FEBRUARY 2016

ROMANTIC HOTEL BAR 

02012016 "In addition to being my favorite place on earth, Positano is quintessentially romantic," says Kelley. The crown jewel of this tiny fishing village-turned-glitterati-vacation-destination is Le Sirenuse Hotel. The Champagne & Oyster Bar features service from professional, tuxedo-attired waiters, glowing light from hundreds of flickering candles, perfectly selected tunes, and sweeping views of the Mediterranean Sea. 10 best romantic hotel bars: Nashville power couple's picks | Usa Today
02022016 Sweet and soothing, potent and relaxing, limoncello is a strong, bright yellow after-dinner liqueur that hails from southern Italy, along the Amalfi Coast and the islands of Capri and Ischia. The ripe full-flavoured lemons, found all along the Mediterranean are ideal for crafting this potent nectar. The resulting liqueur is very strong, very sweet, and very satisfying. Limoncello Liqueur | GoSouthOnline
02032016 The short film tells about four young men loiter outside the door of a building in a Neapolitan street. They’re passing time between animated chatting, drags of their cigarettes and joking around. This video pays homage to Dolce&Gabbana and the DNA of the brand and is directed and written by Pepe Russo, an emerging talent from Naples. D&G new campaign:pieces of history – the essence of Dolce&Gabbana DNA | Chichandbagstyle.com
02042016 We had the best time laying on the beautiful beaches, visiting the many lovely towns of the Amalfi Coast, eating lots of seafood and drinking limoncello! We loved every second of our stay in Positano at Hotel Poseidon. If these pictures don’t give you a serious case of wanderlust to take a trip to the Amalfi Coast, I don’t know what else will! Postcards From The Amalfi Coast: A Photo Diary | Boston Chic Party
02052016 After what feels like everyone I know having visiting and basically peer pressure level recommending it to me, I finally arrived in picturesque Positano. Positano Photo Diary | Tuula
02062016 Granita Cappuccino at a seaside cafe on the beach. Travel Guide: Positano, Italy | Where Two Wander
02072016 Salvatore de Riso makes mouth-wateringly good ice-cream and granita and the finest pastries on the coast: creamy delizie di limone, ricotta-filled sfogliatelle, ricotta and pear tart and delicious babà. How to holiday on Italy's Amalfi coast – on a budget | The Guardian
02082016 Giada De Laurentiis creates dishes inspired by the incredible seafood and abundance of citrus found in Sorrento, including Grilled Swordfish with Candied Lemon Salad, and Shrimp and Grapefruit Skewers. Giada in Italy |  Food Network Canada
02092016 This is a typical recipe of Procida. Rabbit is cooked for a long time with all the ingredients and rosemary is added. In Ischia they brown it for a short time without all the other ingredients and they add thyme. This is the recipe by Giandomenico Vagnati of La Pergola restaurant in Procida. Giandomenico Vagnati's rabbit in the style of Procida | lucianopignataro.com
02102016 This lovely restaurant is in a lemon grove in the centre of the island - you eat under a pergola with lemons dangling above you. The menu is made up of seafood and rabbit but when we asked for vegetarian options they brought us a large antipasti plate of vegetables, fritters, and bruschetta, and artichoke and ricotta ravioli in a fresh tomato sauce. Procida: The Secret Island in the Bay of Naples | Never Ending Voyage
02112016 The rest of the day was a long, hot hike. We were mainly in the direct sun all day, but the views were spectacular all day. Today was also our 11 year anniversary, so I was enjoying the fact that Denise and I could be happily spending the day hiking 8+ miles and >;;5000′ in elevation. Amalfi Coast Day 7 - Positano to Colli di San Pietro | bri-tri.com
02122016 The good news? We’ve found an alternative to Sorrento. It’s just as convenient, cheaper, less touristy, and, in our opinion, it has even more to offer, from museums and restaurants to a big, central beach. Our alternative? Salerno. Heading to the Amalfi Coast? Don't stay in Sorrento. Stay here instead. | Walks of Italy
02132016 The reason we chose to stay in Salerno is simple. Salerno is the least touristic spot of all the coast, by a long shot. We’ve made it our mission on our trip to avoid the tourist crowds when possible. Although Salerno isn’t technically on the official Amalfi Coast, it is extremely easy to access, by bus or ferry. Amalfi Coast & Capri, Italy | Just Globetrotting
02142016I had heard about a lemon grove in the middle of the city called I Giardini di Cataldo. On my walk I came upon a colourful gate and discovered a fragrant lemon orchard in the heart of the city that represented a large part of what this area is about. Sorrento lemons are large, slightly sweet and the key ingredient in limoncello, a popular Sorrentine liqueur I was offered everywhere I went. My Quest for the Lemon Almond Torta Holy Grail | Val Harrison
02152016 On my last day on the Amalfi Coast, I thought I should go on the last hike with my G Adventures tour, but instead I decided to relax at the Agriturismo Sant’Alfonso, the tranquil farmhouse where we had been staying all week. Guilt and Relaxation on the Amalfi Coast | Traveling Between
