What is better than fast food and wine? Pairing them together for a deliciously unexpected pairing! In this episode Chrissy and Molly are joined by Dallas Little, who guides the blondes through a journey of greasy, delicious food, paired with carefully selected wines.
From salty fries to guilty-pleasure drive-thru faves, this episode has everything you need to know about why these matches work and how you can recreate this at home – such a fun date night idea! Or girls night! Or a random Tuesday night!
Dallas brings expert insight, a lot of patience, and approachable tips that make pairing wine with everyday bites feel effortless and fun. Here’s the lineup:
Sparkling Wine + French Fries
Sparkling Wine + Fried Chicken
Chianti + Quarter Pounder with Cheese
Chianti + Pizza
Riesling + Jalapeno Poppers
Riesling + Spicy Chicken Nuggets
BONUS – Lambrusco + Cotton Candy! (Thanks to Madeline Puckette, one of the founders of Wine Folly for suggesting this pairing!)
Dallas decided the Sparkling Wine and Fries was his favorite combo. The girls agreed, both ranking that pairing second. Their top spot (they agreed) went to the Chianti and Quarter Pounder with Cheese!
Tune in to this episode to learn more about each wine and pairing configuration as well as the girls’ expressions and reactions to everything! Learn what the most surprising pairing was for the group too!
Do you have a favorite or go-to pairing? Share it in the comments below!
In this Boozy Blondes Abroad episode, the girls take you beyond Verona and into the Lake Garda region for a full-day wine tour that blends education, scenery, and an immersive taste of northern Italy’s wine culture. What begins as a simple day of wine tasting quickly turns into a memorable experience filled with new friendships, rich history, and an appreciation for the region’s unique approach to winemaking.
The DOE is very special today. The girls are drinking a bottle of “victory” Prosecco sent to them by Pagus Wine Tours. The girls’ photo with Marco (more on Marco later) was chosen to be the home page hero image on the Pagus Wine Tours website!
The episode sets the stage by exploring why the Lake Garda region is such an ideal environment for vineyards. Thanks to its natural microclimate, shaped by the lake’s ability to regulate temperature, the wines produced in this region are known for being light, fresh, and highly drinkable. The blondes explain how this balance creates wines that are approachable and perfect for long, leisurely meals, reinforcing why the area has been producing wine since Roman times.
They also break down the often-confusing Italian wine classifications, explaining the difference between DOC and DOCG. While DOC wines follow strict regional guidelines, DOCG wines meet even higher standards and undergo additional quality controls. In the Lake Garda region, many wines fall under DOC, emphasizing a more relaxed, easy-drinking style that aligns with the area’s overall atmosphere.
The girls booked a full-day tour with Pagus Wine Tours, which they both agree is a standout choice for travelers looking for a more intimate and personalized experience. With a small group of just eight people, the tour avoided the feel of a large, impersonal excursion and instead created an environment where guests could connect with each other, their guide, and the winemakers themselves. The day included transportation from Verona, visits to two wineries, and a long, scenic lunch along Lake Garda, making it a seamless and well-paced way to explore the region.
The first stop, Benazzoli Winery, introduced the group to classic Bardolino wines. This family-run winery showcased the lighter, fruit-forward style the region is known for, with wines made from grapes such as Corvina, Rondinella, and Molinara. The girls highlight the approachable nature of these wines, particularly the Chiaretto di Bardolino, a crisp rosé that embodies the easygoing spirit of Lake Garda. The modern tasting experience, combined with the winery’s long-standing history, created a welcoming introduction to the region. The girls loved the bright and airy, modern feel of the tasting room and enjoyed the opportunity to roam through the vineyards.
After Benazzoli, the group drove to Lake Garda for lunch and to walk through the town. The tour included lunch which was a set budget to spend at the restaurant. The budget allowed plenty of room for apps, entrees, desserts, and plenty of drinks! The walk through the town was a perfect way to keep up energy after indulging…although some still couldn’t stay awake on the ride to the next stop (pictured below).
The second stop, La Marega Winery, offered a contrasting but equally memorable experience. Marco, mentioned earlier, is the winemaker and the fourth generation of this family-owned operation. With a focus on traditional methods and minimal intervention, this winery emphasized authenticity and a deep connection to the land. This was the opposite to Benazzoli with a more intimate setting, where they tasted wines in a cave beneath the winemaker’s home and shared food and conversation in a way that felt more like a family gathering than a formal tasting. The opportunity to hear directly from the winemaker added depth to the experience, making it a highlight of the day.
The Boozy Blondes emphasize that the combination of these two wineries created a well-rounded perspective on Italian wine. One showcased modern, approachable styles, while the other highlighted tradition and craftsmanship, together demonstrating that Italian wine can be both accessible and deeply meaningful.
