The Art of Italian Coffee

It may seem strange that the country most famous for elevating a cup of coffee to an art form doesn't grow it, but the perfect cup of espresso is quintessentially Italian even if coffee beans are not. Only in Italy could the fusion of art and science needed to create espresso, cappuccino and macchiato take place.

Carlino's Cappuccino

Espresso is to regular drip coffee what a Ferrari is to a domestic minivan. While other coffee-brewing methods rely on gravity to take its slow course, an espresso machine injects hot water and steam through finely ground coffee under high pressure. This process extracts more essential oils and flavors from the coffee, giving you a richer-tasting cup. Italian espresso tastes so bold that it's customarily served in demitasse cups, usually with a twist of lemon to add a bracing tartness to the drink.

Big flavor isn't the only extra ingredient filling that little cup of espresso. Coffee is rich in polyphenols, disease-fighting antioxidants that also give red wine and chocolate their healthful properties. An espresso machine extracts more of these natural health boosters. If caffeine is a concern then, espresso is a healthy choice on that score as well. Because the espresso machine leaves the coffee grounds in contact with the water for less time, less of the water-soluble caffeine winds up in your cup. A typical double espresso only has about 50 milligrams of caffeine; compared to a cup of standard coffee with its 150 milligrams of caffeine, that after dinner espresso is likelier to let you sleep tonight.

"Coffee is rich in polyphenols,
 disease-fighting antioxidants"

Now that you know the science behind your espresso, admire the art of Italian coffee. Espresso's health benefits also belong to the other coffee concoctions Italian baristas have created, so if you prefer something other than straight espresso, you'll still be doing your body and your palate a favor.
If you're new to Italian coffee, try one of these favorites.

- Cappuccino is espresso with a froth of steamed milk. Italian baristas gave it its fanciful name because its light brown hue resembles the color of a Capuchin monk's distinctive robes.

- Macchiato is Italian for "stained" and refers to espresso with just enough milk mixed in to change its color. Baristas typically add a teaspoon or so of foamed milk to the top to distinguish it from straight espresso.

- Cafe latte, or coffee with milk, contains less coffee and more milk than the previous coffee-based espresso drinks. It's the Italian version of the French cafe au lait.

- Latte macchiato, as you might have guessed, means "stained milk." If your cup contains more milk than espresso, you're probably drinking a latte macchiato.

It's rare to find a treat that's good for you, but espresso fills the bill. Drink a cup of it to your health.

Sincerely,
Carlo, Wali and all your friends at Carlino's

The best things in life are free

The Romantic Vacation for Two to Italy sponsored by Carlino’s includes a free tour of the Vatican and St. Peter’s Basilica, but many churches in Rome exhibit major works by art masters you know, and they usually do not charge any fee to get in.

"One of the best things that can happen to you when you’re traveling is when you find a free hidden treasure that’s not in any of the guidebooks. "

For example, San Pietro in Vincoli has Michelangelo’s spectacular statue of Moses, and you can visit Santa Maria del Popolo to view their two Caravaggio paintings.  Also, consider making a special trip to Santa Maria della Vittoria to view Bernini’s “St. Teresa in Ecstasy,”

If you’re looking to relax in a reasonably peaceful sanctuary, the Trastevere neighborhood during the day should be at the top of your list.  Santa Maria in Trastevere is one of the city’s oldest churches, and San Luigi dei Francesi has three Caravaggios.   Also, take in the charming and delightful Santa Maria alla Minerva, the only Gothic church in Rome.  While you’re there, stroll the ancient cobble stone streets which are mostly car-free, and choose from one of the excellent restaurants that offer some of the cheapest food you’ll find in all of Rome.

After dark, Trastevere becomes the go-to place for young locals and travelers alike, so it transforms into a great place.  Stop off at a local café to sip a cappuccino, relax and lose yourself in the wonders of Rome.

About Carlino’s Restaurant:

Carlino's is the perfect place to socialize and dine on exceptionally prepared meals with professional service.

So relax, indulge yourself and let Carlino's make you the sumptuous Italian feast you've been craving.

Sincerely, 

Carlo and Wali

Carlino's Restaurant

204 Jericho Turnpike

Mineola, NY 11501-1701

Phone: 516-747-6616

http://www.carlinosrestaurant.com/

Rome’s Best Restaurant

La Pergola

Rome's Best Restaurant

Rome has some of the finest restaurants in the World.  If you are interested in Michelin star level dining in Rome, at the top of the list is the renowned restaurant La Pergola.

La Pergola is the home of world-famous chef Heinz Beck.  La Pergola has been recognized by Michelin’s Guide with the coveted three-star award and has earned five red forks, a symbol of great quality and address "worth the trip.”

