For those of us who can't get enough fresh mozzerella, there will soon be a new Mecca in town. During the first week of December, Obika, the "mozzarella bar" from Rome, will open a small location in the plaza of the IBM Building, at 590 Madison (56th & 57th streets). A hit in Rome since 2004, Obika is a like a sushi bar that uses buffalo mozzarella instead of fish. We can't wait for the mozzarella sampler and the exquisite salumi and salad dishes.

Mario Batali's Babbo is one of those restaurants that stuffs you to the gills with course after course of savory Italian masterpieces, then manages to get you to order a dessert (or two) which you have absolutely no room for. That's because Babbo's desserts are as irresistible of the rest of its food, and at last, they are presented in a cookbook. In "Dolce Italiano," Babbo's pastry chef, Gina DePalma, teaches you everything you need to know about Italian desserts (terms, fundamental ingredients, equipment) and unveils the recipes to her enchanting creations. The sweets are divided into nine categories, including cookies, cakes, spoon desserts, ice creams, and "all things fried." We're starting with the honey and pine nut tart, which consistently wows us in the restaurant. Other intriguing entries include fig and ricotta gelato, grappa-soaked mini sponge cakes, and herbed goat cheese fritters, to name but a few.

The Fattoria Nittardi vineyard has commissioned Yoko Ono to design a label for a limited edition of its Chianti Classico Cassanova. Ono's label will be placed on 3,000 bottles. Artists who have previously created labels include A.K. Penck from Germany, Igor Mitoraj from Poland and local Chianti artist Giuliano Ghelli. In addition to the label, the artists are also asked to design a silk wrapper for the bottles. Surprisingly, Ono will not be the most famous artist linked to Fattoria Nittardi. The Tuscan estate the winery is located on was once owned by Michelangelo, who planted his own vineyard and gave the Pope his wine as a gift.

Italians can transform any style gaffe into a sartorial work of art. Virginia-based blogger Laura McCann has proof. Here, she describes street-fashion photos she took on a recent trip to Italy.

"Normally the cardigan over the shirt thing is kind of dull, but somehow he makes it look really casual and cool. I think it's the way he just flung the sleeves over his shoulders."

"Orange pants are usually so JCrew, but somehow this guy makes it cool. I think the friend with the cigarette helps."

"I saw this couple sitting on some steps in Venice and I thought they looked so great...I think the man's trousers with the shoes and no socks looks fab."

Shop as the Florentines do. "The Civilized Shopper's Guide to Florence," by Louise Filli, will tell you where the natives go for the best clothing, accessories, jewelry, housewares, textiles, and other artisanal gems. More than seventy shops are reviewed in all. The book also has dozens of dining recommendations, with 37 venues--including restaurants, cafes, gelaterias and wine bars--listed. Whenever we go to Florence, it seems inundated with tourists, and shops that cater specifically to them. This book is a must-have for those who want a more authentic experience in the city.
(Photo via littlebookroom.com)

Celebrity chef Mario Batali has already served us his cookware, restaurants and clogs; now he's whipping up a watch. Naturally, it's highlighted by the chef's signature color: While the face and band are black, the numbers and hands are, of course, orange. Co-created by Swiss watchmaker Ernst Benz, the limited edition timepiece will benefit hunger awareness; proceeds will be donated to the The Food Bank for New York City. The Mario Batali Limited Edition Ernst Benz Great Circle Automatic will be available in three sizes, each limited to 250 watches, available this fall. Call 248-203-2323 for your nearest Ernst Benz dealer.

This October 2nd to 6th, Bologna will be hosting the International Exhibition of Ceramic Tile and Bathroom Furnishings (specific!). Yes, the event is in Italy, but Americans can order the official catalog. Last year 850 Italian designers exhibited their wares; our favorite is Bisazza, the incredible mosaic design firm. We shot a fashion story in their showroom last fall, proving how sexy tiles can be.

A mamma in Caltagirone recently tried to ground her 61-year-old son (who lives with her) by remanding his house keys, cutting off his allowance and taking him to the police station. She complained that he stayed out too late; in response, he insulted her cooking. Luckily, the police helped the pair make peace. That was the only way; the man is clearly to young to live on his own.

This month, an Italian judge ruled that a spouse who suspects marital infidelity is allowed to bug the bastard's car and use the evidence in court. Sounds like a good call since, according to a recent study, more than eight in ten Italians admit to having sex in their automobiles.

We thought the whole point of vacation was to forget about real-life hassles, i.e. kids, but apparently plenty of folks want to bring their little tykes along on getaways. Ciao Bambino recommends destinations for families, arranges properties suited for specific age groups, and reviews everything from safety, on-site day camps, and kid-friendly amenities. The website covers vacation spots in Spain, England, France, and, of course, Italy.