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If you’re looking for team building ideas for groups , nothing brings people together quite like cooking. At IMPASTIAMO, we believe the best way to connect outside the office is by sharing food, laughter, and a bit of friendly flour on your hands. Whether your team is based in Los Angeles, Orange County, San Francisco, Palo Alto, NYC, Texas, Las Vegas, or anywhere in between, our cooking classes are designed to turn teamwork into a delicious experience. Among your team building ideas: our Cooking Class Experience Our cooking classes are all about collaboration, creativity, and fun. Each class lasts around 2.5 hours and includes a welcome aperitivo, charcuterie board, snacks, and a full meal, either lunch or dinner. You can choose your chef, location, and cuisine, making every class truly personalized. From fresh pasta like cavatelli, gnocchi, maccheroni, fettuccine, tortelli or pizza, to international cuisines such as Persian, Indian, or Mexican, our chefs guide you step by step in preparing your favorite dishes. Classes start at $130 per person , and we also offer virtual options, perfect for hybrid teams or remote coworkers looking to reconnect online. BUT.. If you think an IMPASTIAMO experience might be perfect for someone, but don’t have time to organize a cooking class, don’t worry! You can also gift an IMPASTIAMO Gift Card . More than just a present, it’s an experience to share, a memory to create, and a chance to connect through food. Whether it’s for families, friends, or corporate teams, our Gift Cards are flexible, never expire, and can be easily redeemed for any of our pop-up cooking classes. Our in-person classes in Los Angeles  include all the necessary ingredients and end with a shared lunch or dinner to enjoy together. You can find our Gift Cards on our website , just choose the amount you prefer and dedicate your gift to someone special! Cooking Competitions For a more dynamic and energetic activity, try our cooking competitions. These events are designed to boost motivation and strengthen communication through a touch of healthy competition. Choose from pasta contests, secret ingredient challenges, or Mexican trivia classes. We even host pizza vs. pasta face-offs! With a minimum of 8 participants and prices starting at $140 per person , this is a guaranteed way to get everyone laughing, strategizing, and working together like never before. Dining Experiences Want to elevate your team’s experience even further? Our exclusive dining experiences offer a private, curated dinner in stunning venues across Los Angeles, San Francisco, Palo Alto, and New York City. Starting at $200 per person , each event includes a customized menu prepared by top local or Michelin-starred chefs. Every dinner is intimate, elegant, and fully tailored to your preferences. You can select from global cuisines - Vietnamese, Venezuelan, Asian, or Italian - and each dish comes with a story that connects food, culture, and conversation. Optional wine pairings or crafted non-alcoholic beverages complete the experience, turning your corporate dinner into an unforgettable night. Team Retreats in Italy If your team deserves something truly special, imagine spending a week in Italy, especially in Sicily for a corporate team-building retreat. Picture cooking arancini together, going on food tours, hiking, wine tasting, and soaking up the Mediterranean sun, all while reconnecting as a team.  Whether you’re thinking about some team building ideas, planning your next team building event in Los Angeles, organizing a corporate dinner in NYC, or dreaming of a culinary retreat in Sicily, IMPASTIAMO offers you a way to bring your people together. For more, visit our website to start planning your next experience or schedule an intro call with us !

