The Popular Caffe Marocchino - How to Make it

If you want to try an instant and delicious variation to your usual espresso than "The Moroccan Coffee" (Caffe' Marocchino) is a good thing. It is a new type of coffee now very popular throughout Italy. It's origins are from the city of Alessandria, in Northern Italy. The famous city of the Count Camillo Benso di Cavour. He seems closely linked to the Moroccan coffee. It appears that this drink is a variation of the "bicerin" so loved by the statesman. The Marocchino is a beverage made of a combination of milk, chocolate and coffee. . The name is derived from its unique coloration derived from the amalgamation of its delcious components. To prepare the Moroccan coffee isn't a complicated task; just stick to a few simple rules and make sure to have handy the following ingredients:

• espresso 
• milk 
• cream
• cocoa powder 
• sugar

The secret to making a successful Maroccan coffee is choosing quality ingredients and having an excellent milk frothing. This last one is important in obtaining the characteristic of a soft and dense foam. Once created a good foam which is usually obtained by using a cappuccino espresso maker, allow the foam to stand for about a minute. Make the cream of espresso first and set aside. To obtain the cream of espresso ( place 1-2 teaspoons of sugar and 1 teaspoon of espresso  into an espresso cup and stir till creamy)


Now take a clear coffee cup and sprinkle the bottom with the cocoa powder place the cup under the spout of the espresso machine and allow the coffee into the cup, top with some cream of espresso (sweeten to taste) add the foam (froth the foam with a spoon to make it soft) and sprinkle some cocoa powder on top.  Enjoy!



Image credit: Google

Pulcinella the Unofficial Mascot of Napoli - Bring a Piece of Napoli Home

Naples historic district, is highlighted with narrow streets which are particularly filled with antique stores offering unique hand made souvenirs at budget friendly prices. Among the many hand made souvenirs you will find Napoli's traditional mascot known as Pulcinella.


Who is Pulcinella?
Pulcinella is a cultural character made famous by the 17th century art comedy which became a stock character in the Neapolitan puppetry. It represents a prankster in a white costume with red accents and a black face mask.
Pulcinella from the word " pulcino", meaning little chicken, is also a crafty guy with a sense of humor, often pretending to be too stupid to know what's going on.

Throughout the centuries Pulcinella has become the lovable mascot of Napoli and practically you will find him hanging from every corner of the streets, obviously for sale. Neapolitan's are known for their craftsmanship therefore you will find all kinds of pulcinella souvenirs from hand-made puppets to key chains to Christmas tree ornaments. Pulcinella  also represents a good luck charm "porta fortuna".Who wouldn't want bring home Napoli's  most favorite and lovable character.

Image credit: Google

Spaghetti Alla Chitarra The Abruzzo Way

Spaghetti alla Chitarra (the spaghetti guitar), is a form of pasta that is characterized by the square section, the thickness is about 2 mm. The surface of this pasta is very porous, therefore suitable to accommodate sauces and condiments. The Abruzzo region has been given credit for creating Spaghetti alla Chitarra also known as "maccheroni all chitarra". The Abruzzo way of preparing this dish involves a very rich sauce.

The sauce also known as ragu, is a compote of beef, lamb and pork, which all comes together with tomatoes, onions, garlic. and extra virgin olive oil to create a rich, flavorful and delicious sauce. The spaghetti is prepared by hand with only fresh ingredients and 00 flour. Once the pasta dough has been made, it needs to long rest in a cool place before it arrives to the guitar. The guitar is composed of many steel wires of mm distance from each other.

 We came across Blog 52, a wonderful blog, which features step by step how to make spaghetti alla chitarra and how to make the traditonal Abruzzo ragu. An ideal wine pairing with this dish would be with a local wine or Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Doc. Another popular way to prepare this traditional Abruzzo dish, and also for a much easier and lighter version, would be preparing a simple tomato and basil sauce.


