Every moment spent in Sicily is filled with wonder. For Palermo based travel consultant and chef Linda Sarris (ie: The Cheeky Chef), Sicily's bounty and energy have made the island her home, where she shares her expertise in exploration and culinary prowess with travelers. Experience Sicily through her deft lens in this mini guide for a quick trip to Palermo.

Originating in the charming streets of Milan, the aperitivo symbolizes the Italian approach to life. More than just a happy hour drink, the Italian aperitivo is a social ritual that brings people together to unwind, converse and savor the simple flavors of Italy. We've put to a guide together to help you master the art of aperitivo like an Italian.

Nestled in the heart of central Italy and home of "the eternal city," Lazio stands out among Italy's illustrious wine regions. The region's favorable climate, characterized by mild winters and warm summers, has nurtured vineyards since before the Roman Empire.

Since the 1400s, artichokes have been a Roman staple, appearing on menus and in homes every spring in abundance. Pan-fried and steamed to perfection, these simple carciofi alla romana bring the flavors of Roman spring straight to your kitchen.

Drizzled with bright olive oil and acidic-yet-sweet aged balsamic vinegar, and topped with crispy capers and sharp chives, thinly sliced beef serves as the rich canvas for this exciting yet simple beef carpaccio. Serve with a fresh frisee salad and a glass of crisp white wine for the perfect Italian lunch.

With beautiful layers of thin crespelle either rolled into cannelloni-like forms or folded in four like a handkerchief, this spectacular spinach and ricotta filled dish is a longstanding Florentine favorite.

Savored for its elegance and beauty, saffron risotto is the perfect side dish for the holidays or centerpiece when served with a slowly braised Ossobuco.

Tucked into the depths of the famed Roman institution Roscioli, it's arguably impossible to control yourself as you peruse the menu. Twirled into an impossibly thin and delicate homemade egg tagliatelle, we've tried to recreate their impossibly delicious Lamb Tagliatelle recipe churned from the depths of their kitchen.