299941 Wed Mar 09 01:29:09 -0800 2005 8 27 General Chowhounding Topics 0 1664445 Can anyone comment on the value of the online information at Slow Food. I'm planning a four week trip in Italy and I'm considering getting a Slow Food membership to help with the research. It seems that much of their information is only available to registered (fee) subscribers. I don't mind paying the fee as long as the content behind it is worthwhile. Unfortunately from their website I can't seem to preview much of what is inside. Anyone? Thanks, John Link: http://www.slowfood.com/ Image: http://www.slowfood.com/graf_sito/graf_home/home_slowfood.gif Wed Mar 09 01:29:09 -0800 2005 0 John 1 1664450 Slow Food is a worldwide movement that has its roots in Italy. They have a very chic quarterly publication called "Slow" which may or may not give you more information, and can be purchased for a hefty price at natural food coops, and maybe at Whole Foods. The gist of the movement appears to be rooted in the enjoyment of organic, lovingly prepared foods, but in the opinion of some organic farmers, strongly encourages the fashionable aspect, which may or may not be a good thing (hence the fees, perhaps). If you're willing to pay the price, I imagine you would get a lot of enjoyment out of the experience! Wed Mar 09 04:21:58 -0800 2005 1664445 0 gina 2 1664465 Plus, if you're a member, you get invitations to special events held in your area (if your area has a convivium, that is--not all do). Wed Mar 09 09:46:14 -0800 2005 1664450 0 Chorus Girl 3 1664474 Convivia events are generally open to the public. There is usually a small fee increase for non-members. Events range in price between $0-$100. In Los Angeles, our events usually include half paid members and half lapsed members. We have events centered around tastings of products and meals, farm events, wine events, and a social action committee. Slow Food was started in Italy but our focus in the US is on the US traditions and foodways. Slow Food Los Angeles: www.slowfoodla.com Wed Mar 09 11:40:46 -0800 2005 1664465 0 JudiAU 1 1664466 as far as I know, you dont need to pay for a membership to get access to the website information. With respect to restaurants, it is the same info as in their Osterie guidebook. When I did it, it took me a fair amount of time to figure out how to register on their site on a non-paid basis, but I succeeded. Maybe somebody who did this more recently can walk you through. What is true is that the important info is only presented in the italian language (both on the website and in the books) but with a little attention you can get a lot out of it and find some special meals, not the most expensive, but delicious and characteristic. I think you will be delighted and satisfied with the restaurants you select using this resource. Wed Mar 09 10:03:29 -0800 2005 1664445 0 jen kalb 1 1664475 One of the best meals we had in Italy was at a restaurant in Greve recommended on the Slow Food website. I can't remember the name but it is on the piazza next the incredible salumi shop. Wed Mar 09 11:50:49 -0800 2005 1664445 0 Junie D 1 1664480 I haven't really explored what's available on the website, but I find the Osterie D'Italia (their guide to restaurants, w/ asides on pasticcerie, salumerie, enoteche and other food shops) invaluable. I would buy the book b/c then you have it with you, no matter where you end up in your 4 week trip. As a part-time resident of Italy, I can tell you that there is no other food guide that even comes close. Not every good restaurant is in it by any means, but the ones that are really do care about food, and of special interest to the American traveler, they also care about maintaining regional traditions and difference. Don't be scared by the fact that the book is only in Italian. I started using it long before I could read Italian - names of recommended dishes are in bold, and opening hours, price ranges, addresses, etc. you don't really need a language to understand. If you do, by any chance, read Italian, the Slow Food Itineraries (sold separately) for different regions are great resources. Wed Mar 09 13:31:19 -0800 2005 1664445 0 Elaine (Snutteplutten) 1 1664490 Another help to us was Faith Willinger's book Eating in Italy which covers the north - I believe she lives in Florence. My copy is from 1998 but maybe it has been updated. Even if it isn't up to date for restaurants, there is good information on food shops and markets that probably change less. Wed Mar 09 15:07:43 -0800 2005 1664445 0 Junie D 1 1664772 Go for it and consider the membership an investment. I am a member in Tokyo. On a recent trip to Okinawa I connected with a fellow member in Okinawa who took very good care of me and connected me with several key people in Okinawa. I had great meals and wonderful awamori. My fellow members of Slow Food Tokyo often host members from other countries. It is a two-way street. The Slow Food community is supportive and connected with local foods. You will not regret your membership. Sun Mar 13 08:41:33 -0800 2005 1664445 0 Yukari Pratt