By the end of the tour, the experience is framed as more than just a day of drinking wine. It becomes a reflection of the Lake Garda lifestyle, where time slows down, meals are meant to be savored, and wine is simply a natural part of the moment. The girls encourage listeners to consider a full-day wine tour as an essential addition to any Verona itinerary, not only for the wine itself but for the connections, scenery, and perspective it provides.
This is the second time the Boozy Blondes booked a wine tour during their Italian travels and can’t recommend it enough. If you are traveling near Rome, listen to Episode 087 | Italy: Wine Tour & Tasting Near Rome (check out the blog here) to learn more about a half day option the girls recommend.
Have you experienced a memorable wine tour that you think the girls would enjoy! Leave a comment below!
In this episode, the girls take you back to Italy to one of its most charming and often overlooked destinations: Verona. Known as the setting of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, this episode explores how the city blends history, incredible food and drinks, and a relaxed pace, making it an ideal stop during a trip to Italy.
The journey begins with the easy train ride from Venice to Verona, in first class, of course. After arriving at Verona Porta Nuova station, it’s only a short ride to the historic center, where cobblestone streets, Roman ruins, and centuries of architecture set the stage for their stay.
Molly checked into Vista Verona, a luxury boutique hotel located in the heart of the city. The property blends modern Italian design with ancient Roman history, as parts of the building sit directly above archaeological remains. The hotel also features one of Verona’s standout rooftop bars, offering sweeping views of the historic skyline…which the Boozy Blondes took advantage of first full day in the city!
Chrissy, always loving to live like the locals, checked into her apartment, a short walk from the Vista Verona. The group met here after everyone got settled to head over to the Castel San Pietro. They took a funicular up to the castle which leads to a panoramic viewpoint overlooking the Adige River, the city’s red rooftops, and Verona’s historic center. At sunset, the view becomes one of the most memorable moments of the trip and a must-do for visitors with limited time in the city.
The girls enjoyed dinner with the group at Antica Bottega del Vino, one of Verona’s most iconic restaurants. Known for its massive wine list and classic Veronese cuisine, the restaurant embodies the slow, indulgent dining experience Italy is famous for. Rich pasta dishes, local specialties, and carefully selected wines – SO GOOD!
One of the most unique parts of the trip was a self-designed “Romeo and Juliet” themed pub crawl through the city. Complete with custom trivia questions (thanks to Chrissy), the crawl turned sightseeing into a friendly competition, with the winner earning a drink at the final stop. The route included lunch along the Adige River, a visit to the stunning Gothic Basilica di Santa Anastasia, and the famously crowded Juliet’s House, where visitors pose with the statue of Juliet and leave love letters in the courtyard.
The crawl also included a stop at Santa Maria Craft Pub for a break from wine with local craft beer, followed by a walk to the Arena di Verona . Built in the first century AD and even older than Rome’s Colosseum, the amphitheater is one of the best-preserved Roman arenas in the world and still hosts operas and concerts today. Fun fact, the closing ceremonies for the 2026 Winter Olympics took place here!
Evenings in Verona were filled with memorable meals, including dinners at Osteria Scudo di Francia and Trattoria I Masenini, both known for authentic Italian dishes and welcoming atmospheres. Each restaurant offered a different experience but reinforced the same takeaway: Verona’s food scene is exceptional yet refreshingly unpretentious.
By the end of the trip, Verona proved to be one of the most pleasant surprises of their Italian travels. The city strikes a balance between romance, history, and liveliness without the overwhelming crowds found in larger destinations. For travelers already visiting Venice, the Boozy Blondes recommend adding Verona for at least one or two nights—long enough to explore, indulge in great meals, and perhaps turn a little sightseeing into a wine-fueled adventure.
Have you explored Verona? Leave a comment below about what you loved most!
The Boozy Blondes are bringing you back to Italy in this episode, and they are letting you in on a little secret: if there’s one travel rule they swear by, it’s to book a food (preferably paired with booze) tour for early on in your trip, ideally on day one or two, especially when you’re visiting a new city.
The DOE is a Bianco Spritz in this episode in honor of a valuable tip the girls learned during their tour. This spritz, a refreshing mix of Prosecco, white wine, and sparkling water, became the group’s go-to drink for the remainder of the trip. And bonus, learning a drink you can easily recreate at home makes it feel like the vacation keeps going!
Venice is magical! But it’s also overwhelming. Crowds, winding alleyways, and more than a few overpriced spritzes aimed squarely at tourists can make it tricky to know where to eat and drink well, and that’s where a local-led food tour comes in.