02162016 The apartment was located on the second curve of the hill, so the main bay of Positano is just around the corner to the left. Our street had lots of restaurants, boutiques and shops scattered along it, and you could take shortcuts through the narrow alleys to go down to the main beach and waterfront. Italy 2015 ~ Arriving in Positano on the Amalfi Coast | Busy BeeTraveler
02172016 Osteria Angelo Masuccio is a tiny authentic Italian restaurant in Salerno. I discovered cannolicchi and the best homemade pasta with truffle shavings! Salerno is an affordable option for a base to check out the different towns along the Amalfi Coast. Dinner on the Amalfi Coast at Osteria Angelo Masuccio – Salerno, Italy | Alicia Tastes Life
02182016 The historic centre is a Unesco heritage site, and with good reason. The towering palaces and narrow streets, and ancient churches and underground passages are unique, and help make Naples probably the most unchanged city centre in Europe. Why Naples doesn't deserve to be the place that everyone loves to hate: Despite its dodgy image, the Italian city is full of unique charms | Daily Mail
02192016 It is absolutely recommended to visit the Royal Palace and its stunning rooms such as the theatre, the anteroom, the ambassador hall, the living room of the queen, the main stairs and the chapel with the typical Napolitan crib. 11 Things to do in Naples in one day | Diaries of an explorer
02202016 At Calispa, we tried their premium range of peeled tomatoes, Nobile, including the highly regarded San Marzano plum tomatoes, considered by many chefs to be the best in the world. Indeed the San Marzano were sweeter and more intense in flavour than the other varietals I tried, and I can’t think of another peeled tomato I would rather use for pasta sauces today. A Foodie Pilgrimage in Campania, Italy | The London Foodie
02212016 The complex was created by the Bourbon King Charles III and the palace, a Unesco world heritage site, is a masterpiece of architecture and decoration. We spent half a day exploring the palace and huge garden; even in winter we were amazed by this beautiful example of 18th-century Italian aristocracy and Baroque style. Readers' letters: the Versailles of Naples | The Telegraph
02222016 If the Suzhou Gardens are designed for tranquility, then the Palace of Caserta is intended to leave its visitors gobsmacked. Where Versailles is balanced, restrained, and stately, Caserta is unabashedly lush. World Heritage Site to Visit: Royal Palace of Caserta, Italy | Orange Coast Magazine
02232016 Thousands of Napoli fans made good a pledge to racism victim Kalidou Koulibaly on Sunday by filling the San Paolo stadium with masks of the Senegal defender prior to kick off against Carpi on Sunday. A supporters' group, 'Quelli del Sangue Azzurro' (The Blue Blooded Ones), later called on Azzurri fans to show their full support for Koulibaly by holding up masks of his face. Fans fulfil mask pledge to 'monkey chant' victim Koulibaly | Yahoo Sports
02242016 Santa Maria delle Anime del Purgatorio ad Arco is separated into two levels, a ground floor to represent the earthly realm and a “lower church” to represent purgatory, which, in Catholic tradition, is the holding place for souls caught between heaven and hell. The lower church houses a collection of human skulls that some believers pray to for protection or favors. The most famous among these bones is Lucia, who wears a crown and a veil and is said to protect young brides. Ancient Naples street offers the best of the city | Stars and Stripes
02252016 Apple has announced the founding of its first European center for the development of iOS software in the southern city of Naples, a move seen in Italy as a new front in its war against a wave of European tax probes. The center in Naples, when it opens, will broaden those numbers even further: Apple said 600 students a year will be trained at the center. Apple's new iOS center in Naples raises eyebrows | Usa Today
02262016 Drive from Sorrento to Salerno along the SS163 and enjoy sweeping views of the Mediterranean. If you’re the driver, you’ll have to work hard not to be distracted by the stunning scenery as you wind your way east through Amalfi. Five great drives in Europe | The Telegraph
02272016 Sparky and I both love travelling and this pic was taken at the most incredible hotel on the Amalfi Coast on our first trip to Italy. Aussie celebrity couples reveal their most romantic moments | The Daily Telegraph
02282016 Lunch at Lo Scoglio da Tommaso, quite possibly my favorite restaurant in the world. The menu is large, but the list of daily specials is larger and the smart move is to order from what they have fresh that day. That day’s antipasto included marinated anchovies, arugula with baby tomatoes, and large tomatoes with basil, fresh mozzarella, raw sea urchin and baby clams. And then the pastas. Chef Marc Murphy's Food Tour of the Amalfi Coast | Condé Nast Traveler
02292016 In 2013, I was travelling around Italy for five weeks holiday. It was my first visit to Capri and on my second night, I found myself dining at Ristorante Michel’angelo. From the moment I walked in to Michel’angelo, I immediately felt comfortable, which as a solo Australian traveller I really appreciated. How these star-crossed lovers met their Italian Romeos | The Local