Potatoes are one of the most rewarding vegetables to grow at home. Whether you’ve planted them in your backyard garden, or even in a large container, knowing when to harvest potatoes is the secret to getting the best tubers. Timing your harvest correctly ensures your potatoes are firm, nutrient-rich, and ready to enjoy in your favorite recipes. How long do potatoes take to grow? Most potato varieties take between 70 and 120 days to mature, depending on the type and local climate. In Los Angeles and Southern California, for example, potatoes can be planted as early as February or March for a late spring harvest, or again in September for a winter crop. But, if you live in New York City, potatoes generally take 90 to 120 days to grow from planting to harvest. Here in the East Coast, the planting season goes from late April to early May, once the soil has warmed and the risk of frost has passed. The harvest season starts in late July to early September, and because NYC has a cooler spring and early frost risk in fall, there’s typically one main growing season per year. Early varieties (like Yukon Gold or Red Norland) can be harvested around 70–90 days, while main-season potatoes take closer to 120 days. In San Francisco, potatoes can take about 70 to 110 days to grow similar to Los Angeles but with cooler temperatures and coastal humidity. Here in San Francisco, the planting season goes from February to March for a summer harvest, or September to October for a winter harvest. While the harvest season is between May–July or December–February, depending on when you plant. Signs your potatoes are ready to harvest It can be considered as obvious advice but the best way to know when to harvest is by watching your plants. Here are the main indicators: Early Potatoes (New Potatoes): About two to three weeks after flowering, you can dig around the base of the plant and collect small, tender potatoes. These have thin skins and a delicate flavor, perfect for salads or roasting. Main Crop Potatoes: For larger, storage-ready potatoes, wait until the foliage turns yellow and begins to die back. This is a natural signal that the tubers have finished growing. Once the leaves have fully withered, stop watering and allow the potatoes to sit in the soil for another one to two weeks. This helps the skins toughen, making them last longer after harvest. How to harvest potatoes without damaging them To harvest, use a garden fork or your hands to lift the soil around each plant. Start from the edges and work your way inward to avoid piercing the potatoes. Brush off excess soil, but don’t wash them until you’re ready to cook or store them. How to store your harvest After harvesting, let your potatoes cure in a dark, well-ventilated place for about one week. Ideal storage conditions are cool (around 45–55°F) and dark, such as a pantry or cellar. Avoid sunlight, as it can cause the potatoes to turn green and develop a bitter taste. Ready for your next recipe Once cured, your homegrown potatoes are ready for the kitchen! Roast them with olive oil and rosemary, mash them with butter, or slice them for crispy pan-fried potatoes.

Few desserts capture the spirit of autumn quite like a pumpkin pie. Its aroma of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger evokes the comfort of home, cozy sweaters, and crisp fall mornings. This year, try giving this classic a plant-based twist with the vegan pumpkin pie , creamy, spiced, and completely dairy-free. Perfect for Thanksgiving, holiday gatherings, this vegan pumpkin pie  brings all the flavor of the traditional version, but with cruelty-free ingredients that everyone can enjoy. Why choose a Vegan Pumpkin Pie Opting for a vegan pumpkin pie  doesn’t mean compromising on taste. On the contrary, it’s rich and naturally sweet. Plus, it’s easier to digest and environmentally friendly. Whether you follow a vegan lifestyle or just want to reduce your use of animal products, this dessert is a delicious way to do good for yourself and the planet. Ingredients For the crust: 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour ½ cup coconut oil or vegan butter (chilled) 2–3 tablespoons ice-cold water 1 tablespoon coconut sugar (optional) A pinch of salt For the filling: 2 cups pumpkin purée (homemade or canned) ¾ cup full-fat coconut milk ½ cup maple syrup or brown sugar 2 tablespoons cornstarch or arrowroot powder 1 teaspoon cinnamon ½ teaspoon nutmeg ½ teaspoon ginger ¼ teaspoon cloves 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract A pinch of salt How to make a Vegan Pumpkin Pie Step 1: prepare the crust. In a bowl, mix flour, salt, and sugar. Add the coconut oil and use your hands to create a crumbly texture. Gradually add cold water until the dough forms. Roll it out and line a 9-inch pie pan. Chill in the fridge while you prepare the filling. Step 2: make the filling. In a large bowl, whisk together pumpkin purée, coconut milk, maple syrup, cornstarch, and spices until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust sweetness or spice to your liking. Step 3: assemble and bake. Pour the filling into the chilled crust. Bake at 180°C / 350°F for about 50–55 minutes, or until the center is just set. Let the pie cool completely, it will firm up as it cools. Step 4 : serve and enjoy. Top your vegan pumpkin pie with coconut whipped cream or a sprinkle of cinnamon. It’s delicious served cold or at room temperature. Tips for a perfect Vegan Pumpkin Pie Homemade pumpkin purée gives a fresher, deeper flavor, but canned works just as well. To make it gluten-free, use almond or oat flour for the crust. For an extratouch, decorate with pecans or a drizzle of maple syrup. This vegan pumpkin pie is simple to make, rich in flavor, and kind to animals, it’s proof that tradition and sustainability can go hand in hand. So this season, bake your pie and share it with your friends. Don't forget to take pictures and tag us on our social media!

