"If you love Nutella... ...then you absolutely must take a day trip from Genova to experience the specialty hazelnuts of the Piemonte (Langhe) region. Growing sympathetically with the other delicacy of this region - the white truffle - these hazelnuts are prized the world over for their smooth flavor and surprising crunch (and thankfully, you can find them in their most delicious form - GELATO di NOCCIOLA - in nearly every gelateria across Italy!)."

"Be not afraid of beef tartare I have always hated the idea of raw beef. I'm not going to lie, it scared me. A lot. But living in Italy has taught me many things - perhaps most importantly, don't be scared to taste anything. Octopus. Anchovies. Olives. Those small pickled fruits that I still don't quite understand. And most deliciously - raw beef. Spread some of La Piola's (the less formal Alba restaurant of 3-Michelin starred chef Enrico Crippa) tartare on a piece of crusty bread, and enjoy the natural creaminess of the fine meat."

"Sampling coffee history at the source The Bicerin is a gastronomic speciality of Turin. I love both chocolate and espresso, and was delighted to discover this warming confection in a glass, also called a Bicerin. The drink is layered into the glass oh so carefully: espresso first, then cocoa and finally a topping of thick cream. Sublime! There are more elegant places to enjoy a Bicerin in Turin, but if you want to try the drink at the place where it was created more than 200 years ago, head for Piazza della Consolata and Caffè Al Bicerin. Sit at one of the six or so tables in this cafe where, as the locals say, "everything tastes like history", order your drink and enjoy with a morning newspaper. You will also have opportunity for people-watching as locals queue at the counter for sweet breakfast breads. When you are done, go next door to the tiny shop and buy cocoa or chocolates in old-fashioned tins to take home and preserve the memory of this special treat. By Anita Breland"

"Sun and Showers in Torino Piazza Castello glistens in the sun after a sudden downpour. Much of the historic center of Torino is pedestrianized and easily explored in a couple of days. For Roman history enthusiasts the aqueducts, arches and ancient city walls are a treat. In the evening, enjoy a glass of prosecco and aperitivo (free buffet or sandwiches and other light bites brought to your table) at one of the outdoor cafés in Piazza Vittorio Veneto. Then head south on Corso Cairoli, following the river, and stop at one of the many waterfront bars. The sun doesn't go down until after 9pm making the evening, with it's magical soft light, the perfect time for strolling this pretty city."

"Wine tasting and movie making in Piemonte The tiny hamlet of Monforte d'Alba in the Piedmont wine region south of Turin is so picture perfect and the views down into the vine-laced valley below so striking, it can feel more like a movie set than real life. That surreal feeling continued during a lengthy (and free of charge) wine tasting at Conterno Fantina, an impressive family run vineyard up the road from the town square, where a brother and sister team made us feel more like honored guests than random tourists. I discovered a new favorite vino - Nebbiolo - a bold red that is not quite as challenging or as expensive as Barolo but made from the same grapes. We stayed at Hotel Grappolo D'Oro in the town center, also family run, which doubles as Monforte d'Alba's local hangout. Our mini-Italian movie ended with us watching Italy's Euro 2012 match against Croatia in the standing room only hotel bar surrounded by new friends and familiar faces. The match ended in a tie but I felt like a winner."

"Private Tastings in the Piedmont Countryside Winemaker Renato Ratti recently opened to the public his family’s 18th-century, 13-room villa in the Piedmont countryside. An old cellar stores decades’ worth of Ratti wines. Guided tastings can be arranged upon request, and bottles can be shipped home for guests. The owners may open a restaurant in the next two years. For now, they direct guests to La Luna nel Pozzo, in the nearby village of Neive. The tiny family-run spot serves excellent homemade pastas paired with local wines. The villa’s old tower has been turned into a three-floor deluxe suite with hardwood floors, frescoed walls, and a Turkish bath. Each floor has 360-degree vineyard views. From $185. 39/0140-962-021. This appeared in the March/April 2013 issue."