Unless you’ve gone there on business, you’ve probably never been to Turin, in the Piedmont region of Italy. Although it’s an interesting, attractive city – as much French as it is Italian – it’s not a major destination for travelers.

The seat of the House of Savoy from the 14th century through the Italian unification in 1861, Turin’s broad boulevards and piazzas are similar to those that were popular with the French court. There are two interesting churches in Turin, including the Cathedral of San Giovanni where the famous shroud is occasionally displayed, and an excellent museum of Egyptian art. There’s also fun flea markets in Piazza della Repubblica on Saturdays.

For lovers of Italian food, Turin is well worth a visit, especially if you’ll be in Milan, which is only 80 miles away. Because one of the most impressive food complexes in the world is based in Turin. Cleverly named Eataly, it opened in 2007 and showcases Italian foods and wines that are sanctioned by the Slow Food movement.

Equal parts cooking school, restaurant row, and food and wine market, Eataly lets visitors taste, purchase, and learn about the best foods and wines in Italy in one spot. It’s located in the old Carpano vermouth factory, which was built in 1908 and is a short stroll from the Convention Center. With 118,000 square feet of educational areas, eateries, and markets, it’s very impressive.

You’ll find the best of everything – salumi, cheeses, meat, seasonal local produce, fish, fowl, pastries, breads, and more – in the 27,000-square-foot market. The salumi market has more than 150 different kinds of cured meats. There are more than 200 cheeses to choose from. And you’ll see more kinds of pasta than you ever knew existed.

Coffee, loose tea, chocolate, and a wide array of sustainable and slow foods are available. You can buy more than 200 kinds of beer and choose from a huge selection of wine – 48,000 bottles are displayed.

Fresh produce from the Eataly market.

A huge, wood-burning oven produces bread, Neapolitan pizza, and focaccia. And there are prepared foods you can take away. Eight restaurants, two cafes, and a gelateria serve more than 100 different dishes every day. All the beef is from Piedmontese cattle, and the grilled fish was in the Ligurian Sea hours before.

For something more ambitious – and expensive – try the 50-seat Guido per Eataly restaurant. Husband and wife team Claudio and Anna Vincina update classic Piedmontese dishes like vitello tonnato and bollito misto and accompany them with superb local wines like Barolo, Barbaresco, and Barbera.

Dining at Eataly.

Some of Italy’s top chefs teach cooking classes in specially designed, 30-seat kitchens and then serve a multi-course meal created especially for the occasion. Each course is paired with an Italian wine selected by one of the sommeliers. There are also separate educational areas, tastings, and classes on beer and wine.

There’s a scaled-down version of Eataly in Toyko. And American food luminaries Mario Batali, Nancy Silverton, and Joseph Bastianich — the team behind L.A.’s Mozza and Pizzeria Mozza — are bringing the concept to New York. Their Eataly, which is scheduled to open on August 31, 2010, will feature 20 different departments, a Dogfish Head brewery with roof bar, and a Batali fine-dining restaurant called Manzo.

Read about where to find great Italian food in Rome here.

Eataly in Turin offers the best Italian foods in the world Image Flickr:  singingbeagle
Fresh produce from the Eataly market Image Flickr: MAX 2006 – Max Nunziata “Wild photographer”
Dining at Eataly Image Flickr: demoshelsinki

Flea market fun

With some of the top flea markets in the country going strong for years now, L.A. needs another flea market like it needs a hole in the head. But Southern Californians are so crazy for flea markets that too much is not enough. In fact, the only thing more popular than flea markets is food trucks. And some brilliant entrepreneur got the idea to combine the two.

The new L.A. Flea Market debuts on July 18 in the parking lot of Dodger Stadium. The grand opening will feature the Hollywood Yard Sale with items donated by George Clooney, Brad Pitt, and other celebrities. Proceeds from sales will benefit the Salvation Army Adult Rehabilitation Center.

More than 500 vendors are scheduled to participate, selling everything from antiques, vintage clothes, furniture, collectibles, fine art, crafts, and just plain junk. The antique and vintage section will be managed by King Richards, which is one of the area’s best established antique centers. There will also be new merchandise and sustainable goods and charity groups.

A kids’ play area with a rock-climbing wall and inflatable play-gyms will keep them occupied.

