Faith Heller Willinger has the unique advantage of being an American with an insider's knowledge of the culinary mysteries of Italy and a profound love for all of them. Drawn from her extensive knowledge and expertise Eating in Italy is a gastronomic tour of the regions that comprise the northern half of the country. The finest restaurants in Florence, the best chocolate anywhere, the chic kitchenware shops in Milan, outdoor markets in towns not on any tourist's map, elegant and affordable hotels in Venice, picnic spots in the countryside -- there's information for every traveler, armchair or otherwise, who wants to experience the authentic flavor of northern Italy. Here is the Italian table for the adventurous and sophisticated, including every food-related situation, ritual, and tradition, from weather to waiters, climate to Chianti.