Italyriviera Real Estate

Dining in Genoa

Posted in Uncategorized on Jul 18th, 2008 No Comments »

Regional cuisine in Liguria has long been considered second-rate because of its use of simple ingredients such as second cuts of meat or farmyard animals, wild herbs and produce from the vegetable garden. However, this diet has been ‘re-evaluated’ by nutritionists who are now praising the virtues of ‘the Mediterranean diet’. The Mediterranean diet is one that is low in animal fat, rich in vegetables, fish, and white meat: this is exactly the type of cuisine that exists in Liguria which has always favored extra-virgin olive oil, vegetables, fresh fish and rabbit.

Vittorio G. Rossi wrote in his book Wines and food from Liguria ‘Nowadays, the food that our grandmothers made is being recognized as good, healthy fare. Our wine made from the stones, the sun, and the breath of the sea, bearing the perfume of the dawn in the calm of July receives the recognition due to it.’ Even pesto, (itself a symbol of Genoese cooking) is an extremely simple sauce, both in terms of preparation and ingredients (basil, pine nuts, parmesan, garlic and olive oil): because of its simplicity it is imperative that the ingredients are of the highest quality (basil that doesn’t grow close to the sea has a totally different flavour!)

If you want to experience the delights of pesto first-hand, then Zeffirino may be the place to try: here you can try the specialties of Liguria NB: be prepared to spend a little bit more than you had budgeted for. If you prefer something a little more simple but would still like to try la torta Pasqualina (a savoury vegetable tart) as well as minestrone alla genovese a Struppa Geneose minestrone then you could try Piro and the historical Luchin in Chivari; here you can try a delicious farinata (traditional tart made with chick-pea flour) and stuffed vegetables.

The popular, tasty focaccia bread made with cheese deserves a mention, as does its birthplace of Recco (20km from Genoa), and the two popular restaurants where you can indulge in its flavour: Manuelina and Vittorio . Although fish may not be a primary ingredient in Ligurian cooking (as it tends to favour dishes from the ‘vegetable garden’ and the ‘farmyard’), a wide range of fish recipes can be tried at Rina and Da Vittorio in the center of the city. If you want to combine gastronomical delights with a trip to the Riviera, then try Polpo Mario in Sestri Levante or Puny in Portofino, you won’t regret the little bit extra you may find yourself paying.
Buon appetito!

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Riviera Nightlife

Posted in Riviera Nightlife, Things to do on Jul 18th, 2008 No Comments »

Dancing among music waves with the sea in the background in Genoa’s long and glowing nights!

Long established Discos renewing themselves over time… to the beat of all the world’s music. Genoa, an increasingly multiethnic city, is enlivened with salsa, merengue and everything else coming from Latin America, ironically the continent discovered by Genoese explorer Christopher Columbus!

But Genoa also dances to the African beat, following echoes from the Orient, exploring the melting-pot of Mediterranean music, without abandoning the local rhythms of evergreen and revival music. For today’s and yesterday’s young people. For all tastes, For all budgets.

Where do people dance?
In discos located in various parts of the city; on the” rotonde”(round terraces) overlooking the sea arranged by the managers of the private beaches; people dance open-air, during food festivals , in trendy places, perhaps enjoying appetizing specialties, between music and “off” theatre; people dance at Palazzo Ducale during the “Notte Rosa” (Pink night) on Women’s Day and in Piazza Matteotti around the Big Bonfire on the Night of Saint John’s Eve.

Also the promenade of Corso Italia – which is about two kilometres from the centre and running along the rocky cliffs overhanging the sea – is lined with night clubs (with live music), private beaches, small bars, but above all it is a meeting place.

In various areas of the city, from the east to the west, from the Old Port to the valleys of the hinterland, there are many friendly places with entertainment opportunities. The list of bars, cafés, restaurants and other nightlife places is available at Turismoinliguria in the “Staying” section under “Food”.