Typical of Southern California, a VIP pass is available for $25. It includes valet parking, early-bird (7AM) admission, concierge service for schlepping your purchases, and a reserved porta-potty section away from the riff raff – and presumedly behind red, velvet ropes. Doors open at 9AM and general admission is $5.

Komodo food truck

Local bands, including Freddie and Francine, The Broken Numbers Band, and John Paul and the Courtship, will provide entertainment throughout the day.

What really sets the new market apart is the presence of some of L.A.’s top food trucks. Unlike some other cities, L.A’s ethnic neighborhoods aren’t centralized, and you might have to drive 90 minutes to satisfy a craving for Jamaican food. In response, ethnic food trucks have sprung up that bring exotic flavors to a variety of locations. Fans learn their whereabouts by following them on Twitters.

Shoppers at the flea market grand opening can choose from Butter Chicken over Basmati Rice from India Jones, Indonesian Beef Rendang with Cucumber Salad or Singapore-style Shrimp with Sour Cream Salad from Komodo, Jerk Pork with rice and beans from Reggae Chicken, Korean Fried Chicken from Ahn-Joo, Grilled Beef Vietnamese Baguettes from Mandoline Grill, Crispy Baja Fish Tacos from Border Grill, Nutella and Banana Crepes from Crepe’n Around, and more.

Goodies from the Komodo food truck

Two shows are scheduled following the grand opening – one on August 29 and one on September 26.

If you love searching for treasures at the flea market, mingling with the masses, and sampling some delicious and affordable ethnic food, you know where to go.

Read more about Southern California flea markets here. and here.

Flea market fun Image Flickr: dorena-wm
Komodo food truck Image Flickr: ricardodiaz11
Goodies from the Komodo food truck Image Flickr: helkimchee

Flea market bargain or rip off?

Southern California flea markets have something for everyone. Whether you’re a serious collector, or just someone who appreciates one-of-a-kind items, you can find something cool for a great price, if you follow a few simple steps.

If you’re looking for something specific, do some homework in advance. Go online and get an idea of what fair market value is for the item you’re trying to find. Then, figure out which flea market is most likely to have a vendor who carries it.

With 2,500 vendors, the Rose Bowl Flea Market has practically everything anyone could want. Long Beach is good for antiques, furniture, and other collectibles. And Santa Monica has beautiful things for the home.

The best strategy for finding something in particular is to go early. But remember that you’ll need to add the higher admission fee to the price of your treasure. At the Rose Bowl, the 5AM admission runs $20, and many vendors won’t be set up until 9AM.

If you’re open to whatever strikes your fancy, you can probably sleep in. With no admission fee, the Pasadena City College Flea Market offers the best bargain to begin with.

Dress comfortably, especially for Long Beach or the Rose Bowl. And protect yourself from the sun with a hat and some sunscreen. A lightweight backpack makes it easy to carry a bottle of water and it’s a handy place for small purchases.

Bargain hunters are often advised to dress down, so dealers won’t think they’re easy marks. But in L.A., vendors are used to seeing poor-looking rich people – you never who just sold a screen play for seven figures. And half the Louis Vuitton bags are fake anyway, so don’t worry too much about what you wear.

Another satisfied customer

Do bring plenty of cash, in smaller denominations. And if you’re shopping for furniture or bigger items, bring a way to transport it. At the Rose Bowl, the hike back to your car could be a mile, so ask the dealer to hold your purchase until you’re done shopping for the day. A tape measure often comes in handy too.

The more eager you are about your purchase, the more you’ll pay, so try not to act too excited about it – unless the asking price is clearly a bargain. Otherwise, it’s okay to discretely ask if that’s the best the seller can do. Often there’s a little wiggle room built into the price.

If you do find a treasure, ask for a receipt. And if it’s a collectible, ask for a certificate of authenticity or a written appraisal. Get the name and contact information of the dealer. And if you’re always interested in similar items, give him your contact information too so he can let you know if he comes across something you may be interested in.

Find a map to Southern California flea markets here.

Flea market bargain or rip off? Image Flickr: ?ick Harris
Another satisfied customer Image Flickr: pink_fish13

One-of-a-kind finds

The most famous flea market in Paris — and the largest in the world — is Le Marche aux Puces de Saint-Ouen. It’s been going strong since the 1870s when rag merchants who were forced out of town started peddling their wares just outside the city walls.