Instead of tourist traps and Tik-Tok bait, this tour focuses on authentic Venetian spots: tiny wine bars, standing-room-only cicchetti counters, and neighborhood restaurants that locals actually frequent. The kind of places travelers would likely walk right past without a guide pointing the way.
This tour covered a lot of ground! The girls definitely got their steps in and worked off some of the indulgences they enjoyed.
Tour details:
Price: Around $93 per person (September 2025)
Start time: 10:45 AM near the Rialto Bridge
Duration: Approximately 3 hours
Stops: 7–8 local bars and restaurants
Tastings: About 15 food and drink tastings total
Group size: Small and intimate
Guide: An expert local who shares history, legends, and insider tips along the way
Those 15 tastings are spread across multiple stops, meaning guests sample a variety of cicchetti, pours, and bites without ever feeling rushed—or stuffed too early.
One standout moment for the Blondes was their first cicchetti stop, featuring a topping of tomato confit…slow-roasted tomatoes and garlic in olive oil. It was so good it inspired Chrissy to recreate homemade versions as Christmas gifts back home. Another great stop was for gelato at the conclusion of the tour. Everywhere you look in Venice, you’ll find gelato shops showcasing their variety of flavors towering high. But that’s not where to go. Find a smaller shop off the beaten path. You’ll find better ingredients and flavors!
By participating in the tour, the Boozy Blondes had:
A mental map of the neighborhood
A list of bars to revisit later in the trip
Trusted restaurant recommendations
They even ran into their guide, Anastasia, later in the week—proof that after a tour like this, Venice starts to feel a little less like a maze and a lot more like home.
Remember these key tips if you’re planning to book a food tour:
Book early in your trip. Don’t save food tours for your last day.
Bring cash. For tips, snacks, and impulse buys.
Wear comfortable shoes. You’ll be walking and standing A LOT.
Hydrate. Wine math works differently in Italy, but water still matters.
Communicate dietary restrictions early. Preferably when booking.
Use reputable booking platforms. Viator offered flexible payment, free cancellation, and peace of mind.
Use restrooms when you can. Bathrooms are different in Italy compared to the states. Just trust the girls on this one.
Take photos with location enabled. Future-you will want to find these places again.
Plan buffer time before and after. Don’t rush—leave room to linger or return to favorites.
And maybe bring a backpack. If you’re anything like the Boozy Blondes, you’re probably going to buy something. And remember. This tour is not a power walk. The pace is easy, with plenty of stops to sip, snack, and soak in the city.
By the end, Venice felt less intimidating, more approachable, and a whole lot tastier. And if blending in while slightly buzzed is the goal of every vacation… this tour absolutely delivers.
Have you booked a food tour in Venice or another city? Let the girls know what you think! Message them on Instagram or email them!
Venice isn’t just a destination—it’s an experience. A floating city of winding canals, hidden courtyards, and centuries-old history, Venice feels frozen in time in the best possible way. In this episode of The Boozy Blondes Abroad, the girls take listeners along on one of their most memorable trips yet: a Venetian adventure filled with Prosecco, planning spreadsheets, spritzes to-go, and a vow renewal inside a 16th‑century palace. And speaking of Prosecco, that is the Drink of the Episode (or “DOE” as the girls say).
The Boozy Blondes stand by it: Venice is worth the hype! Founded in the 5th century and traveled only by foot or boat, Venice’s preservation is unmatched. Narrow alleyways lead to quiet neighborhoods, bustling piazzas open up unexpectedly, and nearly every turn reveals a view that feels cinematic. It’s romantic, chaotic, overwhelming, and magical all at once, especially when experienced with a large group and a well-stocked Prosecco supply.
For the Boozy Blondes, this trip wasn’t just about sightseeing. It marked a major life milestone: Chrissy was celebrating her 20th wedding anniversary and vow renewal, which Molly officiated, hosted inside a jaw-dropping Venetian palace – which also doubled as the Boozy Blondes’ residence for their time in Venice. Red carpets leading to the canal, priceless art lining the walls, dramatic staircases, and strict house rules from Chrissy (no red wine allowed) made it feel less like a rental and more like living inside a museum.
Chrissy found this magical gem through Truly Venice Apartments. The pros? Privacy, incredible views, a central home base, quality time together, and the ability to stock the kitchen and play bartender. The cons? Lugging suitcases up endless stairs, navigating trash pickup schedules, limited air conditioning in historic spaces, and the constant fear of breaking something priceless. #WorthIt
For travelers considering hosting an event in Venice, the Boozy Blondes recommend focusing on budget and timing. Prices are high year‑round, but shoulder season can help with both cost and crowds. And a key tip: avoid using the word “wedding” unless you want to watch prices skyrocket. Hotels, private venues, and event planners like Love Gracefully are all solid options depending on your priorities.