Disco Clubs in Genoa :

RE SCORPIONE
VIA XX SETTEMBRE 26 p. amezz -

16121 GENOVA

Eccentrica
Via Ceccardi 24r
GENOVA

Covo di Nord Est
Lungomare Rossetti 1
SANTA MARGHERITA LIGURE
Tel. 0185.286.558 (fax 0185.283.477)

JASMINE CAFE’

Via Gabriele D’annunzio 19 - Genova
Tel. 010.541273

PISCINA DEI CASTELLI

Piazzale Marinai D’italia 3 - Sestri Levante - Genova
Tel. 0185.480001

CEZANNE

Via Antonio Cecchi 7/R - Genova
Tel. 010.541607

Mako
Corso Italia 28r - Via Pogdora 17r
GENOVA
Tel. 010.367.652

Carillon
Via Paraggi al Mare 10, Paraggi
SANTA MARGHERITA LIGURE
Tel. 0185.286.721

LA BOTTEGA DEL CONTE

Via Delle Grazie 47/R - Genova
Tel. 010.2468356

LA BERLOCCA

Via Macelli Di Soziglia 45/R - Genova
Tel. 010.2474162

LE CORBUSIER

Via San Donato 36/R - Genova
Tel. 010.2468652

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J LO Walking along the winding trails of the Cinque Terre

Posted in Celebrities on Jul 17th, 2008 No Comments »

Loved-up Jen, who turns 39 on July 24, and Marc, 39, have enjoyed the sights of the Italian Riviera while on holidays at the home of fashion designer Stefano Gabbana.

The trip wasn’t all rest and relaxation for J.Lo, who has been working hard to shed the last of her baby weight with daily swims, gym workouts and exhausting treks through Italy’s Cinque Terre national park.

Walking along the winding trails of the Cinque Terre national park with husband Marc Anthony and design icon Domenicio Dolce, Jennifer Lopez is certainly taking in the best Italy has to offer while on her current trip to the stunning Mediterranean country. Enjoying a relaxing break in the celeb haven of Portofino, the latina diva has been experiencing the charms of its rugged coastline first hand.
Having recently taken up a fitness regime in the wake of the birth of her twins in February, the mum-of-two will have found no shortage of physical activity on offer while visiting the five coastal villages which fall within the environs of the famous national park.

Connected by kilometres of trails which hug the dramatic, rocky coastline, the cliff top communities - which are accessible by walks that vary from romantic strolls to challenging hikes - offer spectacular views of the Mediterranean below and the hills above.

Another means of visiting the charming fishing villages is by boat, which is another option for the Love Don’t Cost A Thing star who’s also been spending time aboard Domenicio Dolce and Stefano Gabbana’s luxury yacht.

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Gerry George, as Churchill on the Italian Riviera

Posted in Events on Jul 17th, 2008 No Comments »

Relaxing in between scenes, in the sweltering heat of Sperlonga, on the Italian Riviera - during the shooting of veteran director Giorgio Capitani’s romantic movie *Callas e Onassis*, for Lux Vide SPA pictures of Rome - is Gerry George (Churchill), with actress Elena Croce (Lady Clementine Churchill).

Gerry, who has a pivotal role in this major mini-series, intended for worldwide television, has been out there since May, and commutes on a weekly basis from his London, Ealing, home.

“It’s hot work, but very rewarding, and - if nothing else - for the magnificent weather and gorgeous food” said Gerry, who will be working on the movie ” and that’s not to mention the elegant and beautiful Italian ladies.”

Other locations for this film, which he has already visited, include the larger Riviera town Terraccina, and Viterbo, an ancient spa city, about one hour’s drive out of Rome.Relaxing in between scenes, in the sweltering heat of Sperlonga, on the Italian Riviera - during the shooting of veteran director Giorgio Capitani’s romantic movie *Callas e Onassis*, for Lux Vide SPA pictures of Rome - is Gerry George (Churchill), with actress Elena Croce (Lady Clementine Churchill).

Gerry, who has a pivotal role in this major mini-series, intended for worldwide television, has been out there since May, and commutes on a weekly basis from his London, Ealing, home.

“It’s hot work, but very rewarding, and - if nothing else - for the magnificent weather and gorgeous food” said Gerry, who will be working on the movie ” and that’s not to mention the elegant and beautiful Italian ladies.”

Other locations for this film, which he has already visited, include the larger Riviera town Terraccina, and Viterbo, an ancient spa city, about one hour’s drive out of Rome.

Next, he is off to Trieste, and thence to a mock-up of the Onassis yacht, *Cristina* cruising in the Greek Islands.