Located on the outskirts of the city, Saint Ouen is a trek to reach and a big commitment. Take the Metro to Porte de Clignancourt and then take Avenue Michelet past the ring road.

It’s so vast — 17 acres — that it can easily take a full day to explore. On Saturdays, Sundays, and Mondays, more than 150,000 bargain hunters, antique collectors, and curious travelers investigate the 2,500 vendors here looking for one-of-a-kind items. What you’ll find ranges from junk or brocante, as it’s known here, to world-class antiques. And the venues run the gamut too. Some dealers set up folding tables. Others sell their wares in delightfully stylish spaces.

You can get a map of the market online or pick up one when you arrive. It’s actually pretty well organized with more than a dozen markets, specializing in furniture, 18th- and 19th-century decorative items, engravings, military items, or the like. The main drag is Rue des rosiers, where the original four markets — Vernaison, Malik, Biron, and Jules Valles are located. Each has its own ambience, and some are quite picturesque with wisteria-draped patios, and charming old architecture. In fact, Saint-Ouen is a Protected Urban Area.

You won’t find many bargains here, but if you’re looking for something unusual, or you collect something, a day here could be very rewarding. There are several restaurants and a couple of always-busy ATMs. Wear comfortable shoes.

If you don’t have time for Saint-Ouen, Paris has other flea markets that are more manageable and more accessible.

Furniture at Saint-Ouen

Not far from the Hotel de Ville, the Village Saint-Paul isn’t exactly a flea market, but it does have more than 200 dealers selling antiques, brocantes, and old knick knacks in a series of connected courtyards. It’s a great place to look for original gifts or housewares from the 1930s to the 50s.

On the south side of Paris, the Marche aux Puces de la Porte de Vanves takes place every weekend. Like Saint-Ouen, it also has many dealers who specialize in books, prints, maps, and furniture. But prices here are a little better and the 300+ vendors expect to bargain. Many flea market fans think de Vanves is the best in Paris. Keep you eye out for Hermes scarves, vintage purses, and old perfume bottles.

Not far from Opera Bastille, there’s a covered and an open-air market at Place d’Aligre. In addition to antiques, vintage clothes, and junk, there’s also fresh produce and North African spices and crafts. So it’s a great destination for cooks as well as collectors. If you don’t pick up lunch at the market, there are lots of cafes in the neighborhood.

Read about the best consignment shops in Paris here.

1) Marche aux Puces des Saint-Ouen
2) Le Village Saint-Paul
3) Marche aux Puces Porte de Vanves
4) Place d’Aligre Market

View Paris flea markets in a larger map

One-of-a-kind finds Image Flickr: h-angele
Furniture at Saint-Ouen Image Flickr: Ted Drake

Porta Portese market

Known as mercato delle pulci, Rome’s flea markets have their roots in ancient times. They’re a great way to experience an authentic slice of Roman life. And you’ll often find a one-of-a-kind item that becomes a treasured souvenir or a thoughtful gift.

Most visitors to Rome who enjoy flea markets and antique shops know about the Porta Portese market. With 4,000 vendors, it’s one of the biggest flea markets in Europe. And it offers an astonishing array of goods – everything from plastic shoes to 16th-century religious icons.

On our last visit, it was absolutely packed — and sweltering. The junk-to-quality ratio was at least 20-to-one. And we got tired of watching out for pickpockets. To us, Porta Portese is more hassle than it’s worth.

The good news is that there are dozens of Rome flea markets that are less crowded, more accessible, and more fun. Many flea markets only operate between October and June, closing for the hot summer months. Others are open year ‘round.

There’s a nice selection of specialty markets for collectors of old books, prints, antiques, jewelry, and art objects. If you’re in town on a Sunday, there’s probably a flea market somewhere in Rome with your name on it.

Here are some of the best flea markets in Rome:

Mercatino dei Partigiani is held in a parking lot the first Sunday of every month except August. If you’re a bargain hunter, you’ll appreciate the prices here. There’s usually some furniture, WWII collectibles, vintage items, dishes, silver, and an assortment of knick knacks.

Located in Parking Ludovisi not far from the Piazza del Popolo and Via Veneto, Underground is a relative newcomer. On the first Sunday of the month, it has something for everyone – jewelry, old prints and books, cameras, binocular, religious items, and old suitcases.