Image credit: Google

A Glimpse of Italy's Beauty

Italy Classy and Chic brings to you a video presentation on the most beautiful places and towns in Italy. Enjoy!

Soy Spacasso's Wine Tasting Tour Experience At Luna Rossa Restaurant and Wine Shop - A Taste of Italy in Minneapolis, Minnesota

Have you ever wondered if Italy can exist in the Midwest?  The answer YES!  If you ever visit the great  Mall of America in Minneapolis, Minnesota, it is a MUST that you head a few more miles to the  and visit the little quaint town of Stillwater, Minnesota where there is a whole lot of fun going on! 

This past Labor Day, SOY SPACASSO owner/creator Maria Murphy and husband Matt, embarked on an adventure  and participated in an Italy adventure to share and here is what they found:  Cave Tour with Appetizer and Wine for Two or Four at Luna Rossa and Romantic Gondola Cruises down the St. Croix River. They took advantage of the Groupon deal and they are passing it on: 

"Groupon offers a GREAT deal for the Cave Tour with Appetizer and Wine for Two or Four at Luna Rossa (Up to 46% Off)  $32.00" .  Now you too can experience the Cave Tour. 

Tucked in a cavern the Luna Rossa Restaurant and Wine Shop was an elegant Italian ambiance and  experience.  Not only does the Owner and Chef Raffaele Virgillo make you feel welcomed, he tends the bar to personally serve his customers.

Informative staff members of Luna Rossa takes you on a historic tour of the cavern. At the end of tour the wine tasting begins.  Generous tastes of a red and a white.  You then find yourself a place at the long stone table for at leaset 20 on each side.  You stand across from your partner to share a plate of delicious appetizer plate consisting of 3 different cheeses, prosciutto, ham and vegetables and bruschetta.  Wine, oh YES there is more wine to taste and it kept coming.  They are very generous indeed!!!! 

At the end their wine tasting and appetizer eating extravaganza, everyone heads into the Luna Rossa Wine Shop for YES more wine tasting and purchasing.

6 Bottles of wine have been set for tasting and the beautiful shop manager makes sure you are very well informed about the wines and more tasting begins.

Be sure to stay to purchase a bottle or 3 like Maria and Matt as they found out they get a great discount associated with the tour! 20% off each bottle!

Unfortunately they didn't know about the Gondola, but they took a walk on the St. Croix Boardwalk and saw people enjoying the Gondola Cruises,  Next time they visit Stillwater they are making it a point to experience this piece of Italy.  Romantic Gondola Cruises on the St. Croix.

Vegetables With a Twist of Basil Pesto

Basil pesto is the most famous pesto worldwide and was invented in the Liguria region in Northern Italy. The original recipe calls for basil, garlic, Parmiggiano Reggiano , pine nuts and extra virgin olive oil. There are a variety of ways to make pesto using other ingredients, some substitute pine nuts with walnuts, others leave out the parmiggiano reggiano and then there is the famous Sicilian pistacchio pesto. Basically any food that can be pressed can turn into a fabulous pesto; never forget the extra virgin olive oil which helps all the ingredients blend together.


The name pesto meaning "pestare" -  to press. All ingredients are combined together to create this amazing "dressing". Pesto is commonly used to dress pasta, though pesto goes a long way; therefore it can be put to use in many ways such as condiment to salads, to meats and many vegetables.

When pesto meets certain vegetables, it creates magic. A little drizzle here and a little drizzle there is sure to bring originality to your vegetable dish. We've compiled a list of  our favorite vegetables which compliment well with pesto.

Tomatoes  

Though tomatoes aren't considered a vegetable rather considered a fruit, it's commonly served as a vegetable,  therefore we find it  appropriate to include it on our  list.
Slice tomatoes and drizzle some pesto on top,  it makes a simple easy and colorful side dish especially in the Summer. During the Fall - Winter Season, slice tomatoes, place tomatoes in a baking pan, take a teaspoon of pesto for each tomato and spread  the pesto on the tomato then top the tomato with bread crumbs. When done, place the baking pan  in a heated 350 degree oven for about 10 minutes or till topping is brown. Remove from oven and serve.