Whether you are there to celebrate a special event or just take a vacation, Venice may be small, but its food and bar scene is mighty. With restaurants and bars often seating just a handful of tables, planning ahead is essential—especially with a group of eleven, which was the number of people in the Boozy Blondes squad.
Highlights included:
Retro Wine Bar – A Boozy Blondes favorite, known for expertly crafted cocktails, generous portions, and a cozy, vinyl‑lounge vibe that feels like a stylish living room.
Al Giardinetto da Severino – A relaxed courtyard dinner with great wine, espresso martinis, and an atmosphere perfect for lingering.
Spritz Bianco – The group favorite after learning about it on a food and wine tour (hear all about this tour in an upcoming episode!). Made with white wine or sparkling wine, soda water, and a white bitter liqueur or dry vermouth, it became the official drink of the trip.
Pro tip from the blondes: Venice is a city made for strolling with a drink in hand. Yes, open containers are allowed!
If there’s one thing the Boozy Blondes believe in, it’s planning hard so you can relax harder. This trip came with a 40‑page itinerary, spreadsheets, index cards, and color‑coded schedules. It sounds extra, but it worked. Coordinating so many people with so many places to see and so many eats and drinks, this planning helped keep everyone organized and prepared so vacation was relaxed!
But just as important as planning was building in downtime. A designated free day allowed Molly to explore hidden gems like the Scala Contarini del Bovolo and the Secret Itineraries Tour of Doge’s Palace, while Chrissy stayed back, made cocktails, and soaked up palace views from the balcony. Venice rewards both curiosity and rest.
The girls also discuss Venice transportation in this episode because if you don’t pre-plan, Venice is a monster to navigate, especially upon arrival and departure.
Top takeaways:
Consider flying into larger hubs like Milan or Rome, then taking a train to Venice.
If flying directly into Venice, splurge on a private water taxi for arrival. It’s expensive—but unforgettable. The girls recommend Consorzio Motoscafi Venezia.
Public water taxis are affordable but crowded and not ideal for those prone to seasickness.
Walking is often faster than you think – just allow enough time.
Train travel out of Venice requires serious planning, especially with luggage. Private water taxis to the train station are worth it.
Book guaranteed trains when possible, especially during strike season.
Always carry coins; train station restrooms aren’t free.
Some of Venice’s best moments happen away from the main tourist sites. The Boozy Blondes recommend:
Visiting lesser‑known churches
Wandering around to find quieter streets and local vibes
Taking evening passeggiatas after dinner
Exploring nearby islands like Murano, Burano, and Lido
The girls also talk about the importance of making dining reservations – especially if you are traveling with a larger group. Restaurants are small and fill quickly. Also, remember dinner will take a long time – embrace it. Food is meant to be enjoyed, not rushed.
If you listened to Episode 085 | Italy: Roman Angels & Demons Pub Crawl (listen here), you’d know the girls have a favorite souvenir – tattoos! Venice was no different. Most of the group opted to bring home this (permanent) souvenir, and the Boozy Blondes highly recommend Underskin Studio in Venice. Roberto and Lorenzo took care of the group, and everyone had the best time at the studio. Remember if you plan to get a tattoo on your trip, plan it towards the end of your vacation and remember to bring aftercare!
Between vow renewals, palace living, spritzes, train chaos, tattoos, and unforgettable laughs, Venice left its mark on the Boozy Blondes. It was proof that thoughtful planning, the right travel companions, and a little lot of Prosecco can turn a trip into a once‑in‑a‑lifetime experience.
Venice may challenge you—but it rewards you even more. And for the Boozy Blondes, it will always be a city worth returning to. If you’re planning a trip, reach out to the girls to help you plan, give recommendations or help you plan! Message them on Instagram or email them! Saluti!
Holy shots! Can you believe it, lushes? The Boozy Blondes just wrapped up Season 4 of the Boozy Blondes Podcast! Mind blown emoji!
This season was packed with travel, tastings, and so many special guests. The girls are so happy to celebrate another boozy season. They created this podcast to share their travels, drinks, and stories with fellow booze travelers. Four seasons later, they’ve done just that and more! In this episode they reflect on meeting amazing people, learning about beer, wine, and spirits, and sharing adventures across the U.S. and abroad.
The DOE is Champagne, of course! The Boozy Blondes are raising a glass to each other, and to you, in gratitude for joining them these past years on this crazy, and boozy, adventure.
