Sunday, November 1, 2015

OCTOBER 2015

STREGA DIGESTIF


















10012015 When I meet new people and I tell them I’m coming from a South Italian city called Benevento, all I see is a big question mark on their faces. Because there’s no tourist here to rip off. My friends come down here to visit me from time to time, and they were all pretty enthusiastic about this little gem of a city. Benevento City of Witches | bohemianstella
10022015 Capital of the Province, this city occupies the site of ancient Beneventum. Its church Santa Sofia (Lombard structure) has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage site. Visit the ancient theatre that seated between 10,000 and 15,000 spectators. There is also the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta and the castle of Benevento, best known as Rocca dei Rettori or Rocca di Manfredi, stands at the highest point of the town. 10 most underrated Cities in Southern Italy | Swide
10032015 Also known as the “city of witches”, Benevento is the ideal place where to spend a perfect vacation, immersed into art, culture and tradition. Result of a masterly restoration of an historic mill building, located a few steps away from the Cathedral and the Amphitheatre, Hotel Il Molino is an ideal place for leisure and business travellers! Hotel Il Molino – Benevento | UNA Hotels & Resorts
10042015 This curious Italian liqueur made from natural ingredients is sometimes advertised on Italian television on the run up to Christmas and this curious Italy resident decided to try it. Alberti, the Benevento based maker of this bewitching beverage, has a selection of Strega recipes, both savory and sweet and Strega cocktails, including one especially for opera lovers – the Strega La Scala. Strega Liqueur – Benevento’s Bewitching Italian Spirit | Italy Chronicles
10052015 What makes Strega truly successful is the way that over time it has remained true to its traditions and the master recipe even as it has grown through technology. The factory is still in the hands of the Alberti family, which remains passionate about their craft, and the drink remains closely linked to excellence in Italian culture thanks to Guido Alberti’s creation of the Premio Strega, an award which continues to be Italy’s most prestigious literary prize. Even though Liquore Strega is now for sale in more than fifty countries across the globe it remains distinctly Italian. Liquore Strega | Vintage Italian Liqueur Inspired by Witches | Ganzo
10062015 The wine cellar must be mentioned, as it is unique not only for its extensive collection of some of the greatest wines in the world, but also for the rooms that house them. The cellar descends vertically (and, yes, it is a challenging walk down and up!) from vaults that were built at the turn of the last century, with origins into the Roman era. The value and scope of the wines in the cellar is astonishing. Relais & Chateaux and Michelin Star Cooking at Don Alfonso | The International Kitchen
10072015 Mastroberardino remains a benchmark Fiano producer, though the quality field has widened to include splendid examples from Feudi di San Gregorio (a personal favourite), Terredora, Villa Diamante and Donnachiara, among others. Fiano: Italian grape produces marvellously crisp and vibrant white wines | The Globe and Mail
10082015 It took me on a walk through Casavecchia vineyards and over to the stalls to see Caserta’s particular black pigs and piglets. It invited me to pull up a chair on Le Campestre’s terrace which has a spectacular view of the countryside. Where I could breathe in fresh, clean air, enjoy my aperitivo of local products from surrounding producers. Here I met mozzarella and ricotta from Il Casolare. A thinly sliced prosciutto crudo from Masseria Trianelli which was fantastic when placed on top of a foccacia from Pizzeria Pepe. I snacked on taralli and other products from Panificio La Fattoria while sipping artisan beer from Karma. A Saturday Perfetto... Made in Caserta | andiamotrips
10092015 Deep in Campania’s Alto Casertano region, Le Campestre (Castel di Sasso) showcases the beauty and nature of this pristine area just north of Naples and the Amalfi Coast. The Alto Casertano is known for olive oil, buffalo and sheep cheese, and rustic breads. Meals are served on a terrace overlooking the adjacent valley and mountains us slopes. Guests stay in Le Campestre’s simple rooms and take part in the farm’s activities, such as harvesting olives and other produce. It also offers cooking classes and guests can learn to make Conciato Romano, an ancient cheese that has been revived at the Lombardi family farm. Italy holidays 10 of the best places to stay in Italy for foodies | The Guardian