Asparagus

Blanche a bunch of asparagus, shock them in cold water, drain and place them on a baking pan, then drizzle some pesto on top of the asparagus and place in a heated  oven at 350 degree and bake for about 10-15 minutes. If you prefer, after you drizzled some pesto on top of the asparagus you can also grate some parmiggiano and then place the asparagus in the oven and bake for about 10- 15 minutes.Either way this makes a wonderful and delicious side dish to meat or chicken. Accompanies well with a bottle of Chianti or if you prefer  white then ideal would be a bottle of Pinot Grigio.

Eggplants 

Slice and grill eggplants, after they have cooled down, place them into a plastic container large enough to hold all the eggplants previously grilled, then add 1 tablespoon of pesto to the eggplants and stir. Place the eggplants in the refrigerator for about 1 to 2 hours, to allow the flavor to come out. Grilled eggplants with pesto can be stored in the refrigerator for about 4 days. This dish is flavorful, refreshing and compliments many dishes and makes a delicious compliment to any cold cut meat panino.

Zucchini -  Yellow Squash

Yellow squash and zucchini grilled just as eggplants when topped with pesto are amazingly delicious. A more colorful dish if  you were to grill  both yellow squash and zucchini. Same as grilled eggplants, zucchini and yellow quash can be stored in the refrigerator for about 4 days.

Dice zucchini and yellow squash place diced zucchini and yellow squash in a baking pan, add pesto stir all together and bake in a heated oven at 350 degree, till zucchini are tender.

Potatoes

Ready to roast some potatoes in the oven, before you do so add pesto to the potatoes, stir and place in the oven and roast till potatoes are tender.

Make an Italian potato salad, take about 4 potatoes, dice and place the potatoes in boiling water, let cook till potatoes are tender. Drain potatoes and let them cool down and finally dress them with pesto, stir and serve.

Mushrooms

Saute Mushrooms then add a tablespoon of pesto and serve! When making stuffed mushrooms add pesto to the stuffing mixture. Makes a delicious and original recipe perfect for Fall.



All above photos reflect the food recipe and photo credit by Google

4 Wonderful Reasons to Visit Italy in the Fall

Visiting Italy during Summer is fabulous but if you prefer to avoid the hassle of  huge crowds then Fall is the best time to visit Italy. There are 5 beautiful reasons make Fall an ideal time to visit Italy.  With the arrival of Autumn, Italy has a lot more to offer and can enjoy with a less crowd.

Pleasant Temperatures 
During Fall, the temperatures in Italy are much cooler but comfortable and in certain cities are bit milder but never has hot as Summer. It's warm enough that a sweater is all you need. The weather is also perfect for walking around without having to deal with the hot Summer sun or feel over exhausted when exploring the ruins of Italy. 

Truffle and Chestnut Festival

Food Festivals
What better place to enjoy food than Italy, being it is an important aspect of the Italian culture. With the arrival of Autumn, Italy welcomes the harvest Season with enticing food festivals. During the Autumn months, a variety of events are behind held in different cities and towns of Italy. Each city and town celebrate their local specialties.

The Wine Harvest
The best reason to visit Italy in Autumn is the grape harvest. The only but important harvest that Italy has to offer during Fall, but other Italian specialties are hand picked during this Season: Mushrooms, olives, truffles and chestnuts.
An opportunity to grab a bottle of  extra virgin olive oil. But most of all you may the opportunity to learn how to hand pick the best grapes and even experience wine making.

Autumn Harvest 
As mentioned above the only Autumn harvest Italy has to offer is the grape harvest and hand picking of two key ingredients of Italian cuisine; olives, mushrooms and truffles. Olive picking is popular for making olive oils and mushroom picking is also popular for making delicious Italian dishes as well as making mushrooms marinated in a jar to keep throughout the year. Truffles become a popular pasta topping for many local handmade pasta dishes.