The girls discuss highlights from the season. Molly breaks down her top 4 into different categories:
Most WTF Moment (Molly is mortified by her screechy voice in Episode 062 6-pack To Go with the Boozy Bros –listen here-)
Biggest Educational Takeaway (Episode 080 6-pack To Go with Jose Hernandez of 4 Ever Acres Kitchen –listen here– has been a resource for tequila buying for Molly)
Chrissy shares her top 4 moments from Season 4 as well:
Italy (From planning to execution, Italy was unforgettable. There are 4 episodes dedicated to Italy, so if you’re planning a trip, the girls hope those episodes are resourceful for you! Her favorite of the four is Episode 087 Wine Tour & Tasting Near Rome with Sally and Guido of Convivo Rome –listen here-)
Washington, DC (This surprise trip left the girls wanting more DC! Check out Episode 078 for tips and tricks of the best places to visit –listen here-)
Lebowski’s Kool-Luah (Super fun founders and super fun brand! The girls really enjoyed meeting Dave and Monica Kowalski of Lebowski’s Tap Room in Episode 091 –listen here-)
One special highlight of this episode is the game at the end! If you are familiar with the classic tv game show Password, you’ll have no trouble playing along! The girls bring back the Boozy Bros for an epic battle focused on themes of Season 4 – see how well you do!
As the girls say Arrivederci! to Season 4, they look forward to more boozy adventures in Season 5. None of this would be possible without you loyal lushes, and the girls are forever grateful for your support – without you, they would be two boozy blondes drinking alone in a closet!
The Boozy Blondes are wrapping up their Season 4 Italy tour with an episode all about Rome! Are you planning a trip to the Eternal City? This episode will help you plan for some of the hot spots you don’t want to miss!
First things first – the DOE. Chrissy continues to try to warm Molly up to spritzes, but it’s not going so well. Molly reluctantly sips the Campari Spritz Chrissy made because, well, “when in Rome!”
If you’re traveling by plane to Rome, chances are you’re flying into Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino Airport. From here you can take an Uber to train to your destination. The girls stayed in the neighborhood of Trastevere, and you can hear an episode dedicated to this beautiful community in Episode 088 (listen here!).
One must-see stop when in Rome is Vatican City. Its headquarters to the Roman Catholic Church and full of cultural, religious and historical significance. The girls toured the Vatican Museums, St. Peter’s Basilica, St. Peter’s Square and the Sistine Chapel. Understandably so, Vatican City is a popular spot and gets extremely crowded with tourists. The girls planned for the crowds and booked the earliest tour possible through The Tour Guy for about $150 per person. This 3-hour tour included:
Skip-the-line entry to the Vatican
Pio-Clementino Museum, Gallery of the Candelabra, Tapestries and Maps
Raphael Rooms and School of Athens
Entry to the Sistine Chapel
Entry to St. Peter’s Basilica
A Professional, English-speaking guide
Max group size of 10
The girls highly recommend the tour, especially if it’s your first visit. There is so much to take in! One pro tip is to dress for the weather – much of the tour actually takes place outside, and the girls were not prepared for that! Other tips include:
Go as early as you can to beat the largest crowds
You are allowed to take pictures (no flash) everywhere except inside the Sistine Chapel
Dress modestly – your shoulders and knees must be covered
Bags are allowed but must be small backpacks or purses
Following your tour, there are cute restaurants close by where you can grab a cocktail (or espresso) before your next adventure! For the girls it was touring the Colosseum, but unfortunately due to the miserable weather, they skipped it. This is the tour they had booked again through The Tour Guy for you check out.
One of the best experiences the blondes had was renting e-bikes and exploring the Appian Way. Chrissy packed a picnic lunch for the group, and they took off from an e-bike rental store near Circus Maximus. Beware – there are no bike lanes, so navigating the traffic can be a little treacherous. Over the course of the ride, they stopped at:
Catacombe Di San Callisto – the catacombs here were built in the 2nd century around 150AD! The tour is about 10 Euros per person and lasts about 45 minutes
Appia Antica Caffe for spritzes and beer
Borghese Park
Church of Domine Quo Vadis – where Saint Peter was said to encounter Jesus when he initially fled Rome – you can see Jesus’ footprints here
The girls agree this was a great way to experience the Roman countryside and some history too! Having a picnic lunch alongside one of the oldest roads in the world was surreal! After biking the group enjoyed aperitivo at Da Etta and Freni e Frizioni (details in Episode 088), then had an amazing meal at Divin Ostilia Wine Bar.
Other must-sees in Rome are the Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps, Palatine Hill and the Roman Forum. You can listen to our Angels and Demons Pub Crawl episode (Episode 085) to get more details about those stops.