JANUARY 2016

SHOOTING IN CAPRI

01012016 Among my favorite locations there are definitely Casa Malaparte, where I had the privilege to access several times, the Lighthouse of Punta Carena, where we shot some scenes of the fiction “Capri”, and Il Riccio, nestled on a cliff just few steps from the Blue Grotto. Shooting in Capri | lespritdefinesse
01022016 Elle Accessories Director Maria Dueñas Jacobs recently traveled to the island of Capri in Italy, sending us postcards of rosé-filled lunches and boating excursions across pristine turquoise waters - all of which made us want to bite the bullet and buy a flight for ourselves.  A Fashion Girl's Glamorous Guide To Capri | The Zoe Report
01032016 The falanghina grape thrives in the Irpinian hills of Campania, to the east of Naples. The vines thrive in the porous volcanic soils around Mt. Vesuvius and the warm Mediterranean climate. As a wine, falanghina can have a slight pine scent and is better known for its citrus blossom aromas, in particular, bitter orange. On the palate it typically shows classic apple and pear flavors, depending on where it is grown, with spicy or mineral notes. The Resurgence of Falanghina | The Italian Tribune
01042016 When most people outside Italy talk about Greco they generally mean – as I do here – Greco di Tufo, a generally full-bodied, pale-skinned grape. As with Campania’s other great whites – notably Fiano and Falanghina – Greco is a specialty of Campania’s foremost producers, such as Mastroberardino and Feudi di San Gregorio. A few to add to the list: Bambinuto, Donnachiara, Pietracupa, Terredora, and Villa Raiano. Greco: This grape is awhite jewel of Italy’s Campania region | The Globe and Mail
01052016 Where Falanghina is lively and high-toned, Fiano is cool and deep. It welcomes you with a nice, soft golden straw color and offers notes of almond, spice and a hint of tropical fruit. While being fuller bodied than Falanghina, these wines still retain a bright acidity, allowing the minerality to shine through and holding all the flavors and aromas together. There is also a comfortable weight on the palate that can sometimes give off a slight smoky note, due to the volcanic soils in which the vines grow. Land Of Stunning Affordable White Wine | VinePair
01062016 A good place for an afternoon drink is the Circolo dei Forestieri, otherwise known as The Foreigner’s Club, which is just a short distance from Piazza Tasso. The tables overlooking the sea have fantastic views of Vesuvius, Capri, the Bay of Naples and the craggy coastline around Sorrento. Sorrento – Drinks in and around Piazza Tasso | The Gannet
01072016 Li Galli, a tiny private archipelago of three atolls off Italy’s Amalfi Coast, is dubbed “the dance island,” and not just because it’s shaped like a jumping dolphin. Its most famous owner was Russian ballet star Rudolf Nureyev, one of the most celebrated dancers of the 20th century. Now you can rent the whole place to yourself, if you have money. Inside the luxury private islands once home to Rudolf Nureyev | news.com.au
01082016 In 1996, Giovanni Russo bought Li Galli, (along with the incredible resort hotel in Positano, Villa Treville, where Liz Taylor stayed with her many husbands), and spend the next 15 years and €28 million restoring it. He also began opening up the villa to the public, allowing boat tours and swimming around the island - and for the lucky few who could afford to rent it, a chance to call the island their temporary home. Inside Dolphin Island: Uncovering the Mediterranean’s Most Private Paradise | Messy Nessy Chic
01092016 In one of the valleys of Positano there is a hidden nearly untouched piece of paradise on earth. Here, protected by 300 meter high cliffs, animals and plants can flourish almost without the interruption of human beings. This place is as valuable as a chamber of gold for the nature because of its rich biodiversity, and here one of the most diverse flora and fauna of Italy can be found. The valley, even though the area is not that big, has one part where Mediterranean species thrives and one more humid part  with a waterfall and a small river where other kinds of species flourish. Vallone Porto, a hidden paradise in Positano Amalfi Coast | Biodiversità CieloMareTerra.it
01102016 We were floored that our first pie was only One Euro and served like a burrito – pizzarito, anyone? It was so simple and so incredibly soft, wet, chewy and delicious, but we held off getting another so we could try out another spot. The first was more of a street stand style pizza while the second was a sit down joint. We loved tasting the two different styles and can now say that we really do think pizza in Naples is the best we’ve ever had. The 5-Pizzarito Lunch Tango through Naples | Live Your Legend