Fettucini al Tartufo

 A popular dish would be Fettucini al Tartufo. A finally chestnuts roasting is everywhere, local vendors selling them on the streets. 

Local Chestnut Street Vendors (Rome)

When going for a passeggiata (walk) it's inevitable not to stop by the local street vendors to enjoy some roasted chestnuts. Olives, Grapes, Mushrooms, truffles and chestnuts the aroma of a " Fun Flavorful Fall Italy Vacation".



Image credit: Google

NYC'S Famous Soup Man Brings Classic Italian Soups to His Already Famous Soups: Minestrone and Italian Wedding Soup

The legendary Seinfeld line" No Soup for You" made famous by Al Yeganeh's extraordinary creations. It all started back in 1984, way before the classic punchline on Seinfeld, there were long lines in front of Al's Famous Manhattan Soup shop. This was and is a soup worth waiting for, worth staying in line in rain or shine, in sub zero temperatures. His original recipes are made with fresh ingredients and spices, legendary that the New York Times calls it "Art" not Soup. 

New Yorkers as well as tourists have long appreciated and followed Al's famous rules: "Pick up the soup you want, Have your money ready and Move to the extreme left after ordering". Hi rules are displayed in various languages, including Italian, and this shows how famous his soups have become. While the soup man offers a daily variety of fresh soups, just to mention a few Lobster Bisque, Manhattan Clam Chowder and Chicken vegetable, we at Italy Classy and Chic bring you a glimpse on two of our favorite Italian classics: Minestrone and Italian Wedding (Classic Italian American Soup).

The classic Minestrone  is made only with hearty fresh garden vegetables such as: tomatoes, carrots, celery, spinach, parsnips, all come together with pasta and simmered in vegetable broth. While the  "Skinny" Italian Wedding soup, a classy favorite calls for miniature Italian meatballs seasoned with onion, garlic and Italian cheeses are cooked in Al’s broth with carrots, peppers, spinach and semolina pasta. 


Though the Soup Man has gone a long way  since he first started, now offering a franchising opportunity and created a line of soups for store shelves, the original soup man shop is still located at 259 W55 St (corner of 8th Avenue) New York, NY.  If you plan on visiting New York City we recommend to try Any Bowl of Soup from The Original SoupMan. Soup prices range from $10 to $15. Good Soup is worth the wait!



Images credit: Google

La Bella Figura: It's a Good Thing

La bella figura, which in Italian translates to "beautiful figure" but literally isn't intended to having a nice body or figure but rather maintaining good manners and respect towards oneself and others.

When it comes to la bella figura, for Italians it's more like maintaining a good public image ; they never eat nor drink while walking, but rather they prefer to  sit and relax at a bar or restaurant and enjoy their drink and or meal. Italians don't go walking around in pajamas, it's tabu! Rather they care more about their image and they choose wisely what to and not to wear, keeping a keen eye on style.

La bella figura goes beyond the vision of beauty but leans more towards behaviour and respect with emphasis on how others interact with each other, it's part of the Italian culture and lifestyle.  Another  important aspect of bella figura would be the " Buongiorno and Buona Sera"  which are key words of character, it shows respect, honor and appreciation. " E' Permesso" (may I come in) is another important aspect of  la bella figura. When invited to each others homes, or even when a stranger knocks at your door and  is kindly invited in he or she will always say  "e' permesso" and one responds with  "si accomodi" (welcome) Finally "Grazie" is the most honorable word above all, Italians appreciate your thank you in a far more respectful way than any other country in the world.
La bella figura - It's a good thing, don't you agree?


Image credit: Google

Agnone: The Art of Sound

Agnone is a small city in the province of Isernia located in the Molise region of Southern Italy. Famous for their architecture and  foremost known for the manufacturing of bells by the Marinelli Bell Foundry. The Marinelli Bell Foundry is known as Italy's oldest family business and among the three oldest family businesses worldwide.