The two principal players include the beautiful Italian star Luisa Ranieri, as Callas, with major, French star, Gerrard Darmon, as Onassis.

Next, he is off to Trieste, and thence to a mock-up of the Onassis yacht, *Cristina* cruising in the Greek Islands.

The two principal players include the beautiful Italian star Luisa Ranieri, as Callas, with major, French star, Gerrard Darmon, as Onassis.

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What is a Codice Fiscale or a Caparra ? Read the glossary !

Posted in general information on Jul 12th, 2008 No Comments »

GLOSSARY

Assegno Circolare	Banker’s draft. This is the preferred means of payment at completion (i.e. at signing of the title deed = Rogito or Atto Notarile)
Caparra	This is a deposit paid by the buyer at the moment that the Compromesso is signed. Its value is decided by mutual agreement, but is generally 10% to 30% of the agreed purchase price. If the buyer pulls out of the purchase after signing of the Compromesso, he loses this deposit. If the seller pulls out, he pays twice the value of this deposit to the buyer.
Catasto	The regional land registry offices. This is the public office where all cartographic and tax data for property and land is kept, including specific information relevant to each property.
Certificato di Abitabilità	A document confirming that a property is suitable for habitation, registered at the local council offices (Comune)
Codice Fiscale	Tax Code. Anybody who buys a property in Italy is obliged to obtain this code (issued in the form of a card), which is obtainable from the local tax office (EU nationals) or an Italian Consulate in the buyer’s home country (non EU nationals)
Compromesso	Preliminary contract to buy/sell the property. This is a binding commitment by both parties to carry out the transaction at an agreed forthcoming date. It involves payment of the Caparra on the part of the buyer (see above).
Comune	The local council offices. This is where documents are kept relating to a property’s status in terms of compliance with building regulations, planning permission and ‘habitability’.
Condominio	Residents in blocks of apartments are organized into condominiums, which hold regular meetings to make decisions regarding the joint running of the property. The condominium is under the overall direction of an administrator (Amministratore di Condominio), who is responsible for putting decisions into effect and for collection of charges for the services carried out (cleaning/maintenance of common areas, lift, heating if centrally controlled, etc.).
Geometra	Surveyor. Responsible for searches for necessary documentation at the Catasto and Comune, and for any specific surveys requested on the property.
ICI	Property tax, paid yearly and based on the rateable value of the property and any land attached.
Imposta di Registro	Registration tax. This is payable by the buyer of a property at the moment of completion (signing of the Rogito/Atto Notarile), together with two minor taxes (Imposta Ipotecaria and Imposta Catastale).
Imposta sui Redditi	Income tax.
Notaio	The Notary, responsible for the drawing up and correct execution of the Rogito/Atto Notarile. He/she is a public legal official who is expected to act with complete impartiality, although he/she is usually nominated by the buyer.
Permesso di Soggiorno Stay Permit	A document that all non Italian nationals are obliged to obtain after spending more than 6 months in Italy. It also applies to EU citizens, although in this case it is usually granted automatically.
Proposta di Acquisto	Preliminary purchase proposal. This step is usually taken when negotiation takes place via an estate agency. It is a binding offer for the buyer up until a date fixed by himself, by which date the vendor must indicate whether he accepts it (by signing it) or not; it contains the offer price and any other conditions attached to the offer. The buyer making the offer pays a deposit of approximately 1% - 5% of the proposed purchase price, refunded if the offer is not accepted, or counted as part of the Caparra if accepted.
Certificato di Residenza	All people choosing to live permanently in Italy (including Italian nationals) have to declare residence, specifying the Comune (local authority) of residence. Obtaining residence has the advantage of halving the amount of Imposta di Registro (Registration Tax) to be paid if the property is the first purchased by the buyer in Italy.
Rogito/Atto Notarile	This is the final Deed of Purchase legally confirming completion of the purchase. It takes place in the presence of a Notaio, who is also responsible for the correct drawing up of the Deed.
Valore Catastale	The rateable value of a property, i.e. the official value of the property as registered at the land registry offices (Catasto). In the majority of cases, this tends to be appreciably below the actual purchase price. It is the value upon which the Imposta di Registro, the Notary’s fee, and ICI are based.