastern Tuscany is a can’t-miss destination with much to offer in food and drink as well.
By Lauren Birmingham Piscitelli
Spring 2020
Foods of Florence
Catherine Medici and The Renaissance.
The birthplace of the Italian Renaissance, Florence was the hometown of the Medici family, including Catherine, who became the queen of France and a leading food influencer.
By Lauren Birmingham Piscitelli
January 2020
Tradition With a Twist
A new restaurant in Positano features recipes from the past with a touch of modern flair.
By Lauren Birmingham Piscitelli
July 2019
Rising Star
Earning his fir t Michelin star, Chef Antonello Sardi makes La Bottega del Buon Caffè in Florence his home away from home.
By Lauren Birmingham Piscitelli
Spring 2019
Of Formaggio and Wine
In the hills of Sorrento, Vittorio Maresca carries on his family’s craft of turning out hand-crafted cheese that is best enjoyed with just the right wine.
By Lauren Birmingham Piscitelli
Winter 2019
At Home On Capri
A view of paradise.
A talented rising star chef in the kitchen. A luxury villa that’s more than a hotel.
This is the Excelsior Parco on Capri.
By Lauren Birmingham Piscitelli
Fall 2018
Notte delle Stelle
A chef’s charitable vision has become a can’t-miss culinary event.
By Lauren Birmingham Piscitelli
July 2018
Exploring Santo Spirito
A visit to Florence’s Oltrarno neighborhood includes a charming marketplace of local artisans raising money to save the frescos of a beloved church.
By Lauren Birmingham Piscitelli
January 2018
Tastes of Lombardy
The traditions of Christmas unfold in the warmth of an ancient kitchen in Lake Garda
By Lauren Birmingham Piscitelli
December 2017
Summer Bounty
Tucked into an idyllic little town in the province of Naples, an avid gardener reaps the bounty of the earth’s summer yield.
By Lauren Birmingham Piscitelli
August 2017
Puglia: Hidden Treasure
Located on the heel of Italy’s “boot,” the region of Puglia is known for its cool coast, charming hill towns, and vintage farmland.
By Lauren Birmingham Piscitelli
June 2017
Cooking On The Amalfi Coast
Meet the charming Antonio Pisani, the chef who delights guests
at the popular Lido Azzurro Ristorante
By Lauren Birmingham Piscitelli
April 2017
Peppino di Capri ~ Music Man
Thanks to an uncle who was a hotel chef, Peppino di Capri made his musical debut at age four singing for American troops stationed on the island during World War II.
By Lauren Birmingham Piscitelli
February 2017
Christmas Cookie Baking ~ Gluten Free & Vegan
One of Italy’s leading authorities on nutrition and an expert in food allergies helps create new recipes for those who love the country’s authentic dishes but require alternative ingredients when making them.
By Lauren Birmingham Piscitelli
December 2016
A Villa To Remember
In Tuscany, a family has turned a 17th century farmhouse into a five-star bed and breakfast that’s surrounded by beautiful vineyards and gardens. A well-stocked wine cellar goes nicely with cooking classes, giving guests a true escape from the trappings of a busy life.
By Lauren Birmingham Piscitelli
October 2016
Le Sirenuse Positano
Located in the upscale Le Sirenuse Hotel in Positano, the Michelin-starred La Sponda restaurant features Gennaro Russo, a young, but accomplished executive chef whose Campanian roots – and extensive culinary training – are serving him well.
By Lauren Birmingham Piscitelli
August 2016
Magical Taormina
Natural beauty, a rich past, and outstanding cuisine make this ancient Sicilian city
that overlooks the Ionian Sea a must-stop for travelers.
By Lauren Birmingham Piscitelli
June 2016
Heaven In Conca dei Marini
First created in a monastery along the
Amalfi Coast, a delicate pastry lives on.
By Lauren Birmingham Piscitelli
April 2016
Italian Painter & Chef
Giovanni DeCunto
Italian Painter & Chef
A Boston-based visual artist of world renowned fame
credits his Neapolitan roots for his inspiration.
By Lauren Birmingham Piscitelli
February 2016
Celebrating in Florence
This classic Italian city revels
in the joy of Christmas
with glowing lights, festive celebrations
and sumptuous food.
By Lauren Birmingham Piscitelli
December 2015
Festival Of The Grapes
Settembrata Festa dell’uva ~ Festival of the grapes
By Lauren Birmingham Piscitelli
October 2015
Summer Camp
A pair of New England Patriots gets a
hands-on lesson in Italian cooking.
By Lauren Birmingham Piscitelli
August 2015
For The Love of Chocolate
Turin, or Torino as it is known in Italian, is home to some of the most famous versions of the universal indulgence.
By Lauren Birmingham Piscitelli
May / June 2015
The Magic of Modena
An off-the-radar trattoria in the city’s historical center attracts locals and tourists alike with hospitality and exceptional food.
By Lauren Birmingham Piscitelli
March 2015
Italy’s Ancient Table
An endless story, Pompeii attracts travelers to the ruins by Vesuvius — the world’s most dangerous volcano
By Lauren Birmingham Piscitelli
February 2015
Buon Natale Venezia!
This serene Italian city basks in the glow
of the Christmas season as its residents prepare for heartfelt celebrations that include festivals, food and family.