10102015 Best for alpine escursions: Parco Regionale del Matese - Straddling the regions of Campania and Molise, the Matese regional Park is home to a dolomitic massif of medieval villages, castles and forests. Summer offers hiking or a dip in Italy’s highest lake, while the slopes welcome winter skiers. Katie Parla's secret six | National Geographic Traveller
10112015 Some of the activities that are currently offered through the website include a full day lemon tour from Positano, a Paestum and Mozzarella Full Day Tour from Positano, a Cruise Trip to Pompeii, Herculaneum and Vesuvius from Amalfi, and much more. Additionally, Etindo helps people find transportation to these activities, including transfers from Positano to Naples Airport. Etindo Releases New Portal Showcasing Things To Do In Naples, Italy | Digital Journal
10122015 Many of the most impressive sights of the city lie along the street and neighborhood that is Spaccanapoli, so tourists throng to this area to appreciate its rich history and culture. Magnificent churches like San Lorenzo Maggiore, Gesù Nuovo, and Santa Chiara, are found here as well as the chapel Cappella Sansevero; Via San Gregorio Armeno, the home of the presepe artisans’ workshops is mixed in with small shops, eateries, and street food. This is the heart of Napoli, and I feel the vibe. Spacca Napoli – The Heart of Naples | L'Italo-Americano Newspaper
10132015 If you love Italy you must know “ragù”, the traditional meat sauce of Napoli. This typical sauce (mainly made of tomato sauce and meat) needs hours and hours to be that special, this is why on Sunday morning, long before lunch time, it is already on the burners! This is the reason why a Cafè located in Battipaglia city (province of Salerno, Campania region) has just launched a new appointment on its calendar: every Sunday, from 11:00 AM on, you can have your “Pane e ragù” as happy hour (Bread and Meat sauce)!! happy hour with the typical neapolitan meat sauce “ragù" | Chiara's Food&Wine Guide
10142015 Along with Nebbiolo and Sangiovese, Aglianico is among Italy’s finest red grape varieties. Fortunately, an ever-increasing number of producers – mostly younger winemakers who have studied, traveled and, more importantly, tasted the great wines of the world – are now using the amazing raw materials of their region to make consistently good, and at times world-class, wines. In fact, Campania is the region in Italy where international grape varieties are the least important. Unlike many well-known production areas such as Piedmont, Tuscany and Friuli, Campania remains a haven for native wine grapes. Campania: Made in Italy | vinous
10152015 While Aglianico headlines the red varieties, Piedirosso, with which it is frequently blended, is acquiring greater recognition; many producers, in fact, craft single-varietal bottlings of the grape. Casavecchia and Pallagrello are two of the other recovered varietals, focused on exclusively by Vestini Campagnano. In general, the reds tend to be quite powerful in expression, while the whites, in contrast, are far less demonstrative, yet display an enervating acidity. While many, like Greco di Tufo and Falanghina, are mild in flavor some, particularly Fiano, project rather stirring aromatics. All are generally marked by restraint - lending them a particular affinity with food. The Wines of Campania | Italian Wine Merchants
10162015 In a driving tour that will take you from Vietri located inland next to the city of Salerno to the coastal edge of Positano, this drive will take you through one of the world’s most enjoyable coastal drives. The drive is as exciting as the scenery is beautiful, all along the cliff’s edge, you will navigate your way through tunnels cut into the rock, bypassing other cars, trucks and frequent busses, try to mind the cyclists and pedestrians! Furthermore, it’s a challenge to do all this without getting distracted by the view, which only seems to build in grandeur as you lead your way through the twists and turns in the road. Heading Out: Top 5 Luxury Drives Through Italy | Oliver's Travels
10172015 Drive along the gorgeous cliffs of the Amalfi Coast. Stay a night or two in the charming village of Positano -- it's straight out of a postcard. 31 things everyone should do in Italy in their lifetime | Business Insider
10182015 A gem in the little square just by the lovely Duomo, where early 20th century style and furnishings have all been preserved, together with the mirable façade. For six generations, the same family has also preserved 200 years of tradition in the best of Amalfi confectionery: zeppole S. Giuseppe, susamielli, roccocò, sweet casatielli with "diavolini", mustacciuoli and sfogliatelle. Pastry Pansa Andrea | Locali Storici d’Italia
10192015 Cetara, a fishing village, is far 15 km from Amalfi and it is known mostly for one thing: the anchovy. To have a typical lunch I suggest you to go to Al Convento: it’s the best restaurant where you can have the real anchovy. How to eat like a local on Italy's Amalfi Coast | Charming Italy