La Pergola is one of those experiences which burn years afterwards in your memory. The foods will activate every taste bud in your mouth. Add to that the most beautiful view of the Rome and world class customer service and it becomes a must go.

When you enter the restaurant your eyes will be immediately drawn to its center where a magnificent seventeenth-century celadon vase is decorated with beautiful flower arrangements. You’ll also see fine paintings, a rare tapestry of Aubusson, porcelain from Sevres, bronze 18th century candelabra, fine Empire furniture and a large Emile Gallé collection of blown glass.

Make certain to make reservations well in advance and book on the balcony where the stunning views are the best in Rome.  Cigar lovers will enjoy the pleasure of a good selection of cigars available in their cigar lounge.  Here you can sit back and taste the most exquisite Italian wines or a vintage brandy.

The Roman Senate

Area Sacra, Site of the Roman Senate

Where Julius Caesar was assassinated

The Curia Hostilia, 85' long (N/S) by 75' wide (E/W), was oriented facing south. Because it was a templum, it was oriented north/south, as were the major temples of Rome. On the same axis as the church but southeast of it, was the Curia Julia. The old Curia Hostilia was dismantled. It was also the entrance to Caesar's forum.

The Curia Cornelia was a place where the Roman Senate assembled during ca. 80-50 BC. It was the largest of all the Curia (Senate Houses) built in Rome. Its construction took over a great deal of the traditional comitium space and brought the senate building into a commanding location within the Roman Forum as a whole.

This was the Senate House at the time of Caesar. Its location was moved by Caesar in order to diminish the Senate's dominance within the City and Republic.

In 80 BC Lucius Cornelius Sulla decided to enlarge the existing Curia to accommodate the doubling of senators in the Republic. To do this he had to demolish the old Curia Hostilia and the Comitium. It kept the name Hostilia.

After the Curia Hostilia was again destroyed during riots at the funeral of Publius Clodius Pulcher in 52 BC, It was rebuilt by Faustus Sulla, a descendant of L. Cornelius Sulla, and took the name Curia Cornelia.

The Curia was converted into a temple by Julius Caesar during his redesign of the Forum in 44 BC . During or after the construction of the first Imperial Forum, the building was finally torn down and replaced with the Curia Julia (which still stands).

The Roman Senate founded in 753 BC was a political institution in ancient Rome. It was one of the most enduring institutions in history. It survived the overthrow of the kings in 509 BC, the fall of the Roman Republic in the 1st century BC, and the fall of the Western Roman Empire in 476 AD. The Roman Senate (Senatus) from the latin Senex (for elder or council of elders) was a deliberative governing body. The Senate didn't propose legislation, magistrates with the Senate, such as Consuls, did.

The body of the senate considered the proposals, and approved or vetoed the various laws. The Senate and the Roman People (SPQR, or Senatus Populusque Romanus), described the distinction in class between the Senate and common people. The Roman People consisted of all citizens who were not members of the Senate.

Domestic power was vested in the Roman People, through the Committee of the Hundreds (Comitia Centuriata), the Committee of the Tribal People (Comitia Populi Tributa), and the Council of the People (Concilium Plebis). Actual legislation was secured in the various assemblies.

Despite its lack of actual law making power, the Senate held considerable authority in Roman politics. It was also the Senate who held the authority to nominate a dictator (a single leader who acted with ultimate authority and without fear of reprisal) in a state of emergency, usually a military one. In the late Republic, attempts to stop the spiraling pattern of dictatorships, the Senate attempted to avoid the dictatorate by resorting to a senatus consultum de republica defendenda, or the senatus consultum ultimum. This was the declaration of martial law, and empowered the 2 Consuls, essentially, with dictatorial power in defense of the Republic.

The number of senators in Rome was initially a direct correlation to the number of tribes represented. In the earliest days of Rome traditionally under Romulus, when Rome consisted only of one tribe, the Ramnes, the senate consisted of one hundred members. Further incorporation of various tribes, such as the Tities and Luceres, increased accordingly the number of Senators to 300. Proposals throughout the Republic increased the senate roles to 900. With the accession of Augustus, the permanent foundation for senate numbers appears to have been fixed at 600, but this number also fluctuated throughout the empire at the whims of the emperors.

Members of the Senate were chosen from among eligible equites, and selected by Consuls, Tribunes and later by Censors. Those selected by censors or other magistrates to fill seats from among the equites had no right to vote or to speak on the Senate floor. Senators earned the proper dignity and nobility to vote and speak on the floor by virtue of holding various offices such as Consul, Praetor, Aedile, etc

Among the senators with speaking rights, a strict order defining who could speak and when was established, with a patrician always preceding a plebeian of equal rank. The speaking order was similar to that of the seating arrangement, in which the princeps senatus held the first chair, followed by the consuls, censors, praetors, aediles, tribunes and finally, the quaestors.