01112016 We took Rick Steves’ recommendation on Napoli’s best pizza place and ate at L’Antica Pizzeria “da Michele.”  It was a fifteen minute wait to get a table at 1:30 pm.  We happily took our ticket, waited our fifteen minutes on a nearby street corner, and before we knew it, we were being called inside. Napoli the Birthplace of Pizza | Earth Trekkers
01122016 You may be wondering why the pizza was so life-changing.  I heard quite a bit about this place’s pizza that was centrally located in Naples, the birthplace of pizza.  The first time I read about it was in “Eat, Pray, Love” and it was also featured in the film with Julia Roberts. I read reviews on TripAdvisor, Yelp and the like and was sold on what many said was…. well, life-changing pizza. Napoli Inspired Pizza Dough | Grandbaby Cakes
01132016 Nestled in the Gulf of Naples alongside her chi-chi celebrity sister, Capri, Ischia is just an hour’s ferry ride from the city of Naples. Locals say that the best time to visit is early September when the weather is still good and the sea is warm, but the beaches are less crowded. However, whenever you go, it’s relatively easy to escape the masses, as I discovered during my stay at Albergo Il Monastero, one of the most atmospheric, serene and stylish hotels I’ve ever stayed at. Unwind in Idyllic Ischia | Stylist
01142016 It was time for a day rest and relaxation and I hoped to achieve it at the Giardini Poseidon Terme, a thermal spa with multiple pools of  naturaly heated water and water jets. But just before I entered, a man with a fruit cart (more like a fruit van?) outside had me distracted and I ended up entering the spa with a bag of the juiciest cherries and sweetest giant figs. Then it was an afternoon of soaking and napping and soaking again. Eating in Ischia | Tamarind and Thyme
01152016 Many, many people believe in the curative and healing power of these natural, heated mineral waters from within the Earth and flock to places like Ischia in search of well-being. While it is possible to access some of these waters in public spaces, Ischia is covered from end-to-end with thermal spas offering pools of waters at varying degrees as well as a host of spa treatments from foot massages to nasal treatments. The first spa we visited, Parco Termale Aphrodite Apollon, is situated just above Maronti Beach around the corner from St. Angelo. six days in ischia | 3inGiro
01162016 The Vesuvio Piennolo cherry tomato is a tomato variety grown in the southern region of Campania, around Mount Vesuvius. It is one of the oldest and most typical variety grown in the region. It has an elongated, oval shape, slightly resembling a pear, and features a pointed tip (spongillo). The skin is thick and the flesh firm; it can be stored for a long time. As described by Slow Food, which protects the Vesuvio Piennolo through one of its presidia, its flavor and fragrance become more intense and concentrated as time passes and the tomatoes dry out. The Piennolo tomatoes are commonly hung up in bunches tied with hemp string, hence the name “piennolo”, meaning “hanging” in Neapolitan dialect. Sweet Tomato from Mt. Vesuvius: Pomodorino del Piennolo | Italy Magazine
01172016 So, where will your captain be taken in Campania this March? How do Positano, Amalfi, Capri, and Procida sound? A highlight: cruising the Punta Campanella Marine Reserve. Underwater grottoes, ancient ruins, and colorful flora and fauna are all found here. It’s a popular diving spot, too. Cruising Campania, Italy: Calling All Captains | Megayacht News
01182016 Situated on a gorgeous terrace with breathtaking views over Positano, the Champagne & Oyster Bar is an idyllic place to meet for an aperitif or a light dinner. Between the breath taking sweeping views of the sea and city lights twinkling below, and mandolin music floating in the background while enjoying culinary delicacies and exceptional wines – you are guaranteed to have an unforgettable romantic evening at La Sponda. La Sponda Offers Unforgettable Dining Experience | Italia Living
01192016 Honestly, I feel that all I did in Positano is eat and drink. Don't get me wrong, I'm not complaining.  Everything I ate and every place we went were top notch. We started off at a restaurant called, Chez Black for a slice of pizza and a bottle of wine... the perfect way to start a vacation. Positano, Ravello and the Amalfi Coast | GoGoEm
