Most visitors to Italy flock to the crowded tourist centers, but in Italy for the Gourmet Traveler Fred Plotkin takes us beyond the traditional tourist experience and lures us to special places, whether in big cities or out-of-the-way villages, often overlooked by the uninitiated. Under his discerning eye, we learn about the food, wines, local bakeries, olive oil distilleries, ice cream parlors, cheeses, markets, restaurants and best kept secrets of Italy s culinary world. Lovingly drawn portraits of the people who make her world-famous regional specialties, and a smattering of local history make each village, town and city come alive. Maps encourage the intrepid traveler to head off the beaten track, while evocative black and white photographs add to the immense charm of this vastly readable guide."