Marinelli Bells On the Leaning Tower of Pisa

The Marinelli family produced the last bell to be hung on the leaning tower of Pisa. Among other Italian Landmarks, the Marinelli family also produced bells for: Mariano factory in the city of Pompeii, in Monte Cassino (which was then destroyed in 1944 during world war II), in 2000 they presented the Jubilee Bell to Pope John Paul II that was hung in St. Peter's Square.

The Marinelli Bells have a worldwide presence and can be found in: the United Nations in New York City, Beijing, Jerusalem, South America and South Korea.

The first bell was constructed in the year 1000. It's artwork requires ability knowledge and passion and the Marinelli family, throughout the decades have proven to keep up to such ability.

A day trip to Agnone is a wonderful experience not only for the cities beautiful architecture view, ,which is totally fascinating by how the homes are structured upon a hill, also how the cities 13 churches highlight its beauty, and not to rule out the art and medieval history which also play an interesting role.

Let's not forget the star attraction: The Marinelli Bell Foundry and Museum; where you actually can learn how bells are made and learn about all the artwork involved in producing a bell and mainly understand it's history. You will have the opportunity to actually see old family documents and bells and the families past relationship with Pope John Paul XXIII, Pio X1, and John Paul II.

Inside the museum you will also have the opportunity to visit their library, their archive, a production theatre that will show a small video production on the artwork involved in producing each bell. The museum is open daily but closed on Sundays. The Museum offers only guided tours.

So when you think of church bells ringing, memorial bells, large or small bells, they possibly come from this small and well run foundry


Images credit: Google

It's Five O'Clock Somewhere: Italy Inspired Cocktail - Roman Holiday in a Martini Glass

Stay cation or Vacation? and what about a Roman Holiday? Wouldn't it be nice to just be able to hop on a plane and go to Rome, the Eternal City. It's not as easy as it's seems, some may be fortunate enough to be able to go while others had the opportunity to go but still there are others whom keep the wishful desire alive.

For those keeping their desire alive, or even for those whom want to relive the Roman experience in a diverse way; what if you can pretend to have that so desired Roman Holiday or even experience it again? Now you can do so by sipping a simple and elegant cocktail made of only Italian spirits and ingredients which combined together bring a Roman Holiday in a Glass.

Tamaldge

The Roman Holiday created by Talmadge Lowe in his underground Pharmacie, or better underground bar in Los Angeles. Pharmacie is open to the public and is available for all cocktail craft needs.Pharmacie's Roman Holiday Cocktail recipes requires 4 ingredients and are:

• 1.5 oz dark rum (Angostura)
• 1.5 oz. Orgeat (almond based syrup)
• 1.5 Punt e Mes
• Fresh Nutmeg

Mix all then ingredients in a shaker with ice and shake vigorously., then pour into a martini glass and finally grate nutmeg on top right add a maraschino cherry and serve.

Image credit: Google

Video Recipe of the Week by Lorena Merighi - How to Make Focaccia

Have you ever heard of anyone saying,  they don't like focaccia? Personally I've never heard of anyone saying "no" to focaccia. Focaccia, this famous pizza like white bread, which easily accompanies very well many Italian cold cuts and cheeses, is part of Italy's culture and makes a great meal. In the recent years Focaccia has become very popular in the US and many restaurants, cafes and pubs have introduced it on their menu. Now you can make your very own focaccia at home and  in this video Lorena, shows us how sage and rosemary come together in this amazing, delicious and easy to make focaccia recipe. 





Easy to Make Focaccia Recipe by Lorena Merighi


How to prepare focaccia! Easy to follow recipe, step-by-step, from beginning to end!
Ingredients are:
240 gr. lukewarm water (1 cup)
30 gr. Italian extra virgin olive oil (about 3 tbsp)
7 gr. dry active yeast (1 envelope or 1 tsp)
7 gr. salt (1 tsp)
345 gr. Italian 00 flour (about 2 1/2 cup)
Measurements in grams are more accurate, if you have a scale that weighs them, use it. Recipe Courtesy of Bella Italia Photo Credit: Google

Soy Spacasso Organic Nail Lacquer Fushion Fabulous with Pantone's Choice of Color for Fall 2014 . Is Pantone Italian?