A few more tips as you plan your trip:
Stop in random churches! They are full of history, art and faith, and breathtaking!
Stop for aperitivo! It’s an Italian lifestyle – enjoy drinks and small snacks before dinner. Molly’s favorite was at the rooftop bar of FortySevenHotel.
Beware of bathrooms – or lack of seats on toilets. BYOS! (Bring your own seat!)
Make reservations in advance but leave some room for flexibility! Sometimes getting lost leads to the best adventures!
If you can, add an extra day or two to your original plan – vacation goes by so fast. If you’re planning for 7 days, see if you can swing 10! Having downtime days is a blessing!
Is there a place in Rome you love that we didn’t mention? Share it with us in the comments below!
Bentornato lushes. In this episode the girls are taking you on a tour of the cutest neighborhood in Rome, Trastevere! The girls sip Italian wine as their DOE while they reminisce about the magic this place brings.
On their trip, the Boozy Blondes wanted to stay a little outside of the craziness of center-city Rome but still within walking distance, so they found an Air B&B (check it out here!) in Trastevere. Trastevere is a funky, bohemian area of Rome that clings to its centuries-old, working-class roots. It’s known for traditional and innovative trattorias, craft beer pubs and artisan shops. From the pre-dinner passeggiata until late, a young crowd buzzes around tiny Piazzas, and mosaic-filled churches, enjoying the area’s great restaurants, pubs and nightlife. This neighborhood provides the perfect blend of history, food and art!
Staying in Trastevere allowed the girls to explore on foot rather than booking ride shares. Here are some of the gems they found through their travels:
Freni e Frizioni | translates to: brakes and clutches; a fitting name considering the bar was once a mechanic shop! This bar is highly recommended by the Boozy Blondes. Chirssy got a taste of what their legendary bartenders could do when Riccardo Rossi and Manuel Di Cecco came to New Orleans for Tales of the Cocktail. (Check out the girls’ mini series on the podcast to hear more about that, starting with Episode 066!) Chrissy visited Freni e Frizioni twice while she was in Italy, spinning the drink wheel and sharing shots with Manuel on her visit. On her second visit, with Molly and the Boozy Bros, they all ordered the Un-Social, which was tequila, passion fruit, coconut & Sichuan liquer, Agavecito infused with coriander, citrus and grapefruit soda. The girls (and guys) still drink about this cocktail! Freni e Frizioni has been recognized by World’s 50 Best Bars and Anthony Bourdain! This place also offers a nice buffet for those enjoying cocktails inside.
Ristorante le Mani in Pasta | translates to: hands in pasta. This restaurant was directly across the street from the girls’ Air B&B door. So convenient! This place provides a realtraditional-style trattoria experience. But make sure you have a reservation, this place is always packed! The second you step inside Le Mani in Pasta you’re wrapped up in a warm and informal atmosphere, typical of a Roman osteria. And on the same note, the food here is delicious! They serve Roman cuisine as well as seafood, meat and pasta dishes from different Italian regions. All the dishes are of high quality and extremely fresh. Le Mani in Pasta makes it its mission to order fresh fruit, vegetables, meat, home-made pasta and cheese every day. This was another double-dip stop for Chrissy. She and Phil enjoyed dinner here so much, they went again when Molly and Rainer arrived in Rome! And they had the same server both times!
They had a wide selection of wine, and the prices were incredible – each bottle was under $30! As in most of Italy, you can get a killer bottle of wine for a fraction of what you’d pay in the States, and as good Boozy Blondes, the girls certainly made the most of it at Le Mani in Pasta. Chrissy had the Kressman Monopole on her first visit which is a white Bordeaux and Sauvignon Blanc blend. Molly ordered a bottle of St. Michael- Eppan Pinot Noir. But it didn’t stop there. The group ended up drinking 4 bottles between them all. (Randomly the group ran into friends from Florida, Lloyd and Lisa, who ended up joining them for dinner!) And the best part was they only had to stumble across the street to get home.
La Punta Expendio de Agave | Molly and Rainer found this great tequila bar just around the corner from their Air B&B. Walls inside are filled with tequilas up to the ceiling! They have a menus of specialty drinks, and Molly started with a classic Paloma and then the El Grtio which was mezcal, sage, lime and agave. Rainer had the best time choosing tequilas to drink neat. The food menu is small, but with a small menu, you know they really nail the items. They had street tacos, and fun fact, it was on Thanksgiving, so definitely the most unique Thanksgiving dinner they have shared – Thanksgiving at a Mexican bar in Italy.