Ponte Milvio takes place on the first weekend of the month on the banks of the Tiber. It runs all the way to the Ponte Duc d’Aosta. Look for small antiques and collectibles, jewelry, linens, books, old lace, and art.

Porta Portese trinkets

Borghetto Flaminio is open on the second Saturday and Sunday of each month. It’s located in a couple of warehouses near the Piazza del Popolo gates. For a modest entrance fee, you can explore nearly 250 vendors selling vintage clothing, costume and antique jewelry, handbags, linens, antique objects, and silver.

Also on the second Sunday of the month, nearly one hundred vendors gather in front of Villa Gloria to see a little bit of everything from slightly used designer fashions and sportwear, antiques, old typewriters, bicycles, and books.

Located in a tree-lined piazza not far from the Tiber in the Prati district, Piazza Mazzini offers more pleasant surroundings than some of Rome’s markets. They usually have around 80 vendors, and they’re open the second Friday, Saturday, and Sunday of the month except in August.

Via Sannio is your best bet if you’re only in town during the week. It’s open Monday through Saturday and located under the Aurelian walls. There’s no telling what you’ll find here. But clothes for almost any occasion, Army surplus items, camping gear, and shoes are always on hand.

Collectors interested in books, etchings, engravings, comics, and magazines should visit Mercato delle Stampe which is not far from Piazza Navona. It’s open Monday through Saturday mornings.

On the first and third Sundays, Soffito Sotto i Portici takes place in Piazza Augusto Imperatore, not far from the Spanish Steps. Lots of cool, old objects here, including pocket watches, cameras, jewelry, candlesticks, picture frames, and toys.

Held the fourth Sunday of the month on a square in stylish Parioli, Piazza Verdi has all kinds of vintage items and antiques. Look for fine china and glassware, jewelry, silver, crafts, rare books, musical instruments, and linens.

If you want to visit Porta Portese, go early – it opens every Sunday at dawn – enter from Piazza Ippolito Nievo, and keep a close watch on your purse or wallet. Bargain hard, but don’t expect great deals even if you do.

Read about flea markets in Southern California here.

1) Mercatino dei Partigiani
2) Underground
3) Ponte Milvio
4) Borghetto Flaminio
5) Villa Gloria
6) Piazza Mazzini
7) Via Sannio
8) Mercatio della Stampe
9) Soffito Sotto I Portici
10) Piazza Verdi
11) Porta Portese

View Rome’s best flea markets in a larger map

Porta Portese market and Porta Portese trinkets Image Flickr: krynn1978

Pocket watches

London has delightful antiques shops that will appeal to both serious collectors and casual shoppers alike. With dozens of dealers all in one place, the antique malls are especially convenient, and there are several great ones to choose from. Plus, they’re usually open during the week when most of the markets are closed.

If you’re interested in high-end furnishings and fine art, there are top-notch antique dealers around St. James, Bond Street — where you’ll find the Fine Art Society and Waterhouse and Dodd — King’s Road, and Kensington Church Street — home to Haslam and Whiteway and Rafferty and Walwyn.

Gray’s Antique Mall opened in 1977 in a 19th-century terracotta building in the West End. Today, there are more than 200 antique dealers selling everything from Edwardian, Art Nouveau and Art Deco jewelry to Hawaiian shirts. You won’t find many bargains here, but there’s an amazing selection of high-quality collectibles.

Vintage Mode in Grays Mews sells gowns, handbags, shoes, and accessories. And there are shops that specialize in Bakelite, antique dolls, timepieces, medals, perfume bottles, pewter, old photographs, gems, advertising, and compacts.

Gray’s is a must-visit for travelers who appreciate beautiful, old things.

Opened by Bernie Gray in 1976, Alfie’s Antiques Market occupies the old Art Deco Jordan’s Department Store on the east end of Church Street. There are four floors of stalls here and a rooftop restaurant where you can have breakfast, lunch, or a glass of wine. Alfie’s has a little bit of everything, but it’s especially strong for vintage fashions, 20th-century decorative arts, and fine, antique jewelry and watches.

The dealers here are extremely knowledgeable, and many have been tenants since the 1970s. If you don’t find what you’re looking for here, there are more than a dozen antique shops on Church Street.