Pantone  is the premier source for Fashion and Design choice of Color. Each Season Pantone is responsible in selecting the choice of colors for the next Season. Top designers, interior designers as well as accessory companies and beauty companies stay on top of the selection. Always excited to see the fusion of colors they need to challenge. Who is behind Pantone? An Italian name or not? Not, Pantone is better known as a corporation with headquarters in New Jersey. In 1950 Pantone started as printing company, back then they hired Hofstra University graduate Lawrence Herbert. Lawrence Herbert was knowledgeable in chemistry and used his knowledge to systematize and simplify the company's stock of pigments and production of colored inks. By 1962 the company was in full debt therefore Lawrence, purchased the company's technological assets and renamed them Pantone. No Italian background but a leader, with a premiere color matching system with a total influence to the entire beauty and fashion industry in the States, Canada and Europe.


In revealing Pantone's Choice of Colors for Fall's 2014, below we are featuring, a sneak peak view on our favorite choice of two styles created by two Italian designers : Versace and Emilio Pucci. Our favorite Versace bag is featured in Aurora Red while Emilio Pucci's outfit in Radiant Orchid.
Pantone's Colors: Radiant Orchid, Royal Blue, Cypress, Bright Cobalt, Aurora Red, Aluminum, Mauve Mist, Misted Yellow, Sangria and Cognac, seem to be fun and exciting because bold meets neutrals.

Aurora Red  Fall 2014-15 Versace

Radiant Orchid Fall 2014-15 Emilio Pucci

You Too Can Be Soy Fabulous This Fall

When it comes to fusion fabulous our dear friend Maria Murphy owner of Soy Spacasso has created a line of  organic soy infused nail lacquer The nail lacquer collection is a fusion of Bold, Sexy and Absolutely Divine . "The fusion of Pantone's Fall 2014 Choice of colors with Soy Spacasso's Nail Lacquer Collection is a" Definite Soy Style Fab Signature' "
~ Italy Classy and Chic~

Images credit Google.- Vogue.it  - shopatvoi.com

Ballaro' The Famous Sicilian Street Market Calls Out to The Finest Italian Gastronomy in NYC's East Village

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A warm and light cafe' in New York City's East Village brings freshness and quality from the famous Sicilian Street ' Market known as Ballaro'.  Ballaro' Caffe  Prosciutteria or better known as  Ballaro' NYC  is known for it's spontaneous and distinguished Italian specialties with a keen wine list.

Ballaro' Style Breakfast

As we look into their uncomplicated menu, Breakfast is offered daily serving only fresh bakery and high quality coffee's.

Ballaro' Panini Style

For lunch you can enjoy a variety of selective panini's either on ciabatta bread or focaccia.
The Crudo DOP which tops the panini list on their menu' is all about the freshness and quality of the famous Parma prosicutto crudo topped with fontina cheese and fresh tomatoes while The Emiliano completes the panini list and calls for the famous Mortadella from the Emilia Romagna region, such delicacy is topped with shavings of the famous Parmiggiano Reggiano followed by fresh spinach leaves and drizzled with a balsamic reduction to create a savory panino.

If you prefer a lighter lunch by all means a must  try would be their delicious fresh salad menu which features "Ballaro'" as their signature salad; a simple salad featuring mixed greens, bacon, pecorino and breaded chicken cutlet.

An Easy Brunch is also served and features selective dishes among their lunch menu; The Crudo DOP ( mentioned above), Salmon and Caprese Insalata and from their "Carpacci "section Prosciutto and Bufala is a must taste . If you are a pasta lover, Lunch and Brunch features one of the most appetizing Gnocchi's I've ever had: " Gnocchi Verdi ai Formaggi" topped with a four cheese sauce and truffle oil.