Voting in the Senate could be taken by voice or show of hands in unimportant matters, but important or formal motions were decided by a quorum, or an actual physical division of the house to either side of the floor. In these cases even non-voting members were allowed to take places on either side of the issue, lending their support to a particular cause or motion, or to fulfill their client obligations.

Senators also carried certain privileges and were subject to accompanying restrictions. All senators were entitled to wear a senatorial ring (originally made of iron, but later gold)) and a tunica clava, a white tunic with a broad purple stripe five inches wide (latus clavus) on the right shoulder. A senator pedarius (or a nonvoting senator) wore a white toga virilis (also called a toga pura) without decoration.

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Carlino's Restaurant Spotlight is published weekly by Carlino's Restaurant.  http://www.carlinosrestaurant.com

Carlino's Restaurant is the perfect place to socialize and dine on exceptionally prepared meals with professional service.

So relax, indulge yourself and let Carlino's make you the sumptuous Italian feast you've been craving.

Sincerely,

Carlo and Wali
Carlino's Restaurant
204 Jericho Turnpike
Mineola, NY 11501-1701
Phone: 516-747-6616

Rome By Night

The old saying "When in Rome do as the Roman's do" is good advice. Rome is such a lovely place to stroll and the Romans are out in numbers to enjoy the summer nights.

One place to experience this local nightlife is at Piazza del Popolo, once Rome's northern gate. Every night crowds of Italians stroll and shop, with their teenagers working hard to be cool as they wander about the piazza. 

The obvious destination from there is Piazza di Spagna, which is full of people day and night with its piazza and its famous steps - which attracted Goethe, Joyce, Byron, Shelley and Keats. Piazza di Spagna is largely its own enclosed universe, which feels even more insular at night, with a vertical exit signaled by the illuminated Fountain of the Barcaccia, a fanciful fishy barge, up the Spanish Steps to a glowing obelisk in front of the double towers of the church of the Trinità dei Monti. 

For a more literal sense of the Roman night as theater, go south to the Trevi Fountain. This is one place that cannot be missed as art, spectacle and cultural icon. In front of your eyes Oceanus stands gleaming mightily as he tames the waters, a metaphor for the great feat of the aqueducts that brought water to the city. But inside many minds, no doubt, runs the famous night scene in Fellini's "Dolce Vita" of Anita Ekberg and Marcello Mastroianni stepping into the fountain. A dip, though, even if you look as great as they did, will land you in trouble, no matter how hot it is. 

There is much to do at night, with perhaps the most spectacular activity being the most costly.

For 250 euros (about $400 at $1.60 to the euro) you can visit the Vatican Museum in small groups led by personal guides after hours. Galleries packed to a slow shuffle by day are, at night, emptied like drawing rooms of dreams. The Sistine Chapel is shared by as few as a dozen others, and no one yells if you take a picture. It's the time to go because unlike the daytime tours, You'll have it all to yourself.

Somehow the world's most famous chapel plays its part in defining the contrasts of Rome that are sharpest at night: the ceiling is Creation, and so newborn light and hope; the Last Judgment on the wall, torment and death.

If the price for a private tour too steep - a free stroll around St. Peter's Square is altogether different on a summer night. By day, the piazza is hot and clogged with long lines for the free look at St. Peter's Basilica. By night, the cobblestones of Via della Conciliazione, stretching to Bernini's colonnade and Michelangelo's dome and the obelisk dragged to Rome by the emperor Caligula, are all quiet, empty, luminous. 

You can even check if Pope Benedict XVI is awake by looking for lights from his bedroom in the two top right windows facing the square in the Apostolic Palace, and contemplate what a shame it is that the Vatican has abandoned its most dramatic nighttime spectacle: for years on Easter, the complex was lighted with thousands of small paper lanterns, to apparently spectacular effect. 

The setting may not be as showy, but a nighttime visit to the Janiculum Hill is no less magical. It is the most spectacular view of Rome - an organic and unimaginably wide panorama from the bright marble of the Vittoriano monument at Piazza Venezia to the dome of the Pantheon to the big bronze angel watching over Castel Sant'Angelo. 

Though many restaurants and shops close in the summer, especially in August, the city makes up for it by opening many famous sites for concerts, movies and the like. Among the best is Castel Sant'Angelo, the stout half-barrel near the Tiber, built as the Emperor Hadrian's tomb, then in the Middle Ages transformed into a castle conveniently close to St. Peter's (via a hidden passageway in the Vatican walls) when troubled popes needed refuge.