01202016 Named after Antonio’s late father and legendary host, Franco’s bar sits just a few steps away from the hotel enjoying similarly expansive views across the Amalfi. As with the hotel, each detail has been meticulously considered bringing together artistic talents and craftsmanship from around the world from the tiled floor to the Murano glass tumblers. Positano: Le Sirenuse by: Caroline Lever | A Hotel Life
01212016 The most prized Fiano wines come from vines in the hills around the city of Avellino where the variety thrives in the mineral-rich, volcanic soil. Fiano di Avellino received DOCG status in 2003 and wines from this appellation are generally regarded as the best embodiment of the variety. The Modern Classical White Wines of Campania | Wine Words Wisdom
01222016 Taurasi must be aged for four years before release. The best producers of Taurasi include several already mentioned for their whites wines: Mastroberardino, Feudi di San Gregorio and Vinosia along with other small estates such as Antonio Caggiano and Salvatore Molettieri. Guide to Italian Wines: Campania | Wine Lovers Page
01232016 At Villa Treville, there was a small greenhouse located in the gardens. It was full of greenery and colorful orchids. It was painted green and omg those floors.  They played opera in this room all day and it was just a place to relax and sit. This was a dream room for me and is now embedded into my memory for my future greenhouse (which exists solely in my head at the moment, but still). Travel Snapshot: Positano, Italy | Flat 15 Design & Lifestyle
01242016 If you like exploring archaeological sites, but aren’t a fan of crowds, skip Pompeii and you’ll have the spectacularly preserved fifth-century Greek temples of Paestum all to yourself. An excellent on-site museum displays ceramics, friezes, and other artifacts, providing a window on ancient Greece in Italy’s Campania region. Italy Beyond the Bucket List | National Geographic
01252016 Aglianico is the principal grape of the DOCG Taurasi, which is grown in the province of Avellino. It is frequently blended with another Campania grape, Piedirosso, named for its red colored stems. The abundant tannins and high acidity of Aglianico-based wines make them perfect candidates for extended aging. Campania’s Top-Rated Aglianico Producers and Their Wines | Wine Review Articles
01262016 There are some grape varieties that, like Cary Grant and Catherine Deneuve, exude class. Aglianico, a speciality of Campania and Basilicata in the hinterland of Naples, is one of these. It makes firm red wines with real savour that is somehow more mineral than animal or vegetable yet they do not lack fruit, and have great structure that promises a long and generally rather glorious life. In praise of Aglianico | Jancis Robinson
01272016 We sat down for lunch at Buca di Bacco, a beachy-casual spot right on the water. And since Positano is a fairly-touristy town, we didn’t expect too much as far as food and service quality. But between the strong drinks, my fresh seafood platter, and Ryan’s large bowl of cacio e pepe (not pictured above, because, unfair), we were pleasantly surprised with Buca di Bacco — they delivered and then some. Picturesque Positano | On The DF
01282016 Being born to an extravagant Neapolitan family, Ambrosio had always been exposed to amazing style and fashion; with her grandmother running a boutique. She then moved to Milan to go to school at Istituto Marangoni. Now a brand consultant and designer; Ambrosio is becoming the center of attention, and we can see as to why! Style Profile: Gilda Ambrosio! | Lets Restycle
01292016 Founded in 1850, Gran Caffè Gambrinus is the most beloved coffeehouse in the city. Order an espresso — invented in Naples — and then imitate the Neapolitans: Take the spoon from the cup and leave a trail of coffee on the rim to get your tongue acclimated. Where to Eat in Naples | AndrewHarper
01302016 We stand by our assessment that the random espresso in Napoli beats the typical baseline quality standards at any other city in the world to which we’ve been (and we’ve been to a lot). Another expert look at the espresso in Napoli, Italy | TheShot
01312016 So Carnival is the feast of children and villages during which it is possible to escape from the rigid control of the family community. The pagan transgression consists in creating a dish which is able to allow you to forget hunger, to exorcize it. It is a plentiful and rich dish, it makes the Neapolitans forget the hunger and the uncertainty of the calories necessary for living which have been present beginning from the foundation of the city until the Sixties. The Neapolitan lasagne at Carnival time | lucianopignataro.com

DECEMBER 2015

FINE HOT-SPOT

12012015 At Ravello it is a delightful ten minute walk to Villa Cimbrone. This magnificent eccentric garden was created by Ralf Ernest William Beckett. Gardens to visit when you stay in Sorrento | Roger Brook – the no dig gardener

12022015 Our first guided hike was to the Valley of the Paper Mills. We soon discovered that just getting from Sant’Agnello to Amalfi was an adventure in itself. Our bus journey was made even more interesting because of our guide’s running commentary. The road, formerly a mule path, was built after the Second World War and extends for 80 kilometres. Beauty abounds on Italy’s Sorrento Peninsula: Hike the trodden trails of the Amalfi Coast | National Post

12032015 We wander through the labyrinth of caverns, occasionally passing from one large cistern to another through passageways so narrow we need to walk the length of them turned sideways. In some places it is so dark that we rely on handheld candles to illuminate our steps. Napoli’s underground also served as a shelter from the bombings that nearly destroyed the city during WWII. I try to imagine what it must have been like for those people. Underneath It All | Little Girl, Big World

12042015 Always I hear the sirens call. Ruins, art, the pastoral by the sea, sweeping views, intense, looming cities and everything in between. There were some days I had to dedicate to love and experience (so I took spontaneous shots with my iPhone) because if I don’t check myself I live, sleep, eat & breathe my cameras and film. (And men like attention sometimes) Naples, Italy; seducing and fascinating me | a love letter to rome (& italy)

12052015 This street and its shops can be visited at any time of the year - tourists can enjoy a magical Christmas atmosphere when they please. The large part of the artisan workshops are always open with handicraft products on display. San Gregorio Armeno represents an important tradition: for families in Naples, Christmas activities also include a visit to this charming street, an obligatory stop before they build their own Nativity at home. San Gregorio Armeno: The Christmas Nativity Tradition | Italia.it

12062015 He made the roccocò creamy even if it is a Christmas crisp dessert, and served it with a roll and limoncello cream. It was very good. The fondant chocolate drop filled with white chocolate and a heart of raspberries and served with candied fennel sauce had a very fresh taste. Naples, Palazzo Petrucci. Lino Scarallo's winter menu | Luciano Pignataro Wineblog

12072015 The ancient Romans, like many of us in modern times, loved to keep dogs as companions and for protection. Dogs are found throughout ancient Roman art and literature, with many references to their value guarding people and livestock as well as depictions of them with little children and loyal to masters and mistresses. The Great Pompeii Project: Visit the Newly-Restored Areas of Pompeii | Avventure Bellissime Tours Italy

12082015 A glass shield now protects the House of the Tragic Poet, where tourists can see the dog with the inscription "Cave Canem" - Latin for "Beware of the dog". Pompeii guard dog mosaic back on show | BBC News

12092015 There is also one special artifacts associated with Pompeii animals: plaster cast of guard dog. He was left chained to a post to guard the House of Orpheus when the occupants fled. The bronze studs around its neck are all that remains of a collar. As the pumice fall-out deepened, the dog climbed higher — until eventually it ran out of chain and was suffocated. He died there immediately like almost thousand pompeians. Dogs of Pompeii | Museum of Artifacts