Taleggio Cheese

Their dinner menu is quite surprising but original as they offer a themed list called "sveltine" (similar to a on- the -go) featuring "a melange of traditional  with a touch of unique appetizer style dinner"; The Datteri and Taleggio (cheese stuffed dates with speck) caught my eye because of  Taleggio cheese. Taleggio is a semi-soft  Italian cheese named after the Alpine Valley "Val Taleggio" located in the Lombary Region of Italy. The Taleggio has a strong aroma with a mild flavor with  a fruity tang to it. Therefore it pairs well with salads such as arugula and makes a delicious topping to any bruschetta. Datteri and Taleggio not such a strange pairing due to the cheeses' fruity tang actually the fusion of the two make an ideal appetizer or a delicious dinner entree'. For the seafood lover, Ballaro's sveltine menu also offers Impepata: clams and mussels in a bowl -  take it to go.

Happy Hour @ Ballaro'

Finally for Happy Hour lovers,  Ballaro' offers a  daily  two hour Happy hour from 6pm and 8 pm during you which can enjoy some vino from their keen list of red, white and rose' fine wines. By all means why not pair your vino with the Taleggio cheese which is featured on their "Tagliere "menu' among other fine Italian cheeses.

Ballaro' Wine Bar

"A little wine bar with a melange of mouthwatering Italian basics in the midst of the East Village is just the perfect food haven".
-Italy Classy and Chic-

Ballaro NYC

77 2nd Avenue
New York, New York 10003








Image courtesy: Ballaro' - Facebook and Google

12 Insider Tips on Italy's Shopping Experience

Are you ready to go to Italy and experience the wonderful lifestyle, good food and absolutely favorite wines but most of all  are you excited about kicking off some shopping in Italy? If yes, then before you go, it's helpful to learn some insider tips and suggestions.

Things to Know:

• Stores open at 9 am and close for lunch at 1pm and re-open later in the afternoon around 4 pm and  close for the day around 8 pm or even 8,30 pm. Don't expect to find a store open around 2 pm unless you are in tourist shopping center or area. Stores are usually closed on Sundays, though lately some stores have decided to open on Sundays. Other stores such as a grocery store or even a boutique will close on a Thursday afternoon.
• Clothing and Shoe shopping - when walking into these stores keep in mind you will always be assisted and many times you will not be allowed to touch the things unless you are actually going to try them on. - Ask for your size and the assistant will help you.
• If you are just looking around then make sure you let the assistant know your intentions.
• Assistants are known as "commesse".
• Commesse in Italy are not as friendly and welcoming as they are in the US, rather very often  they tend to show their bitter and rude side, especially if you aren't a size "0" but this shouldn't stop you for from entering a store or even being assisted nor stop you from looking around.
• No store exchanges - they simply never did it and never will. "It's just not going to happen" so choose carefully before you buy it.
• Store clearances in most Italian shops are not exceptional usually run between 10% - 20%
• Outlets stores are popping up everywhere in Italy, therefore you'll probably get a better deal by visiting the outlets.
• Shoe Shopping is a must, though prices might be higher due to the currency exchange but the value is worth the price. Italian leather shoes will last you for years. 
• While in the US stores usually have items either and or on "clearance" and "Sale" like mentioned above usually Italy has no  items on clearance but they have sales known as " Saldi" and prices are discounted up to 20% and if you are lucky even at 25%. Rarely you will find items on clearance and if you happen to find a clearance item, the price is usually knocked down the least 10% to the most 20% . Saldi Season usually starts in January for the Fall -Winter items and mid to end of July for the Spring and Summer items. Usually the starting of Saldi defers from region to region  One regione may start a day or even a week before another region. Saldi Season doesn't exceed 3 weeks. 
• Christmas Sales exist but don't expect a Black Friday. though last year I stumbled upon learning that an Italian Black Friday may be blooming. 

Image Credit: Google