Week 4: Italy — Savor La Dolce Vita in Edina

Start at Edina Coffee Roasters in the Cahill neighborhood for Italian-style espresso and a fresh baked pastry. Stand at the counter the way the Italians do — espresso is not a beverage to nurse at a laptop. Drink it quickly, enjoy it completely, and set the tone for the day.

From there, visit Coccinella at 50th & France to browse authentic Tuscan products and learn about olive oil from the owners. Single-varietal oils from Italian estates, paired with the owners' deep knowledge of provenance and flavor — it's the kind of stop that changes how you cook.

Lunch is an al fresco affair at 50th & France. D'Amico & Sons serves Italian-influenced dishes in a warm, neighborhood setting. Next door, Mothership Pizza Paradise — from the owners of Mr. Paul's Supper Club — fires wood-fired pizzas in a beautifully eccentric space that channels late-1980s American pop culture and genuine Italian craft in equal measure.

Pick up a bottle from France 44 to accompany lunch — Chianti or Pinot Grigio both fit the week's theme. The staff know their Italian section well.

Spend the afternoon at Galleria's Pottery Barn, where warm Amalfi yellows, earthy textures, and terracotta tones dominate the summer collection. For custom furniture with Italian design influence, Interior Define offers made-to-order pieces worth lingering over.

Dinner is at Ciao Bella, where handmade pasta and perfectly balanced sauces made from the finest, freshest ingredients make a compelling argument for staying close to home. The kitchen's commitment to craft is evident in every dish — this is the kind of Italian cooking that makes you understand why the whole world fell in love with it.