Taverna Trilussa | This classic has been open since 1910, operating with the same motto: we don’t care who you are, the important thing is that in the end you have eaten and drunk more than well. This is the only thing that really matters. Pasta is served straight from the pan!
Jerry Thomas Bar Room | This tiny cocktail bar is everything a speakeasy should be, right down to the little password window in the door. You can check out the Boozy Blondes Reel on Instagram highlighting their visit.
You can learn more about this amazing bar in Episode 085 – Italy: Roman Angels & Demons Pub Crawl (listen here!) to hear the insider information about the world-renowned cocktails the girls tried at this speakeasy’s new location in Trastevere. Just know, the hand-crafted drinks are amazing, they gave the group (and the entire bar) shots and the team there was so welcoming!
Da Etta | Boasting “an all day venue open 7 days a week from 8 am to midnight,” Da Etta has anything and everything. Part breakfast, gastro pub, restaurant, cocktail bar, pastry shop, and wine cellar the possibilities are endless. You can enjoy the cozy atmosphere inside or the large outdoor terrace.
Settled in the shadow of Tiberina Island and historic Trastevere, this little gem was perfect for the group to visit. Located in Piazza Piscinula, it was a short walk from the Air B&B. Phil and Chrissy went there for wine and light bites one evening and then the group went back for beer, wine, and espresso after surviving our biking adventure. (You can here more about that in the upcoming Rome episode!) Check out all their locations here!
There is so much to explore in Trastevere; it’s one of those places with such an original charm that it’s almost impossible to explain. There’s so much to do, like concerts, food tours, pub crawls, and more. It’s close enough to the hustle and bustle of downtown Rome but still tucked away from the major touristy areas. The girls were able to absorb the culture and let the neighborhood guide them.
Have you been to Trastevere? Is there a place you’d recommend to the Boozy Blondes? Leave a comment below!
Ciao, lushes! The Boozy Blondes are taking you back to Rome in this episode to give you all the details on a half-day wine tour they experienced just outside of the hustle and bustle of Rome. This episode takes you through beautiful countryside.
The DOE is a bottle of Pecorino, a light-skinned white Italian wine grape variety that grows in Italy’s eastern wine-growing regions. It’s similar to a Sauvignon Blanc.
During the girls’ stay in Rome, they knew they wanted to take an excursion, and they found this Half Day Rome Wine Tour with Convivio Rome just outside the city. This tour is managed by the sweetest couple, Sally and Guido, who, spoiler alert, turned out to be the most amazing hosts the girls could have asked for!
This tour included a drive through the beautiful countryside on the way to visit the local winery, where the girls enjoyed a tour and sampled (3) different wines with a light snack. It also included a visit to Sally and Guido’s home complete with other quality local wines and an amazing spread of food they had prepared, while overlooking a spectacular view. There was even a medieval village down the mountain from their home!
That’s the overview – here are the steps to take and expect if you want to enjoy this beautiful day:
Take the train to Fara Sabina. Sally and Guido will send you all the details so you know which station to leave from and where you need to go. Remember: when you’re taking the train in Italy, and you buy your tickets at the station, you need to get your ticket validated BEFORE you board. — Pro tip when traveling to the Fara Sabina station: Buy provisions before you go or bring them with you. There is one shop outside the station in Fara Sabina, and you can get an espresso or pastry, but you can bring whatever you want to eat or drink on the train. Yes, that includes your boozy libations.
Once you get to Fara Sabina, Sally and Guido will pick you up in a passenger van. From here they drive you through the beautiful countryside to the winery.
At the winery, you experience a behind-the-scenes tour of production and bottling, and you get to see the barrel room! After the tour, you gather in the main room. Just off this room is a giant deck which overlooks the vineyards and the Roman countryside – so incredibly beautiful.
In the main room you sample some wines and enjoy some snacks! At this point, you can purchase any bottles you like.
From here, pile back into the van and head to Sally and Guido’s home! The hospitality they showed the Boozy Blondes was so genuine and heartfelt, like the girls were old friends rather than tourists. More wine is served along with a delicious selection of light bites.
After taking in the views, enjoying each other’s company, and wine, of course, Guido drives you back to the train station.
Sally and Guido have been hosting this tour for over a decade, and they have it nailed down to a science. They also host cooking classes, cooking holidays and olive oil tours. They are incredibly knowledgeable and passionate about sharing the wines, food, culture, landscape and more, we can’t begin to give this experience justice by trying to describe it to you.
Be sure to follow them on Instagram, and follow links at the top of this blog to see all they offer! You can see the Boozy Blondes’ Instagram reel from the day here. The girls give the Half Day Rome Wine Tour their stamp of approval. If you embark on this beautiful day, be sure to tell Sally and Guido the Boozy Blondes sent you! Salute!