Castel Sant'Angelo normally closes in early evening, but in the summer, it is opened for concerts, readings and late-night dining. A temporary beach, with actual sand, is laid down next door. The view from the top including a terrace designed by Michelangelo, is stunning, with the Vatican's dome on one side, all of Rome's center on the other and the river below.

Carlino's Restaurant is the perfect place to socialize and dine on exceptionally prepared meals with professional service. 

So relax, indulge yourself and let Carlino's make you the sumptuous Italian feast you've been craving.

Sincerely,

Carlo and Wali
Carlino's Restaurant
 204 Jericho Turnpike
Mineola, NY 11501-1701
Phone: 516-747-6616

When in Rome Find the Hidden Treasures

Spotlight On Rome's Hidden Treasures

It has been said that Rome wasn’t built in a day, and so it stands to reason that you can’t see and do everything in this amazing city during your 8 days. You know by now that the Colosseum, Roman Forum, St. Peters, the Vatican and the Pantheon are must-see items.

And yet, there are treasures a bit off the beaten path that are worth a look. You want lasting impressions? Visit the church of Sant' Ignazio di Loyola, the church of Santa Maria degli Angeli and the church of San Luigi dei Francesi.　

Sant' Ignazio di Loyola is located in the city center off of Via del Corso and not far from Piazza Venezia.　Enter the church and view its impressive dome located near the front altar.　Take a few steps forward.　Guess what? The dome is an optical illusion painted on a flat wooden surface. Visitors often enjoy shifting positions in the church to understand at what point the dome begins to appear flat.

San Luigi di Francesi is located in the city center near Piazza Navona.　It is the French national church that was built in the 1500s and is the home of three famous Caravaggio paintings: the Calling of St. Matthew," "The Martyrdom of St. Matthew" and "St. Matthew and the Angel."

Santa Maria degli Angeli is located in Piazza Reppublica, which may be reached with Metro A. A fellow by the name of Michelangelo planned out this church along the ruins of the ancient Roman baths of Diocletian.　

The beautiful thing? These sites are free.

Spotlight on Rome is published each Tuesday by Carlino's Restaurant.  Visit us at http://www.carlinosrestaurant.com.  © 2011 All Rights Reserved.

Carlino’s Restaurant Italian Handmade Sausage Recipe

Carlino’s Italian Sausage (Made Fresh Every Day)

1)    Ingredients

i)     1 1/2 teaspoons fennel seed

ii)    2 teaspoons salt   1 1/2 teaspoons black pepper

iii)   1/2 cup red wine
iv)  1 tablespoon chopped parsley leaves

v)    2 pounds pork (2 1/2 pounds with bone), diced into 1/4-inch pieces

vi)  5 feet of 36 millimeter collagen casings (do not allow to get wet at any time)

vii) Shortening, to lubricate nozzle of stuffer

viii)        Special equipment: meat grinder with stuffing attachment or manual stuffer

2)    Directions

i)     Toast fennel seed about 5 minutes in medium sized, heavy sauté pan over medium heat

ii)    Constantly move fennel seeds around in pan until they start to turn light brown,

iii)   Set aside to cool.

iv)  Once cool, grind seeds and combine with salt, pepper, wine and chopped parsley in medium mixing bowl.

v)    Add pork and blend thoroughly.

vi)  Refrigerate for 1 hour.

vii) Grind the pork using the fine blade of the grinder.

viii)        Lubricating stuffer and stuffing attachment with shortening,

ix)  Load casing onto attachment, clipping end with a clothespin.

x)    Stuff meat into casings, trying to avoid air pockets.

xi)  After stuffing is finished lay out on counter and tie off end.

xii) Pinch and twist to form 4-inch sausages.

xiii)        Wrap in parchment paper and refrigerate for 2 to 3 hours.

3)    To Cook:

i)     Sauté over medium heat in a heavy saute pan with 1/4-inch of water.

ii)    Bring water to boil, put on lid and cook for 10 minutes.

iii)   Remove lid and continue cooking over medium heat, turning every 2 to 3 minutes until golden brown.

iv)    Sausage should reach an internal temperature of 150 to 156 degrees F

Carlino's Restaurant creates its handmade Italian sausages daily using this family recipe passed down through the centuries.  Please visit us at 204 Jericho Turnpike, Mineola, NY to try Carlino's mouth watering sausages for yourself.

Visit us on the web at http://www.carlinosrestaurant.com/ for more information on Carlino's Restaurant.