If you’ve ever wandered down the pasta aisle and tossed a bag of your favorite Italian fusilli or rigatoni into the cart without thinking twice, those days might soon be over. Italian pasta brands are warning that skyrocketing import taxes could make authentic pasta in the U.S. a luxury item. Yes, read that again. A-luxury-item. According to a recent Wall Street Journal  report, the U.S. Department of Commerce has announced a staggering 92% antidumping duty on pasta made by Italy’s top producers, including La Molisana, along with an additional 15% import tariff from the Trump administration’s trade policies toward the European Union. That’s a jaw-dropping 107% in total duties, meaning the cost of importing Italian pasta could more than double overnight. For family-owned producers like La Molisana , based in Campobasso in southern Italy, the new tariffs are devastating. “It’s an incredibly important market for us,” said Giuseppe Ferro to reporters, whose company employs 350 people and generates roughly $400 million in annual revenue. “But no one has those kinds of margins.” In other words, selling pasta in America will soon be too expensive to be sustainable. This isn’t just bad news for Italian businesses. It’s a blow to pasta lovers across the U.S. Authentic Italian brands could start disappearing from supermarket shelves as soon as January, leaving Americans to rely on alternative pasta options. But the question that might arise is: will the flavor and quality ever be quite the same? The Campobasso region, like many parts of rural Italy, depends heavily on local pasta factories. Losing a key export market like the United States could ripple through the local economy, affecting jobs and family-run farms that supply high-quality durum wheat. “It would be a real shame to have the market snatched from us for no real reason,” Ferro told reporters . While Italian exporters are urging the Commerce Department to reconsider the ruling, there’s growing concern that the decision might stick. For American consumers, that means one thing: pasta prices are about to boil over. So, what people can do? Here’s an idea: if imported spaghetti will soon cost a fortune, why not learn to make it yourself? Join one of our hands-on pasta-making classes and discover how to craft fresh tagliatelle, tortellini, and gnocchi from scratch. You’ll learn traditional Italian techniques from real chefs, plus you will enjoy a glass of wine while cooking. Because if pasta is going to cost a million dollars, you might as well have the satisfaction of saying: “I made it myself.”

This holiday season, skip the usual gifts and give something unforgettable, like an experience to be shared and remembered. With an IMPASTIAMO Gift Card , you’re not just giving a present, you’re gifting a seat at the table with some of Los Angeles’ most passionate chefs. An experience to taste and remember Instead of another item to unwrap, imagine gifting someone the chance to cook handmade pasta with Chef Gino , learn traditional Italian recipes from Chef Maria Elena , explore authentic Sicilian flavors with Chef Gianpaolo , or dive into the colorful world of Mexican salsas with Chef Natalia Luna . Every IMPASTIAMO class is more than a cooking lesson, it’s a celebration of culture and connection. Flexible, meaningful, and fun Our Gift Cards  make it easy to share the love of cooking. Choose the amount you’d like to gift, there’s no expiration date, and they can be used for any class, any cuisine, any time of year . Each experience brings people together to cook, laugh, and enjoy a meal. For families, friends, and teams Whether it’s a family night out, a unique date idea, or a fun way for coworkers to bond, IMPASTIAMO Gift Cards fit every occasion. They’re a perfect alternative to material gifts, no wrapping paper, no clutter, just a joyful, hands-on experience that sparks new skills and great memories. How to get yours You can purchase your IMPASTIAMO Gift Card directly on our website. Choose your amount, add a personal message, and send instantly, ready to make someone’s Christmas truly special. Here's what's next! After purchasing your gift card, contact us to schedule your cooking experience, Choose the location (we’re in California, the Bay Area, NYC, and Texas), Pick your perfect Chef, Select your cooking experience (Cavatelli, Gnocchi, Samosas, Mexican Salsas, or whatever kind of food you like the most!) This year, give a gift that brings people together, give the gift of cooking with IMPASTIAMO.