Settle in, lushes! We are crossing the pond and drinking abroad today! We highly recommend this episode if you’re planning a trip to Greece or Italy, or if you’d like to live vicariously through one of the Boozy Blondes and her fabulous trip overseas!
The DOE is aperol spritz (3 parts Champagne, 2 parts aperol, 1 part sparkling water over ice). In Italy spritz is big, made with any aperitif + Champagne + fizzy water. All the locals drink spritzes (especially as a day drink) and most often they are served with crisps (chips) or snack towers. This is your pro tip – order a spritz, it’s the best value – for about 5€ you get a drink and snacks!
Chrissy’s trip spanned over 19 days – and it was full of planes, trains and automobiles. And boats. Her trip was in late March/early April which is typically the off-season in Italy and Greece. During the off-season you can expect a low amount of tourists, it’s easy to get into restaurants, hotel rates are discounted, but the weather is hit or miss and not everything is open. Locals recommend traveling In September.
In this episode Chrissy shares travel tips, favorite bars and differences in the drinking culture as she takes listeners through her adventures in Italy and and cruising through Greece. She visits:
Milan, Italy
Venice, Italy
Padua/Padova, Italy
Verona, Italy
Madonna della Corona, Italy
Bolzano, Italy
Kotor, Montenegro
Mykonos, Greece
Santorini, Greece
Bari, Italy
One drinking culture difference in Italy – the coffee game is strong. Coffee bars are actual bars, and there are different trends for different times of day. In the morning grab coffee and snacks, breakfast pastries or meatballs. Meatballs for breakfast?! This may be the one exception to Molly’s “no morning meat” rule. They sound delish. Don’t get comfy though; locals enjoy their coffee and snacks while standing at the bar and move on. Starting around 11am the coffee bars start serving spritz and chips (crisps) – unlike breakfast, you can sit down for this one. Later in day, around 7 pm-ish is cicchetti (happy hour), then after 8pm, it’s time for wine with dinner.
Chrissy’s favorite bars in Italy:
– Vino Vero (Venice) – Chrissy enjoyed a cooking class in Venice with Lorenzo. (Lorenzo’s house made the favorite bar list too). He recommended his favorite at Vino Vero, Amarone wine.
Chrissy boarded her cruise ship from Venice and immediately noticed a big difference from the cruises the Boozy Blondes frequent in the Caribbean (listen to Episode 013 Booze Cruise for tips to making the most out of your weekend cruise). This particular European cruise was filled with young families, the drink package was not a priority (she was willing to bet she and Phil were the only ones with a drink package – they were ship favorites with the bartenders!), the activities were not in English, and it was a “commuter cruise” – people were boarding and debarking in all the ports. But similar to the Caribbean cruises, the ship docked in beautiful places!
The first stop was Kotor, Montenegro which was so picturesque or rather, Game of Thrones-esque, as Chrissy describes it. There were cats everywhere (they are protected), and Christmas is very big there. Chrissy recommends Caesar’s Wine Bar for the best charcuterie board and inexpensive wine.
The next port was Mykonos – a party place in season, but it was pretty much shut down when Chrissy was there. It reminded her of a little Venice and she visited Mykonos Brewing Company with Yoshi! (This is the only brewery on the island). She recommends Katerina’s Bar on water with great views and Captain’s.
There was one place Chrissy wanted to visit more than anywhere else – Santorini! “I had happy tears the whole time!” she says. While more places were open here than in Mykonos there still weren’t many tourists. If you visit, go to the Meteor Cafe in Oia and the Venetsanos Winery. Guests can take a tour here, and they offer a tasting flight with a meat and cheese board.
The last port was Bari, but Chrissy didn’t get off the boat this day. Perhaps an excuse to go back?
Chrissy’s parting tips in this episode:
You know it’s a long day of travel to get overseas – it helps to have airline club level (check out airline credit card deals if you aren’t currently a member) – long layovers = expensive bar trips otherwise
book First class on trains – she experienced both First and General fares and the ease of logistics and lack of stress in First Class is well worth the price
Pay for the international data plan for phones – download google maps and gps routes to avoid getting lost when there is no service or Internet
When in Venice, splurge for a private water taxi, not a vaparetto (Chrissy describes a vaparetto as a bus on water – it’s only 7 to 15 euro OW or you can buy daily, weekly or monthly passes, whereas a private taxi is about 90 euro but it takes your door to door rather than a random vaparetto stop. When you arrive in Venice, depending where the stop is in relation to your lodging, you may have to drag your luggage through streets quite a ways
Have you traveled to any of these locations? What are some of your must-sees?
Boozy Blondes 