DAS | Dante Alighieri Society Blog

Oranges vs Arancio

As I write this, I am sitting at my dining room table in Italy. I just had what I will call a breakthrough “ah ha” moment when it comes to learning the Italian language. Yesterday, I was rock climbing at a local spot with some really wonderful local Italian friends. One of them asked me if I had brought my climbing guidebook. My response was in Italian: Sì, il libro e’ nel mio zaino arancio (Yes, the book is in my orange backpack). I was so proud of myself as this felt like one of the first times I could quickly ramble off a response in Italian with little to no thought. After making the statement, several of the folks at this particular climbing spot started chatting. I could tell they were debating something. It was difficult to get a word in, but I finally interrupted and asked them if what I had misspoken and said something wrong.

Experiencing a Dante Alighieri Society Cooking Class

Nothing is better than learning to cook a real Italian meal from a real Italian chef. You can count on getting a recipe that is compiled of only the freshest ingredients and one that has been passed down through several generations within the family. Just last month DAS held a cooking class put on by Chef Tom Mirabito, at our Lady of Mount Carmel. If you have never signed up, you are missing out on a morning of fun. The church has a commercial kitchen that is perfectly suited for small groups to take cooking classes. Upon completion of the class you actually get to sit down with other DAS members and guests and enjoy the meal you prepared.

Chef Tom dazzled us by sharing stories of what it was like to go to cooking school at the same place Antony Bourdain attended, Culinary Institute of America and what it was like to own a restaurant. I asked if all the sordid stories that Bourdain shared in his book titled Kitchen Confidential was true and he smiled and said indeed it was…

Getting to Know Molise, Italy

Italy’s Quiet Treasure of Tradition, Nature, and Authenticity

Molise, one of Italy’s smallest and least-explored regions, is a land where time seems to slow down and authenticity takes center stage. Nestled between Abruzzo and Puglia and stretching from the Apennine mountains to the Adriatic Sea, Molise embodies old-world Italy — where ancient crafts thrive, traditions endure, and unspoiled landscapes invite exploration.

Here are some fascinating aspects of Molise:

kiley traynor As of today, I have officially been studying abroad in Sorrento for one month. September was easily the quickest, most fleeting month of my life. As much as I’ve tried to grasp onto them, the days have slipped through my fingers like sand, (something that is seemingly everywhere these days, thanks to the beautiful Sorrento beaches!). As I reflect on my time thus far in Italy, I cannot help but to feel overwhelmed with gratitude. This has been my first time in Europe, and I can easily say that my time here has been amazing.

Gran Paradiso 13,323

‍Located between Valle D'Aosta and Piemonte Regions

tc1 One of the most enjoyable ways to spend the summer or early autumn in Italy is hike or climb in the mountains. There is a very extensive hut system across the mountain ranges that allows one to venture into the mountains carrying only a few essentials. Typically, only a small backpack is needed as the huts provide food and shelter (and wine). You need only carry extra clothing, ample water for the days outing, a compulsory sheet and any climbing gear needed for the objective you have set.

One can hike on dry casual paths considered easy from one valley to the next or utilize the more advanced via ferrate system that is considered more intermediate or advanced as you must have special gear to securely travel the steel ladders and more rigorous paths. Then there is the true mountaineering experience that place you on glaciated mountains that lead to the summits of some of the most breathtaking mountains in Italy. What makes this so comfortable is that no tent, stove or fuel is required for shelter, so you carry only a light load. Those of us used to climbing mountains almost consider this a form of modern-day glamping. It does allow you the option to do a fast out and back hike for one night or you can link numerous huts together to do a circuit which includes several days of travel.

Getting to Know Sardegna, Italy

An Island of Mystery, Beauty, and Timeless Traditions

Sardegna, the second-largest island in the Mediterranean, is a destination that captures the imagination with its rugged landscapes, turquoise waters, and ancient cultural roots. Known for its unique identity, Sardegna offers travelers a rare combination of natural beauty, historical intrigue, and a lifestyle deeply tied to its land and traditions.

Here are some fascinating aspects of Sardegna:

TIPS ON ITALY by Tonya Clement

Add Italy's Small Towns to Your Itinerary

When planning a trip to Italy, most travelers set their sights on the big names: Rome, Florence, Venice, and Milan. And while these cities are rich in history, art, and architecture, there's an entirely different side of Italy that many miss—the small towns. Scattered across rolling hills, coastal cliffs, and hidden valleys, Italy's borghi (villages) offer a more intimate, authentic experience that captures the heart of the country in a way that busy tourist hubs simply can't.

baroque town These towns may be small in size, but they’re big on character. Picture cobblestone alleys lined with flower boxes, locals chatting over espresso in the piazza, and trattorias where nonna is still in the kitchen stirring the sauce. In towns like Orvieto in Umbria, Montepulciano in Tuscany, or Polignano a Mare in Puglia, time seems to slow down. You’re invited to savor life—literally and figuratively—with long lunches, leisurely walks, and spontaneous moments of wonder.

Getting to Know Campania, Italy

A Region of Majesty, Myth, and Mediterranean Splendor

Campania, nestled in southern Italy along the stunning Tyrrhenian coast, is a region where ancient history, dramatic landscapes, and vibrant culture come together in unforgettable ways. From the fiery slopes of Mount Vesuvius to the crystal waters of the Amalfi Coast, Campania offers an intoxicating blend of natural beauty, deep-rooted traditions, and world-famous cuisine.

Here are some captivating aspects of Campania:

TIPS ON ITALY by Tonya Clement

350 Shapes of Tradition: Exploring Italy’s Incredible Variety of Pasta

pasta types

Did you know that Italy is home to more than 350 different types of pasta? That’s right—more than 350 unique shapes, each with its own name, origin, and purpose. From the familiar spaghetti and penne to the regional specialties like trofie, orecchiette, and malloreddus, pasta in Italy is far more than a meal—it's a reflection of regional identity, history, and ingenuity.

Pasta Isn’t Just Pasta

To outsiders, pasta might seem like a simple carb canvas for sauce. But for Italians, pasta is deeply tied to where you are and who you’re with. In Sicily, you might be served bucatini with sardines and wild fennel; in Apulia, the ear-shaped orecchiette are handmade and tossed with broccoli rabe. Up north in Liguria, short twisted trofie are perfectly designed to catch the creamy richness of fresh pesto.

Each shape has a story—and a sauce it loves. For example:

Getting to Know Friuli Venezia Giulia, Italy

A Region of Culture, Contrast, and Discovery

Nestled in Italy’s northeast corner, where the Alps meet the Adriatic Sea and Italian tradition intersects with Central European influences, Friuli Venezia Giulia is a region unlike any other in Italy. Known for its multicultural heritage, dramatic landscapes, and refined cuisine, this hidden gem offers a captivating experience for curious travelers seeking both authenticity and variety.

Here are some fascinating aspects of Friuli Venezia Giulia: