JULY 2014

ALCOHOLIC TIPPLE

07012014 There is a local drink called ‘’L"Albertissimo", found only in Positano, along the harbour in a small stall named "L'alternativa". Amalfi - things to do | Quality Villas
07022014 There is a new little vehicle to rent in Positano on the Amalfi Coast. It’s a mini electric car where you sit one behind the other like a motorbike, but the driver has a steering wheel, rear vision mirrors, seat belt, break pad and accellerator, and a roof! Best trip up the Amalfi Coast! | Amanda Tabberer
07032014 This is one of those trips I would gladly do again. This drive began in Sorrento on a clear sunny day, passing through towns of Positano, Praiano, Atrani, with a boat cruise from Amalfi, and ending in the town of Ravello. A Drive on the Amalfi Coast | travellingflip
07042014 I’ve shot fashion editorials on the Amalfi coast from Positano to Ravello more times than I care to remember, and usually with some of most well-travelled and successful crews in the industry. But an amazing thing happens every time on the Amalfi coast: everyone is inevitably almost stunned to silence by the beauty. It just so happens that the stunned silence may be broken by the odd Ferrari V8 speeding past, but for once I'm happy just being driven and enjoying the peace and view. David Gandy's top 5 Drives | David James Gandy
07052014 The online pictures and descriptions in guide books did not do the scenery justice. We ended up arriving as the sun was setting, which only amplified the colors bouncing off the cliffs and onto the blue water.  There were not many places to pull off to take pictures so we took mental pictures that will stay in our heads for the rest of our lives. We neared Atrani, the small town on the coast we would be staying at for the night, just as the sun had completely set and darkness was beginning shroud the scenery. Amalfi Coast: Living & Driving the Good Life | 50 Shades of Delicious
07062014 I loved this lemon seller's hoodie. He was such a cheerful chap, assisting his dad in a tiny roadside stall just outside Positano on the Amalfi Coast ( by far the most picturesque drive in the world). Because we will always love her.... | Shobhaa Dé
07072014 Tomorrow morning we are going to Capri for a night. Really excited, not only because I once analyzed a company called "Isle of Capri" (all you gaming/gambling aficionados out there will know what I am talking about) that now all makes sense, but they have this world famous cave called the Blue Grotto that looks like this I can swim into (illegally and after hours, of course). Finally, driving the Amalfi Coast in a sleek black car made by Fiat. | The world through my lens
07082014 Many areas feature jewel-tones azure seas filled with a variety of sea life that you would not want to miss. While snorkeling along the Amalfi Coast, Capri and Ponza, we have spotted such creatures such as ‘la murena’, a sea-snake; octopus; tuna; rare lavender sea urchins; ‘pommodori di mare’, which are red sea creatures that are attached to the rocks along the shore. The French Riviera vs. Italy’s Amalfi Coast | Glenys Vargas
07092014 On the sweltering streets of Naples at 11 a.m., a man in a three-piece suit stood devouring what appeared to be a cake made of macaroni. In fact, that’s exactly what it was: “Macaroni frittata” is not immediately what comes to mind when one thinks of Neapolitan cuisine but it is as authentic as the more iconic pizza and “spaghetti alle vongole” (spaghetti with shellfish). Italy’s underdog city is a foodie’s paradise | The Daily Star
07092014 Twenty-five hundred years ago, Naples or Neapolis ("new city") was a thriving Greek commercial center. Two centuries ago, it was the capital of its own kingdom — a "Paris of the south." Then, locals lament, after it joined the newly united Italy, its riches were swallowed up by the new country. As Naples' wealth was used to fund the industrial expansion in the north, it lost its status and glamour. Nevertheless, it remains southern Italy's leading city, offering a fascinating collection of museums, churches, and eclectic architecture. Naples, Sorrento and Amalfi Coast I Rick Steves
07102014 The Baba is a derivation of a traditional German dessert: the Kugelhupf. It is believed that the variant has been introduced at the desire of Stanislas Leszczynski, King of Poland in the eighteenth century. The king, whose greed was legendary, finding Kugelhupf far too rustic and dry him soaked Rhum. The cake took color and flavor, and really liked the king, who called him Baba, as the king of The Thousand and One Nights, Ali Baba. Historically, the recipe was later exported from France by the chefs of the court, when they went to the service of the families of Naples. Here he became a huge success, so as to become the traditional dessert par excellence. The babà is baking a cake, which is typical of Neapolitan | Under Vesuvius
07112014 We began our journey down the famed Thousand Steps of Positano and stopped for lunch at cliff side café. We munched on tomato and mozzarella sandwiches then continued till reaching sandy shores. With half the day past, we began our way back up the Thousand Steps; and by the way, there really are one thousand, we counted. 22, 345, 689, One Thousand steps | Rachel's Rambles
07122014 The pasta arraganata from the Amalfi Coast perked my interest so much after I saw it in Casa Alice, a TV program I frequently watch. It was the first time I encountered a recipe using uncooked spaghetti and tomatoes together. As soon as I found some San Marzano tomatoes, I made this pasta immediately. San Marzano tomatoes are the best kind of tomatoes to be used for this dish. Pasta Arraganata (Baked Pasta With San Marzano Tomatoes) and the Amalfi Coast | Apron and Sneakers
07132014 We planned a diner at Umberto in Chiaia where Genovese is a menu staple.Usually a menu staple that is. My desired dish had just been taken off the menu for the summer season. Instead I enjoyed the antipasta which was plates of polpette in tomato sauce, melanzane parmigiana and the lightest, crispiest fried zucchini flower stuffed with ricotta and anchovies. This historic restaurant is wonderful with colorful modern art and friendly accommodating service. Eating in Naples | Gillian's Lists
07142014 During my kitchen tour, I stopped several times at the appetizer station, where I met Kiama Joel, chef responsible for antipasti. He and his small team were putting together a serious array of summer vegetables that later would make it to my table. I watched as he put together one plate in particular with paper-thin cucumbers surrounded by a vanilla sauce... along with fresh basil mixed with ricotta. Next up, three little packages of summer, each wrapped in a red bell pepper. The packages included zucchini a scapece  (marinated zucchini), melanzane al funghetto ( eggplant with tomato sauce), and fresh green beans. To give the dish a little kick, horseradish ice cream and red beet chips. Summer in a Package - Don Alfonso 1890, Sant'Agata sui Due Golfi, (Na) | Andiamotrips
07152014 The eruption of Vesuvius destroyed some of the best vineyards. Growers replanted everywhere they could, at times even replacing fields sown for grain. Later on in 1647 - during the plague - Scipione di Marzo – who lived in San Paolo Bel Sito, had to leave his land in order to save his life. He took with himself some white grapevines and planted them in the new hometown named Tufo. The story behind “Il Greco di Tufo” | ORienTaL night&day
07162014 There are few other places in the world like it. From the moment you first catch sight of the sea views from Amalfi Drive, you will have to pinch yourself to make sure you are not merely in a dream. Everything you’ve heard and everything you’ve seen in photographs and movies cannot do the in-person experience justice. Truly unforgettable. Positano Travel Tips | The Wellist
07172014 La dolce vita: The First Lady spent a romantic two-week vacation with Italian auto manufacturer Gianni Agnelli on the Amalfi coast. Four-year-old Caroline was with her mother and when the President got wind of the liaison, he was furious. Jackie Kennedy's secret lovers revealed in new book | Colorado Newsday
07182014 We thought that the best way to celebrate the beauty, glamour and history of Capri was by reminiscing of all the great personages of the past who strolled on the island, gasped at its beauty, bathed in its crystalline waters and enjoyed a drink in the “piazzetta”. From Liz Taylor accompanied by Richard Burton, to Grace Kelly and Prince Ranieri, Sophia Loren and even Chaplin, we have some very special postcards of Capri. Glamorous postcards of the Capri Dolce Vita | Swide
07192014 “This whole business was against mass prestige,” explains Helen White in the intimate space of Cabana, her newly opened shop on Capri. Many items, from cutlery (bamboo-handled knives emblazoned with the store’s name) to beach bags, are sourced and designed by White and custom-made for the store. On Capri, a Chic New Shop Takes a Stand Against Sameness | T Magazine
07202014 I often get asked where i would get married if i was ever to do so (still waiting for that frog to turn into a prince if you know what i mean). The thing is, i think i would have to have more than one wedding... seriously... because not only would i not be able to pick just one dress, but i also could not live without having a ceremony on the Amalfi Coast in Italy... Positano to be exact! Positano Weddings - Belissimo !! I Chasing Rainbows Kissing Frogs
07212014 Atrani. 28 Towns In Italy You Won’t Believe Are Real Places I BuzzFeed
07222014 Whether you crave a boutique spa nestled in a Mediterranean garden or you require fresco-adorned meeting rooms with sea views, the Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria in Sorrento offers all that and more, including a gourmet restaurant, private orange grove, guest list that has included Marilyn Monroe and Sophia Loren and an esteemed history dating back to 1834. Top 10 Hotels in Amalfi Coast, Capri and Sorrento | Gayot.com
07232014 On the island, the dolomite cliffs hang directly over the blue water in many spots and there are breathtaking views of the coastline of the Tyrrhenian Sea, an arm of the Mediterranean. Mr. de Blasio and his family chose to stay at Casa Mariantonia, a family-owned hotel in Anacapri, the more understated (the Brooklyn version) of the two major towns on the island. For de Blasio, Capri Is 'an Incredible Place' | The Wall Street Journal
07242014 You may remember my post from January of this year on the label that winemaker Paola Mustilli created especially for NYC Mayor De Blasio. In Paola’s words, “my dreams came true” when Hizzoner visited Sant’Agata de’ Goti yesterday and enjoyed a meal in the home of the town’s mayor, Carmine Valentino. What Mayor De Blasio ate & drank yesterday in Sant’Agata de’ Goti | Do Bianchi
07252014 Velia, ancient Elea, was happily known for flourishing business relationships salted fish and scented oils and for its good governance as well as being the seat of the Eleatic school of Parmenides and Zeno. Velia | Archeomedsites
07262014 Zucchine alla scapece is a traditional side in Naples. Both the oil and the vinegar come from nearby producers, highlighting the flavors of local vino and regional olives.  Ruled for centuries by the Spanish, Naple's food is also inflected with an Iberian accent.  The name of this dish, in fact, comes from the Spanish "escabeche" -- meaning cured in vinegar. Pickled Zucchine | Povera Cucina
07272014 The fertile volcanic soil of Campania combines with a perfect climate to produce the best fruit and vegetables in Italy. Dishes like eggplant parmesan, stuffed peppers and pasta e fagioli have been around for hundreds of years. The Cuisine Of Italy – Naples | jovinacooksitalian
07282014 As a chef, he is eager to visit the town of Gragnano, which is world-famous for its pasta. Gino tours this unique place, where a combination of natural elements, sea breezes, hot sunshine and mountain water, have contributed to producing outstanding pasta. Gino can't resist a visit to one of the town’s historic pasta factories, where local ladies teach him the traditional skill of hand-rolling long fusilli. Episode 5: Gragnano | Gino's Italian Escape
07292014 The first thing I noticed is that the geography was decidedly that of a volcanic region. In this, it reminded me a lot of New Zealand. But where New Zealand still has a lot of rawness to it, this is an area which has been settled and worked for thousands of years. The first place we stopped was just the side of the road, not too far from the villa, in order to be able to look down into Lake Avernus (Averno in Italian). Italy, 2012: I’m going to Hell. | Communion Of Dreams
07302014 In Amalfi they have a lemon sorbet stall. This guy sets up in the morning, just opposite the harbour and stands there making fresh lemon sorbet. It was actually very good and we all got given a cup. I ate mine, Ginos' and Stu, the cameramans. Gino and the Amalfi Lemons | Figs & Lemons
07312014 I am staying at the Santa Caterina hotel, which, like Le Sirenuse, is family-owned and run. Built in 1880, it is cut into a cliff. Signora Ninni Gambardella, the present chatelaine, is like a mother-hen to her guests. Worried by my lack of a wedding ring, she takes me to see the honeymoon suite. This is actually a little round house of infinite fancy, set apart from the rest of the hotel. It has a charming round sitting room, a round bed and its own garden with an infinity pool. All I need now is a round man. Even the treadmills in the gym have views. Amalfi: This blessed plot | The Spectator