12102105 The MAV Museum is a “multisensory experience” that is supposed to take you back to Herculaneum before Vesuvius erupted in 79AD and show you what life was like for ancient Herculaneans and Pompeiians. There was one thing at the MAV Museum I found interesting enough to take a picture of, though. This is a view of Herculanum’s “coastline” as it probably would’ve looked before the eruption of Vesuvius in 79AD. #HH: Wrap Up & MAV Museum | One Day In Italy 

12112015 The late Brazilian architect’s much contested (read: ultramodern) concert hall, near the Palazzo Avino and Hotel Caruso at ‪Ravello, is a 400-plus-seat auditorium that hosts concert series. The sleek structure, which has sweeping views across the sea, also draws architecture buffs. Oscar Niemeyer Auditorium | Indagare

12122015 Leaving Villa Rufolo it’s a 15-minute stroll along ancient winding back streets to the enchanting Villa Cimbrone. Follow the wisteria-shaded Avenue of Immensity and you’ll come to the spectacular Terrace of Infinity, a paved outcrop with marble busts overlooking the Gulf of Salerno. It must be one of the most photographed sights along the Amalfi coast, but was blissfully deserted when we were there. Keep the Jacqui O in Ravello | Friday Magazine

12132015 This island in the Gulf of ‪Naples, is famed for its rugged landscape, upscale beach resorts and high-end shops selling handmade leather sandals and signature limoncello liqueur. Its skyline is a veritable rainbow of hyper saturated greens, whites and reds. However, it’s clear that blue is the predominate hue! Escape to ‪Capri | The Walkup  

12142015 One of my favorite activities is walking. It helps me clear my head, gets the blood flowing and makes me feel well. I also need, from time-to-time, to be near the sea breathing in the salty air, swimming and, of course, eating the freshest seafood. So, the first time I went to the island of Capri I fell in love: no cars, beautiful vistas and the smell of the sea. Forget all the cliches about movie stars and rich industrialists–although they are still present–but once away from the chic gathering spots there are parts of the island where actual Caprese eat, shop and live. This is my Capri. Weekend Escape to Capri Off Season | Casa Mia Italy Food & Wine

12152015 From Il Salviatino in Florence to Hotel Punta Tragara in Capri, Swide has rounded up some of the most romantic hotels to go in Italy for an unforgettable weekend. 20 romantic hotels in Italy to live La Dolce Vita | Swide

12162015 This four star hotel is one of the island's best-kept secrets, with unforgettable views from its rooms' private terraces, the outdoor pool and sundeck, and the surrounding terraced garden. The hotel's restaurant, Terrazza Brunella, is considered one of the best on Capri both for its gourmet cuisine and its romantic venue overlooking the sea, and Villa Brunella's location is perfect for both exploring the island and for retreating from the crowds. Villa Brunella | Your Personal Travel Expert

12172015 Food should never be an afterthought whilst hiking your way around Capri. As an expensive island which people already spend a fair amount just getting to, I would recommend only stopping in small bars for an antipasto or snack. For some lovely cheap eats, check out El Merendero Snack bar and Capri Pasta. Menus just range from 3€ to 15€, making them affordable but no less delicious. A budget-friendly guide to Capri | Sideroutes

12182015 Tomatoes first arrived in the Po Valley in the 16th century, along with other tubers and spices, after a voyage in the holds of the galleons of Hernán Cortés. While Europe was in the throes of the French Revolution, the red fruits were already ripening among the greenery of the vegetable gardens in the Parma hills. According to "Il pomodoro: una sapienza antica", however, the "pomme d'amour" did not become the San Marzano tomato until 1902. They were nurtured and pampered there by peasant families, who grew them in characteristic rows on lines suspended between posts, with the plants supported by steel wires or canes. The red fruits, sheltered from the sun's rays by the rich foliage, were a delight to gourmets and the fragrance of Sundays for both rich and poor. The warm soils of Vesuvius were a determining factor for the extraordinary biodiversity of the San Marzano tomato. Italian flavors: San Marzano Tomato | We The Italians

12192015 You will enjoy a special pizza, made with local flour, dough, mozzarella, extra virgin olive oil, topped with our tomato Fiascone, also known as "King Umberto," which is a core product of our organization. Tramonti pizza | Acarbio Costiera Amalfitana