Today we’ll explore a delicious capunti pasta recipe inspired by Mediterranean flavors: cherry tomatoes, taggiasca olives, and feta cheese. When it comes to traditional Italian food, pasta always takes the spotlight and among the many varieties, capunti pasta stands out for its versatility.  What Is Capunti Pasta? Capunti is a traditional pasta shape from Southern Italy, especially Puglia. It is made by rolling small pieces of semolina dough into elongated, hollow shapes using the fingers. The grooves in capunti are perfect for holding onto sauces.  The Mediterranean flavours This capunti pasta is a recipe that celebrates the Mediterranean diet, known for its fresh vegetables, olive oil, and healthy flavors. These ingredients not only taste incredible together but also reflect the rich culinary heritage of Southern Europe. Ingredients To prepare this Mediterranean capunti pasta , gather the following fresh and high-quality ingredients. For the Capunti pasta: 400 gr of semolina flour 200 gr of lukewarm water Pinch of salt For the Mediterranean sauce:  250 g cherry tomatoes, halved 80 g Taggiasca olives, pitted 150 g feta cheese, crumbled 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil 1 garlic clove, finely chopped Fresh basil leaves Salt and pepper to taste Step-by-Step Preparation Prepare the Capunti To prepare capunti, combine the semolina with lukewarm water and start mixing in a bowl. Continue until you obtain a smooth dough ball. Once the dough is ready, let it rest under a kitchen towel for 5 minutes. In the meantime, prepare the sauce. Prepare the Sauce Cut and toss in the cherry tomatoes and let them soften for a few minutes, releasing their natural juices. Then add the Taggiasca olives and cook briefly. Cut into cubes the feta cheese and add all the ingredients into a bowl. Mix all the ingredients together and garnish with fresh basil, olive oil and the chopped garlic. Cook the Pasta Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the capunti until al dente. This usually takes around 10, but always check the package or taste a piece before draining.  Drain the pasta and mix it inside the bowl with the rest of ingredients. PS. This type of pasta is best enjoyed cold. Pair it with a crisp white wine, such as a Vermentino or Falanghina. In the end, the beauty of the capunti pasta lies in its simplicity. With just some fresh Mediterranean ingredients, you can create a dish that is light yet deeply flavorful. Whether you’re passionate about traditional Italian food or simply looking for a new and quick recipe to try, this dish will become a favorite at your summer table.

Instead of wrapping up another pair of socks or a candle, IMPASTIAMO offers something more meaningful: an experience. Our newly launched gift cards  are now available and can be redeemed for any of IMPASTIAMO’s popular pop-up cooking classes held across the city of Los Angeles. A gift for everyone Looking for new gift ideas? The best part of the IMPASTIAMO gift card lies in its simplicity and flexibility. Buyers can select the amount they wish to gift, ensuring it fits their budget. There is no expiration date , so recipients can redeem their card whenever it best suits their schedule. Unlike many seasonal offers, these cards can be used for any pop-up class, any cuisine, at any time of year . Beyond the typical gift The IMPASTIAMO gift cards are designed to gift an experience. Every class is led by authentic chefs who showcase both their craft and their culture. Venues vary from intimate kitchens to creative spaces across LA, making each event unique. Participants learn step-by-step recipes and techniques, and every session ends by sharing a meal together. The result is not just cooking skills, but a memory made around the table. Perfect for families, friends, and teams The Gift Cards are perfect for everyone. Families can use them for a fun night out, friends can turn them into a hands-on gathering, and companies can purchase them for team-building experiences or simply gifts for employees .  For gift-givers, it offers a chance to present something that doesn’t gather dust on a shelf but instead sparks joy, conversation, and even a new hobby. How to purchase IMPASTIAMO gift cards are now available online on our website. Choose the amount, add a personal touch, and send instantly.

