With a writing career spanning over a decade, Liz SanFilippo Hall has written about everything from the correct way to assemble a Chicago-style hot dog to the intricate flavors and plating styles of Michelin-star European restaurants. Liz loves discovering new places and flavors to share with her readers, whether it’s the sandy shores of Lake Michigan and the foodie town of Traverse City or the vineyards and small towns of France. She hopes her stories inspire people to travel, try new dishes and ingredients, and learn about the history and culture of a place through its food and meeting the locals.

A graduate of The University of Chicago’s Master’s in Humanities/Creative Writing, she has a knack for combining research with her personal travel/food stories. Some of her most memorable food and travel experiences include slurping fresh French oysters at a market in Cognac, hunting for black truffles in the stunning Umbrian countryside, heading off the beaten path of the Amalfi Coast to find a Michelin-starred restaurant only known to locals, visiting the largest underground church in all of Europe, exploring the catacombs of Paris, and touring the vineyards of Northern Michigan, which is on the 45th latitude just like France’s Côtes du Rhône wine region.

In addition to her blog posts on The International Kitchen, her writing has been featured on CBSLocal.com and Hot Doug’s: The Book, among other sites and publications. She also writes about parenting, self care, and how to travel with kids (and maintain your sanity) on her personal blog, www.OopsandDaisies.com. She currently writes in the western suburbs of Chicago, where she lives with her two young children, husband, and stubborn bulldog named Kafka.


Posted

May 23, 2016

By Liz SanFilippo Hall

Culinary Vacations: Learning to Cook with a Wood Fire Oven

Filed Under  Food History, Kitchen Tips

Wood fire ovens are growing in popularity in the States, but over in Italy they've long had a place both in the kitchen and outdoors. Cooking with one isn't the same as using a grill, either gas or charcoal. In fact there's quite an art form – one that's been passed down for generations – to making perfectly charred vegetables, crusty pizzas, and juicy steaks with just the right crispy… Read
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Posted

April 11, 2016

By Liz SanFilippo Hall

Discovering the Wines of Bordeaux

Filed Under  Destination Features, Travel Tips, Wines & Spirits

When talking about the wines of France, the discussion has to include Bordeaux, and not just because it's the largest wine-producing region in the country. From the historic city of Bordeaux, with interesting connections to the French Revolution, to the countryside with vineyards as far as the eye can see, the area is at once fascinating as well as delicious... perfect for a visit by the traveling wine aficionado and… Read
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Posted

March 18, 2016

By Liz SanFilippo Hall

A Special Greek Orthodox Easter Cooking Vacation

Filed Under  Destination Features, Special Occasions

Update from TIK: We have a special Greek Easter vacation package also offered in 2019! See our Zakynthos Island Adventure for details! In 2016, Greek Orthodox Easter falls much later than the the Western church's Easter - over a full month away! The holiday is an important one for both religious affiliations, and the difference in dates is due to the use of different calendars. There are some traditions that… Read
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Posted

March 2, 2016

By Liz SanFilippo Hall

The History of Norcineria (and a Peek Inside our Umbria Cooking Vacation)

Filed Under  Destination Features, Food History

Norcineria is quite particular to the medieval town of Norcia, one of our best Umbria cooking vacation destinations. It's the term used to describe delicacies made from pigs, and the practice of salting and curing of meats. It's clearly not the only place in Italy that partakes in this practice, but it has quite the history in the area surrounding this charming small town. The practice of preserving pork in… Read
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Posted

February 29, 2016

By Liz SanFilippo Hall

All About Charcuterie

Filed Under  Food History, Travel Tips

Chances are you've enjoyed your share of charcuterie, whether you called it as such or not. While the word is French and dates back to the Middle Ages and the 15th century, countries all over the world -- Europe and beyond -- have their own version of charcuterie. Cold cuts, salumi, cured meats… you get the idea. No matter what you call it, platters of these delicious meats -- often… Read
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Posted

February 19, 2016

By Liz SanFilippo Hall

Roast Fillet of Sea Bass Recipe from a Loire Valley Cooking Vacation

Filed Under  Recipes

The Loire Valley in France has a plethora of seasonal ingredients, due to its lush and fertile landscape. But don't be surprised to see seafood and fish on the menu too! This roast fillet is made with chorizo oil, aubergine caviar, basil, and fennel, and it's as decadent and delicious as it sounds! It hails from chef Sidney, who for many years led our culinary travelers in cooking classes in… Read
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Posted

February 5, 2016

By Liz SanFilippo Hall

Quail with Calvados Sauce from our France Cooking Vacation

Filed Under  Kitchen Tips, Recipes

A sauce can make or break a dish. It's affects the flavor of everything that's put into it. Not to mention, it's also delicious all on its own, particularly when sopped up with bread. If you're looking for a fun recipe to make this weekend to help warm up your kitchen and your belly, try this boned and stuffed quail recipe from the chefs of our Cooking in Gascony culinary… Read
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Posted

February 3, 2016

By Liz SanFilippo Hall

Our Favorite Comfort Foods

Filed Under  What's Up at TIK

What's your idea of a comfort food? Is it something that reminds you of your childhood? Or that makes you feel better after a rough day? For many, the idea of comfort food is… well, comforting. And in many cases it's something nice and warm, which makes it a perfect treat for a chilly Winter day. Here at The International Kitchen, everyone shared some of their favorite comfort food dishes… Read
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Posted

February 1, 2016

By Liz SanFilippo Hall

A Culinary Essential: Mirepoix

Filed Under  Food History, Kitchen Tips

Mirepoix is essential to most any soup, sauce, or stew, at least in the traditional Western kitchen, especially in France. Chances are too that you've been using it in the kitchen, even if you didn't know the French word for it. After all, it's quite simple really: a combo of carrots, onions, and celery. Pronounced "meer-pwah," and also known as soffritto in Italy, this trifecta can be prepared in all… Read
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Posted

January 22, 2016

By Liz SanFilippo Hall

Torta Coi Becchi Recipe from Our Tuscan Villa Cooking Vacation

Filed Under  Food History, Recipes

The panoramic landscape of Western Tuscany is awe-inspiring. But this beautiful land is also responsible for a plethora of wonderful vegetables, which inform so much of the gastronomy. While Tuscany is known for simple rustic dishes though, there's a recipe that is quite popular in the area around Lucca, and it's served and made a bit differently than most produce in the area. Torta coi becchi, simply put, is a… Read
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