In Islington, Camden Passage is best on Wednesdays and Saturdays, when the stalls are filled with dealers. There are antique stores in arcades on both sides of Islington High Street and Camden Passage. Circa 1900 has beautiful Art Nouveau jewelry, Christina Tattum has antique boxes, Gordon Gridley has fine art and decorative objects, David Webb has classic jukeboxes, and Finbar MacDonnel has old prints.

Old toys

With 200 dealers on two floors, Admiral Vernon Antiques Market is the largest arcade off the Portobello Road Market. It’s packed on Saturdays, but if you want to miss the crowds, most of the shops are open during the week. You’ll find armor, antique guns, cameras, jewelry, silver, glass, clocks, and toys. There’s a café on the lower level.

In a beautiful building on the King’s Road, Antiquarius is one of the most attractive antique malls in London. There are over 80 dealers selling top-quality glassware, jewelry, furniture, clothing, decorative arts, and timepieces. In business since the 1960s, Antiquarius is an enjoyable destination.

If you’re looking for reclaimed architectural items like chimneys, fireplaces, doors, columns, paneling, flooring, lighting, or stained glass windows, the London Architectural Salvage and Supply Company (LASSCO) is your best bet. Most of the things here are expensive, but they are truly one of a kind.

With nearly 30 dealers specializing in antique silver, London Silver Vaults has the largest collection in the world. In addition to jewelry, there are boxes, pipes, perfume bottles, card holders, letter openers, clocks, tea services, and more. The building, which dates from 1876, was originally the Chancery Lane Safe Deposit.

Francophiles will enjoy The French House which sells French furniture from the Renaissance to the Napoleonic era. The owners travel to France once a month, so there’s always something new. Doors, fountains, fireplaces, and garden benches, and old lighting are also available.

Lovers of antiques should set aside some free time in London to search for treasures in these great spots.

Read about the best antique shops in Barcelona here.

1) Gray’s Antiques Market
2) Alfie’s Antiques Market
3) Camden Passage
4) Admiral Vernon Antiques Market
5) Antiquarius
6) London Architectural Salvage and Supply Co,
7) London Silver Vaults
8) The French House

View London’s best antique shops. in a larger map

Pocket watches Image Flickr: ?serendipity
Old toys Image Flickr: karen horton

Flea market finds

There are plenty of the things to do in Southern California, and most visitors run out of time before they run out of attractions. Most travelers don’t know that there are fantastic flea markets in the Los Angeles area every weekend. And in addition to finding the perfect old poster, antique lamp, or vintage handbag, you may also see a celebrity.

L.A.’s flea markets are huge, varied, and fun. Some, such as the Rose Bowl, are all-day affairs, while others are a pleasant way to pass a few hours. Most have a few food trucks, so there’s something to tide you over if you get hungry.

Take cash, wear plenty of sunscreen and/or bring a hat.

On the 3rd Sunday of each month, the Long Beach Outdoor Antique Market is held at the Veterans Stadium. It’s been in business since 1982. With about 800 dealers spread over 20 acres, this is one of the biggest antique markets on the west coast. There’s usually lots of old furniture and other home furnishings, decorator items, and vintage clothing.

The Big Daddy of L.A. flea markets, the Rose Bowl Flea Market in Pasadena is held on the 2nd Sunday of the month. When the weather’s nice, 20,000 people will make a day of it, searching for treasures among the 2,500 vendors. There’s literally something for every one here, whether you’re a serious collector or just looking for something kitschy to take home to a friend.

Admission prices are tiered, based on when you arrive. Fanatics who are willing to pay $20, can show up as early as 5AM, though not all of the vendors will be set up by then. The price descends until 9AM, when general admission runs $8.00. But remember, the early bird definitely gets the worm here. The box office is open until 3PM when things start to wind down.

Many of the vendors here specialize in a specific kind of antique or collectible. It you collect anything, chances are there’s a vendor here who sells it. You’ll see assortments of lunch boxes, vintage hats, clocks, action figures, jewelry, rugs, fine art, crafts, musical instruments, and retro-cool items from the 1960s. There’s even an appraisal service available.

Prices are higher here than at your average swap meet, but you can still find some steals. We found a beautiful Art Deco floor lamp for $35. So be prepared to do a little bargaining.