In 2025, Diwali will fall around October 18–22 , and Los Angeles will light up with community events, temple ceremonies, and cultural festivals that honor this timeless tradition. Diwali, also known as the Festival of Lights, is one of the most radiant celebrations of the year. Originating in India and now celebrated across the world, Diwali (or Deepavali) marks the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil. Homes glow with diyas (oil lamps), temples resound with chants, and families come together to share sweets, prayers, and laughter. What Diwali means The word Diwali  comes from the Sanskrit Deepavali , meaning “row of lights.” Across Hindu, Sikh, and Jain traditions, it celebrates spiritual victory, prosperity, and renewal. Many devotees perform Lakshmi Puja , praying to the goddess of wealth and fortune, and decorate their homes with rangoli  (colorful floor art), candles, and fairy lights. But Diwali is more than just a festival, it’s an invitation to pause, reflect, and begin anew. Where to celebrate Diwali in Los Angeles Los Angeles, with its diverse and thriving South Asian community, offers plenty of ways to experience Diwali, whether you want to join a traditional puja, attend a street fair, or simply enjoy the food and music. 1. BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir A must-visit for anyone seeking a traditional celebration. This stunning temple hosts a multi-day Diwali and Annakut festival  with prayers, lights, music, and an extraordinary vegetarian feast.  2. Little India  Just a short drive from downtown Los Angeles, Artesia’s Pioneer Boulevard  transforms into a glowing corridor of lights, shops, and restaurants during Diwali week. You can shop for sarees, jewelry, sweets like laddu  and barfi , and join the local street celebrations. 3. Malibu Hindu Temple Set in the hills near Calabasas, this temple offers peaceful Lakshmi and Ganesha pujas  followed by prasadam  (blessed food). It’s ideal if you’re looking for a spiritual experience away from the city noise. Remember to wear bright, traditional clothes like sarees, kurtas, or anything colorful. But also, don’t miss to bring a diya;  many temples invite guests to light their own lamps, so be sure to bring yours! Let us know where you’ll be celebrating Diwali. In the meantime Happy Diwali! From IMPASTIAMO.

October in Los Angeles means cooler evenings, golden sunsets, and one of the city’s most anticipated cultural events: Montrose Oktoberfest . This annual celebration brings the spirit of Bavaria to Southern California, offering locals and visitors the chance to experience German traditions without leaving LA. With beer gardens, live music, authentic food, and family-friendly entertainment, it’s the perfect way to welcome fall. Oktoberfest 2025 What Is Oktoberfest? The original Oktoberfest traces its roots back to Munich, Germany, in 1810, when the city celebrated the wedding of Crown Prince Ludwig with days of feasting, dancing, and beer. Over two centuries later, the tradition has grown into one of the world’s largest festivals, attracting millions of visitors each year. Today, Oktoberfest is celebrated across the globe, and Los Angeles proudly hosts its own version in Montrose, capturing the essence of Bavarian culture while adding a SoCal twist. Dates, Location, and Tickets Montrose Oktoberfest 2025  will take place on Saturday, October 4, 2025 , in the heart of the Montrose Shopping Park in Glendale. The event runs from morning until late evening, transforming Honolulu Avenue into a festive hub of music, food, and fun. Entry is typically free for children under 12 , while general admission tickets for adults range from $10–$15 at the gate . Families looking to save can purchase pre-sale tickets online  for a small discount, often around $8–$12 . A portion of the proceeds goes to local community projects, so every ticket supports a good cause. Dinner Open Air At the heart of Oktoberfest is the food and drink. Visitors can indulge in authentic German fare  such as bratwurst, schnitzel, sauerkraut, and giant Bavarian pretzels. Sweet tooths won’t be left behind, with apple strudel and German chocolate cake available from local vendors. Pair it all with a frothy pint of imported German beer or seasonal craft brews from California breweries. Beyond food, Montrose Oktoberfest features rows of local vendors selling crafts, souvenirs, and festive gear. Expect to find handmade jewelry, Oktoberfest mugs, hats, and themed merchandise , perfect for remembering your day. Entertainment and Activities Montrose Oktoberfest isn’t just about food and beer, it’s an all-day experience. Visitors can enjoy live oompah bands , traditional dance performances, and family-friendly contests. Kids will love the carnival rides and game booths, while adults can test their strength in stein-holding competitions or join in on the costume parade. For those seeking a more relaxed vibe, the beer garden offers the perfect spot to unwind with friends while enjoying live music. With activities tailored to all ages, Montrose Oktoberfest successfully combines tradition with community spirit. Tips for Visiting Arrive early : the event gets crowded by midday, and early birds snag the best seating. Bring cash : while many vendors accept cards, cash lines often move faster. Plan your ride : parking in the area is limited, so consider carpooling or using rideshare apps.

