To All The Girls
A love letter to the women who inspire us, fascinating females in food, wine, & spirits, Women’s Day traditions in Rome + twists on the mimosa cocktail
Issue #6
Happy Women’s History Month, America!
This title came to me like music. Check out the perfect duet, performed by Julio Iglesias and Willie Nelson. Music and lyrics by Albert Hammond and Hal David.
Over here in Euroland, we celebrated International Women’s Day on March 8th. The holiday commemorates the women’s rights movement, champions reproductive rights and highlights issues like violence against women worldwide.
Read more about the origin of the day here.
Most of all, March 8th is an excuse to celebrate the women in our lives who inspire us, challenge us, love us and support us, starting with our mothers. We wouldn’t be here without them.
Visibility makes a big difference. Like it or not, headlines and clicks can keep a restaurant, winery, bar, or bakery in business. In the grand scheme of history and in much of the modern world, women in the workplace are still a novelty.
Spotlighting their efforts, leadership, and success helps to close the gap and inspire a new generation.
I’ve been privileged to write about talented and hardworking women over the years and I’m thrilled to share some of them in this month’s issue!
Meet the Ladies
Georgia Georgakopoulou: Mixology Consultant and Bartender Extraordinaire
When BBC travel commissioned a piece on Athens cocktail bars, I was lucky to have a number of experts at my fingertips. My mostly male network pointed me to Georgia as a perfect guide.
It’s refreshing to find the band of brothers supporting their sisters in the industry, and Georgia did not disappoint. We spent a great night out, drank exceptional cocktails in iconic bars I’m pleased to share with you.
Women Behind the Bar
Georgia lent me hand for another cocktail piece, this time for the March edition of Amex Essentials. She connected me with two other women to round out my interviews about life as a lady behind the bar.
I also polled a few of them for recipe ideas on how to twist the classic margarita.
The one from Paola Mariotti sounded so tasty I was compelled to mix it up myself. Read the recipe here.
Four Female-Led Greek Wine Itineraries
When I started studying Greek in 2022, naturally Greek wine was next in line. When I visited Athens for the first time in 2023, I didn’t even have to try. Women were dominating the city’s vibrant wine bar scene. Turns out, it’s a country-wide trend.
I was honored to put together this short but packed story for Travel and Leisure. It features Greek wineries, wine bars, restaurant owners and winemakers, all women-led and well worth discovering.
Eleni Kefalopoulou, Wine with Eleni
One woman I didn’t cover for T&L, but had the pleasure of meeting a year later, Eleni Kefalopoulou appeared in the premiere issue of Tastefully. Read it here.
Cinzia Romoli, Romoli
I took on a very dangerous assignment for Amex Essentials, calorically speaking. Cream-stuffed brioches, maritozzi, are an iconic Roman pastry. Lo and behold, the city’s undisputed favorite spot is a short walk from my house.
Cinzia Romoli, third-generation owner and powerhouse behind the enduring brand, took precious time from her day fill me in (and feed me).
Monica Garbini: Co-Owner, Cuverie
Last month I created a Romantic Rome itinerary. I included Monica’s wine bar, Cuverie as a quintessentially romantic spot.
Monica has hospitality in her blood, and despite a successful law career couldn’t help but open her own place. Read about it here.
When in Rome (on March 8th)
Italians celebrate women by exchanging little bouquets of mimosa flowers. According to the language of flowers, as well as Native American tradition, mimosas represent strength, femininity, safety and sensitivity.
A Few Explanations for the Mimosa Tradition
The flowers bloom spontaneously and pretty much everywhere this time of year. It’s inexpensive to procure and easy to find, which makes the flower an accessible option.
Tiny but Mighty
The small soft blooms form tight clusters. They pack a brilliant color and a distinctive, if delicate aroma similar to camomile. The flowers also represent the sun, a grounding force, just like the women they celebrate.
Mimosa Variations
The perennial brunch classic cocktail gets a makeover. I asked a few lady mixologists for a twist. Check out the recipe here and let me know if you try it!
XO,
Annie