If you find something exceptional, the seller probably knows exactly what it’s worth. But since the price of a space here is much less than they’d pay for a storefront, you should be able to save quite a bit.

There are several food vendors, and even a place that sells beer – which is very welcome on a hot, summer day. So plan to spend some time.

More treasures

Located on the south side of the Santa Monica Airport, the Santa Monica Outdoor Antique & Collectible Market is held on both the 1st and 4th Sundays of the month. The latter is more popular with about 175 dealers and an early-bird entrance of 6AM. This market has better quality antiques, carpets, furniture, paintings, textiles, jewelry, lighting, and vintage clothes.

Set designers and decorators often come here looking for one-of-a-kind pieces, because there’s always something interesting and out of the ordinary. Santa Monica is not as much of a commitment as the Rose Bowl, and when you’re through, you can visit Santa Monica Beach.

The trendiest of the L.A. flea markets is the Melrose Trading Post in the Fairfax High School parking lot. Plenty of young celebrities have been seen here looking for the latest trend-defying duds. Most of what you’ll find here is pretty hip and of good quality. There are usually some musician providing a sound track, and there are some trucks too.

The favorite flea market of many California bargain hunters is the Pasadena City College Flea Market, held the 1st Sunday of the month. Usually, there are about 500 vendors, selling all sorts of stuff. Admission here is free.

Read more shopping tips here.

1) Long Beach Outdoor Antique & Collectible Market
2) Rose Bowl Flea Market
3) Santa Monica Outdoor Antique & Collectible Market
4) Melrose Trading Post
5) Pasadena City College Flea Market

View Southern California Flea Markets in a larger map

Flea market finds Image Flickr: Tomás Fano
More treasures Image Flickr: Tomás Fano

Barcelona’s Palau Nacional

Barcelona has an original style all its own. Most of Europe’s major design trends made their way here, were influenced by Catalonian sensibilities, and emerged distinctively different. Which makes shopping for antiques in Barcelona especially enjoyable. The treasures you find here will be truly unique.

If you’re lucky, you’ll find an example of Barcelona’s fabulous version of Art Nouveau, known here as Modernisme.

Barcelona’s antique shops are grouped together on several streets, most of which are in the charming Gothic Quarter or Bari Gotic. You’ll find everything from antique dealers selling museum-quality furniture to vintage clothing stores.

Carrer del Banys Nous is the traditional home of Barcelona’s antique shops, although lately, some hip clothing boutiques have been creeping in. You’ll find teacups, tapestries, and vintage fashions at Heritage. And L’Arca de L’Avia sell antique textiles, lace, and linens.

Not far away, Carrer de la Palla also has several antique stores including Artur Ramon Art which specializes in 18th and 19th-century art and objets d’arts. Angel Batlle at number 23 has old posters, maps, and postcards.

In the Eixample district, at Passeig de Gracia 55 (in the Bulevard Rosa shopping center), the Bulevard des Antiquarius has more than 70 antique shops selling furniture, jewelry, paintings, crystal, and dolls. Prices here are firm and most purchases come with a written guarantee.

Barcelona’s Bari Gotic

If you’re willing to sift through some junk, El Encants, Barcelona’s biggest flea market, has a little bit of everything. It’s on the north side of the traffic circle at Placa de les Glories Catalanes on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays.

Coin and stamp collectors should go to the Sunday-morning market in Placa Reial. And book collectors will enjoy the Sunday market at Sant Antoni.

The Mercat Gòtic de Antiguitats takes place every Thursday in the Placa Nova, the square next to the Cathedral. Prices here are higher because of the number of tourists, so do a little bargaining.

Barcelona

At the end of Las Ramblas near the port, the Fira Brocante Antique and Flea Market is held on Saturdays and Sundays. Look for the statue of Christopher Columbus. We found a great cast-iron dog there that we use as a door stop. Since it was the first day of our trip, we lugged it all over Spain and Portugal, but it’s now a family treasure. You should not pay full price here.

If you’re visiting Barcelona, be sure to leave yourself enough time to do some treasure hunting in the city’s charming antique shops.

Find Paris shopping tips here.

Barcelona’s Palau Nacional Image Flickr: harshilshah100
Barcelona’s Bari Gotic Image Flickr: puroticorico
Barcelona Image Flickr: papalars