When our IMPASTIAMO team decided to gather for a teambuilding trip, we knew it had to be somewhere special. We packed our bags and from Los Angeles we crossed the ocean to Stromboli, a vulcanic island in southern Italy.   From the very first step off the ferry in Vulcano, we were greeted by the island’s signature smell of sulfur. It might surprise you at first, but soon it becomes part of the atmosphere, just like the black volcanic sand, the steaming fumaroles, and the quiet beauty that exists nowhere else in the world. Our journey then brought us to Stromboli, famously captured by Roberto Rossellini in the film Stromboli, Land of God , starring Ingrid Bergman. Here, time literally slows down. Stromboli is still a fishing village at heart. Cars are almost nonexistent, replaced by small electric golf carts that cover just a handful of routes. The real star of the island is the Volcano itself, alive and powerful, throwing sparks of lava, a constant reminder of nature’s strength (it feels like stepping into a page of German Romanticism, where beauty and danger coexist). But Stromboli is not only about its volcano. It is also about its people, and for us, that person was Angelo Mirabito. Angelo is the heart behind the well-known restaurant Il Malandrino, but more than that, he is a man whose life is deeply tied to the island. With a bright, genuine smile, he welcomed us as though we were old friends. He told us his story: how he once left Stromboli to work as a builder in Modena for over a decade, only to return after his father’s passing. Since then, he has dedicated his days to his land, his restaurant, and his people. Angelo didn’t just tell us about his life, he shared it with us. He took us to his grove of olive trees, teaching us how to pick the olives that would later be preserved in brine. It’s a simple recipe of water, salt, garlic, and chili pepper, yet in his hands it felt like part of an ancient ritual, a way of connecting to the land. Later that afternoon, Angelo, together with Bartolo and his son Antonino, invited us on his boat. We sailed out toward Strombolicchio and jumped into the deep blue water just as the sun was setting. The thrill of diving in at that golden hour is something none of us will forget. As evening fell, the day turned into something even more memorable. Angelo showed us how to fish for squid, and by nightfall we had caught enough for a meal. Still inside the boat, he cooked pasta for us with the squid we had caught and the tomatoes from his own garden. It wasn’t just dinner: it was a celebration of simplicity, of authenticity, of being present in the moment. In Stromboli, with Angelo as our guide, we learned that true richness is not found in what is grand or fast-paced, but in the small things: the taste of fresh tomatoes, the rhythm of the sea, the smile of someone who has given his life to his island. Our teambuilding trip reminded us not only of the joy of working together, but also of the value of slowing down, appreciating where you are, and remembering that life’s beauty often lies in the most ordinary moments.