By Lauren Birmingham Piscitelli
November 2014
Kitchen With a View
Imagine a tall, dark and handsome Italian chef preparing your Mediterranean dinner in a castle on the sea.
By Lauren Birmingham Piscitelli
October 2014
Boston’s North End
Signor Frank DePasquale brings the flavors and traditions of his homeland to this iconic neighborhood.
By Lauren Birmingham Piscitelli
August 2014
Kitchen Meets Culture
Milan’s Larte, a new food emporium, is just one of the city’s must-see features
By Lauren Birmingham Piscitelli
June 2014
The Magic Of Majani
Founded in 1796, Bologna’s Majani chocolates are among the world’s most tempting creations.
By Lauren Birmingham Piscitelli
April 2014
Il Riccio, The Sea Urchin
A seaside escape makes the perfect winter retreat.
By Lauren Birmingham Piscitelli
February 2014
Agerola
The sleepy hilltop town is a food lover’s dream.
Specialities range from traditional breads like pane biscotto and taralli to Torta al Limone dessert.
By Lauren Birmingham Piscitelli
November 2013
The Foods Of Bologna
Bologna. La Città Grassa – “The Fat City”‘s Finest Pasta
By Lauren Birmingham Piscitelli
October 2013
The Magic Of Sorrento
Visit a restaurant named for a Renaissance poet and savor this city’s feast for the senses.
By Lauren Birmingham Piscitelli
August 2013
Food & Love In Florence
Visit this beautiful historic city and be sure to stop for dinner at Cammillo Trattoria.
By Lauren Birmingham Piscitelli
June 2013
Cortona’s Sunflower
Distinctive terra cotta ware from Tuscany is decorated with a girasole, or sunflower, as a reminder of its sunny heritage. Traditional shapes include wine pitchers, bean pots, and vases.
By Lauren Birmingham Piscitelli
April 2013
The Rolling Hills Of Tuscany
Travelers follow well-worn paths to the town of Montespertoli, south of Florence, seeking splendid wines and traditional dishes like tagliatelle and risotto.
By Lauren Birmingham Piscitelli
February 2013
The Traditions Of Pico
In this hilltop location south of Rome, long a strategic location for armies, the people celebrate the four seasons with an array of food, wine, song and festivals throughout the year. The most important festival takes place on Christmas Eve.
By Lauren Birmingham Piscitelli
December 2012
It’s A Sweet Life
Amalfi’s Café Pansa offers a taste of the sweet life.
By Lauren Birmingham Piscitelli
October 2012
The Magic Isle Capri
Conquerors and current-day celebrities have fallen under the spell of the romantic island, with its signature foods and spectacular scenery. Let us take you to Capri Palace.
By Lauren Birmingham Piscitelli
August 2012
Discover Venice!
Step into your gondola and take a trip through the riches of Venice.
By Lauren Birmingham Piscitelli
June 2012
Between The Mountains
Discover the town of Tramonti, where great wines are made from family vineyards.
By Lauren Birmingham Piscitelli
April 2012
Art & Cooking
Satisfy the senses with a visit to Florence, surrounding yourself with exquisite art and fine food.
By Lauren Birmingham Piscitelli
February 2012
All Roads Lead To Rome
When visitors traveled to Rome, their culinary traditions became part of the dynamic Roman cuisine. See what they brought to the table.
By Lauren Birmingham Piscitelli
December 2011
Ravello: Music In The Kitchen
Visit the city that has enchanted visitors- from Hollywood stars to artists and writers- with fine food and ocean views.
By Lauren Birmingham Piscitelli
October 2011
Italian Royalty
Executive Chef Franck Cerutti, with three Michelin stars, reigns in the kitchen at the Louis XV located in the Hotel de Paris in Monaco, wowing guests with his sensational seasonal food.
By Lauren Birmingham Piscitelli
August 2011
Todd English Goes Italian
His name may be English, but this famous chef and restaurateur grew up eating italian, thanks to his mother’s family roots in Sicily and Calabria.
By Lauren Birmingham Piscitelli
June 2011
Great Flavors Of Florence
Each visit inspires the next return. Beautiful timeless piazzas filled with elegant people, lines always at Uffizi for yet another peek of Botticelli’s Primavera…
By Lauren Birmingham Piscitelli
April 2011
Cooking With A Contessa
Raimonda Gaetani dell’Aquila d’Aragona is an elegant Neapolitan Contessa and artist who invites you to share her family recipes.
By Lauren Birmingham Piscitelli
February 2011
Sweet Christmas
Family tradition is honored each holiday season with treasured recipes that have been handed down through generations of Prata Sannita bakers. Try biscotti, date nut bars, and pepper sticks.
By Lauren Birmingham Piscitelli
November 2010
At Home In Anacapri
The island of Capri stretches four square miles and lies on the cusp of the Tyrrhenian Sea and the Bay of Naples. Moorish white houses set on rocky limestone cliffs wrapped in endemic flora have made the blue isola a dreamy destination for travelers throughout time.
By Lauren Birmingham Piscitelli
September 2010
Cooking With Lemons
The Tyrrhenian sea shimmers and whitewashed villas built with copula roofs cling to vertical cliffs. This is Positano on the Amalfi Coast where the houses are painted in a kaleidoscope of pastel colors from rose pink to butter yellow.
By Lauren Birmingham Piscitelli
July 2010