As an Englishman abroad, I have depended on the good will of visitors and frequent trips ‘home’ to ensure that I don’t run out of Marmite.
This amazing shop has existed since 1912 and is now in the third generation of owners. From the outside, it doesn’t look anything special; just another well stocked store in a city that justifiably prides itself on its range of gourmet food stores.
Those in the ‘I love it’ camp will appreciate why it is important to maintain a stock of this spread.
In 17 years of living in Italy, I have never found anywhere that sells it but a tip-off from a work colleague led me to Scaramagli in Bologna.
Inside, the lavishly stocked shelves are a paradise for ex-pats and foodies. “Look they even have mincemeat!” said my wife; to which a passing English gentleman dryly commented “It’s not in season”.
The fact that it also boasts having 2813 different types of wine, 275 brands of whisky and 268 varieties of grappa, it would also keep any wealthy alcoholic permanently sozzled.
A newspaper clipping on the wall from La Repubblica describes the shop as the city’s answer to Harrods. This is not entirely accurate as it doesn’t have to elaborate decor or fancy trimmings of the London store but it does reflect the shop’s unique and historic character.
I intend to become a regular customer.
LOW : Live at Teatro Antoniano, Bologna
In a meeting at work yesterday, one of my colleagues, a techno sceptic, asked the question: What’s the difference between e-learning and online resources?