10202015 Houses cling to cliffs over the town center in Positano. The Amalfi coastline is among Italy's most popular tourist destinations.  World’s Most Amazing Cliff-Top Homes | Realty Today
10212015 Located in the Salerno provice, Positano is a village situated on the Amalfi Coast, with crystal blue waters and cliffs that chop into the sea. Though the town lost some of its liveliness due to emigration, tourists began to discover the beauty of this colourful cliff-top town and revitalised it's atmosphere. You can catch a glimpse of Positano in films such as Under the Tuscan Sun. The 10 Most Beautiful Towns in Italy | The Culture Trip
10222015 This little town screams parent-escape to us!  Instead of worrying about your child running along steep-edge lanes and having to carry your child up flights and flights of stairs, why not treat yourself to a luxurious relaxing kid-free break here at Positano. Here you will fall in love with the relaxed soothing atmosphere.  We highly recommend taking an early morning stroll down towards the beach as the sun gently places soft kisses on the water and building facades purely for your pleasure. The Most Picturesque Town on Amalfi Coast, Positano Italy. | Wanderlust Storytellers
10232015 The group enjoy a private boat tour to Capri, a Limoncello Tasting Tour tasting and meal at Mt. Vesuvius Vineyard, an Amalfi coast drive to Positano, Ravello and the city of Amalfi as well as ample free time to enjoy the Sorrento restaurants and shops. Your Life: 'La dolce vita' | PalestineTX Herald
10242015 A luxurious historic villa set in one of the most alluring sceneries of Italy, with views over Positano and the sea. Built in the 1700s by a wealthy merchant, it resides in the oldest part of Positano, overlooking the harbour, from where the merchants could see their ships sailing in. Villa D'Oro - Positano Area, ITALY | Italian Breaks
10252015 Just a warning: the walk to Punta Tragara is flat and easy, but from there to Faraglioni and Arco Naturale you will  have to climb many stairs and deep rises! It’s actually easier to start the path from the Natural Arch, but the tour is less scenic (in my opinion). Said so, I walked up this path with my 10 years son, and he survived (quite happily, indeed!). At the end of the tour, look for the restaurant “Lo Sfizio” : it’s a small place which caters local people. Capri: breathtaking Faraglioni and Natural Arch walking tour | Deligthfully Italy
10262015 Setting high above the Mediterranean Sea like an exotic pearl, Villa San Michele majestically adorns the island of Capri. Her stately architecture and elegant whiteness shimmer exquisitely under the warm Italian sun. Beautiful green gardens climb and wind their way around the bleached walls and the colonnaded pergola. Memoirs of Capri: Alluring San Michele | Timeless Italy
10272015 Particularly astonishing is the view from the double level infinity pool overlooking the sea. Euphoric, one can spend all day just floating about in the warm water (heated to around 76 degrees Fahrenheit) and gazing off at the calm, blue sea, with the silhouettes of Ischia, Naples, and Vesuvius off in the distance. 7 reasons why hotel caesar augustus is unforgettable. | Destination Luxury
10282015 The unlikely team is discussing the next move in their plan to excavate one of Italy’s most recently discovered and important ancient sites, Antica Aenaria, which dates from 200BC. They are working on the underwater excavation of a site that Alessandra Benini, the chief archaeologist at Antica Aenaria, describes as an “extremely important” find. “This is the site we’d been looking for, the real evidence of a major Roman settlement here in this period,” she said. They are working on the underwater excavation of a site that Alessandra Benini, the chief archaeologist at Antica Aenaria, describes as an “extremely important” find. Ischia: Trawlermen on Italian island learn to dive so they can rescue sunken Roman settlement of Antica Aenaria | The Independent
10292015 Not far from the Amphitheatre gate and the Porta Nocera Necropolis is a lookout point where you can admire the vineyards of Pompeii, with the Vesuvius in the background. I took this in the spring while I was taking a tour with the botanist from Mastroberardino, a wine producer who is growing ancient varietals at Pompeii. Vineyards of Pompeii | pixels.com
10302015 Antiquesmarket Every Sunday, from 6.00 – 14.00, at the Hippodrome Park of Agnano, there is an antique, craft and flea market. Around 200 market stalls: not only second-hand, but also antiques and craft, made on request by master craftsmen: jewellery, furniture and joinery. Antique, craft and flea market | Napoli Unplugged
10312015 Toledo Metro station in Naples. The most impressive underground railway stations in Europe | The Telegraph