Every year, when the moon is at its brightest in early autumn, millions of people across Asia and beyond come together to celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival . Origins of the Mid-Autumn Festival Also known as the Moon Festival , the Mid Autumn Festival is one of the most important cultural celebrations in China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Vietnam, Singapore, and Malaysia , and it is increasingly marked in major cities worldwide, from London’s Chinatown to Los Angeles and New York . The festival dates back more than 3,000 years, rooted in ancient harvest rituals and legends. The most famous is the story of Chang’e, the Moon Goddess , who is believed to reside on the moon with her jade rabbit. Families honor these legends by gathering under the full moon, a symbol of reunion, prosperity, and harmony. Traditional Foods: Mooncakes  Mooncakes Food plays a central role in the Mid-Autumn Festival. The most iconic treat is the mooncake , a round pastry symbolizing completeness and unity. Traditional Cantonese mooncakes are filled with lotus seed paste and salted egg yolk, while modern versions feature chocolate, matcha, ice cream, and even savory fillings. In Vietnam, people enjoy bánh trung thu , which come in baked and sticky-rice varieties. In Malaysia and Singapore, snow skin mooncakes are popular for their soft, mochi-like texture. Seasonal fruits such as pomelos are also eaten, as they are believed to bring family luck and togetherness. Customs and Celebrations Lantern Tradition The lantern tradition  is one of the most recognizable features of the Mid-Autumn Festival. Children carry brightly colored paper lanterns shaped like animals, fish, or stars, lighting up parks and streets. In places like Hong Kong’s Victoria Park , thousands of lanterns create breathtaking displays. Families gather outdoors for moon gazing , sharing tea and pastries, and expressing gratitude for abundance. In Vietnam, lion dances entertain children, while in Taiwan, barbecue gatherings have become a modern twist on the festival. Mid-Autumn Festival: house of traditions The Mid-Autumn Festival is more than food and lanterns, it is a powerful reminder of the importance of family unity and cultural heritage. Whether you are enjoying a traditional mooncake in Hong Kong, watching lion dances in Vietnam, or visiting Chinatown in London or Los Angeles , the Mid-Autumn Festival  offers a chance to reconnect with tradition and celebrate under the full moon.

Caffè Espresso with chocolate powder Breakfast in Italy, known as "Colazione", is a simple and light event that prioritizes quality. Whether you want to learn more about the Italian Breakfast before a trip to Italy or just want to implement their culture into your everyday life, you’ve come to the right place. What are some regional breakfast specialties in Italy? Here are some regional variations in breakfast specialties in Italy: Rome: Maritozzi are sweet brioche buns that are filled with whipped cream. Naples & Amalfi Coast: Sfogliatella, a shell-shaped pastry that is filled with orange-scented ricotta, is flaky and perfectly sweet. Tuscany: Crunchy almond biscotti is a Tuscany favorite and is great to dip in coffee. Puglia: Pasticciotto is a shortcrust pastry that is filled with custard or ricotta. Served warm, this breakfast item is a great way to start your day. Sicily: Granita con brioche is a granita slushy paired with a soft brioche. A perfect balance, especially for hot days! Northern Italy (especially in the dolomites): This breakfast leans toward savory tastes, which might include porridge, cheese, yogurt, bread, and dried fruit. Here are some additional staples: Plain biscuits or simple cakes (such as ciambella) Bread with butter and jam  What is coffee culture? Coffee is an essential pairing with Italian breakfast foods, and here is what you need to know about coffee culture in Italy: Un Caffe: A quick shot of espresso to get your day started! This is the foundation of Italian coffee culture, meant to be drunk quickly standing at the bar. Cappuccino: This is a frothy breakfast favorite, typically consumed before 11 am. Latte macchiato or caffe latte: For a classic coffee and pastry combo! Note: if you only order a “latte” in Italy, you might just get a glass of milk. Another note: milk-based coffee is considered too heavy after breakfast! Caffe d’orzo: A barley-based drink that mimics coffee. Hot chocolate: A great option for kids, especially in winter! Coffee culture in Italy means that it is usually enjoyed at a bar, rather than taken to-go. Beyond breakfast, coffee is a social experience for many people: meeting with friends, splitting up the work day, or taking a quick break. Furthermore, coffee sizes are small and concentrated, focusing on simplicity rather than elaborate syrups or flavors.  Here are some regional traditions for coffee: Naples is famous for their strong espresso and paying it forward (paying in advance for someone else’s coffee!) Venice is known for historic cafes like Cafè Florian. Turin is known for "bicerin", which is a layered drink with espresso, chocolate, and cream. What should I know about breakfast etiquette and timing? Here is a summary of breakfast etiquette and timing for you: Italians eat breakfast early in the morning, typically ranging from the hours of 7-10 am. Breakfast is a light meal, and often done quickly at home or at the bar. Coffee is nearly always espresso-based. Pastries are a popular breakfast item in Italy, and savory breakfast tastes are rarer in Italy. Coffee with milk is reserved for before 11 am! We hope you enjoy this Italian tradition in its simplicity!