12202015 Well, we’ve been here just over a week and after 5 pizzas and a calzone, they were absolutely right. Naples is the home of pizza, and there’s no better pizza than the Neapolitan hand-made pizza. The best pizza is in Naples, Italy | twoyear trip

12212015 The homemade pasta cooked like our grandmothers at the center of the event for three days celebration held in Cusano Mutri, and all cooked with the traditional recipes of Campania. Big!! The Feast of homemade pasta !! | Charme tutto il bello di Napoli e della Campania

12222015 The drive from Praia towards Positano is a beautiful one. The views from the roadside is amazing and there’s lot of places to stop quite safely. Tip: When you start driving downhill in Positano, parking gets more and more expensive. So it’s up to you really. You can park right at the top, and walk all the way down, but remember… you need to go back up eventually to get your car and there’s no lifts for that. Driving through the Amalfi Coast | liloneoftheashes

12232015 The Sentiero degli Dei (Path of the Gods) is spectacular. It isn't easy for older folk like me but my teenage son reckoned it wasn't too bad at all. The worst bit is the climb up the steps to the path from Praiano. The views along the walk are breathtaking and although it took me nearly six hours to get to Positano, where my wife Maria was waiting with the car, it is an experience I'll never forget. Praiano - Simply Special | Exquisite Coasts

12242015 And so our week in Positano comes to an end. Back on our balcony, we have just settled down with a bottle of prosecco and some pickled octopus. Away to the west, the sun slowly dips beneath a vast granite cleft jutting into the sea. The snore of Lambrettas is becoming less frequent in the street below. Another mega yacht ambles silently by like some colossal mechanised whale. Positano’s irresistible charms | The West Australian

12252015 The warm hospitality of the people of the South is the first welcome to the medieval village of Castelvetere. It consists of 17 rooms, all different, scattered among small squares and alleyways. From the ancient stone belvedere you can admire the view: rivers, waterfalls, the peaks of Pizzo San Michele, as well as churches and abbeys where the cult of the Madonna is still very much alive, with many feasts and processions. Here folklore and tradition combine. These Old Italian Villages Were Transformed Into Dozens Of Hotels | Huffington Post

12262015 The hands-on workshop in Maddaloni will include a short theoretical introduction about the tools and materials that we will use, and then we will have a full immersion that will allow you to design and create your own tambourine to take home. The Tammorra, the main instrument of the Neapolitan tradition, is a large frame tambourine with a membrane of dried skin (mostly goat or sheep) stretched over circular wooden frame to which are attached metal disks called " cicere "or cymbals. Your handmade tambourine | Italian Stories

12272015 A 2,000-year-old laundry where ancient Romans brought their brilliant white tunics to be dyed and washed was among six newly restored buildings in Pompeii opened to the public on Thursday. The laundry, painted in a deep red and decorated with frescoes of birds and ornamental vases, was the most highly anticipated of the restorations. In its day, the Fullonica di Stephanus, as it is officially known, was equipped with large baths for rinsing dirty tunics and stone basis for dyeing fabrics. A 2,000-year-old ancient Roman laundromat open to public for first time | The Telegraph

12282015 We shouldered down Naples’ medieval alleys, broiling with life in the summer dusk, where the café terraces merged with the street drinkers. There, we found a place among the swelling crowds, and Marco opened the bottle. He told me the story of Christ crying over Naples, and how the taste of Lacryma Christi is believed by wine experts to be the modern wine most similar to those drunk in ancient Rome. What a combination! Grown on the slopes of a volcano, fertilized by holy tears, and filled with the flavor of a fallen world. I must have been so overcome by the swirl of these tropes, or the swirl of the Neapolitan piazza, that I have since forgot the wine’s actual taste. A Quest for the Sacred Tears of Summer in a Colder Time | Roads and Kingdoms

12292015 Let’s have a look at the last great work signed by Diego Miedo, Zolta and Arp on the facade of the ex OPG, an old abandoned structure which once hosted the former psychiatric prison hospital in Naples. Squatted by a group of people engaged in the realization of concerts, film screenings, exhibitions and tours, all through a strong involvement of the people who live in the neighborhood, the structure change completely face through a long piece that goes to develop on part of the whole external wall. Diego Miedo x Arp x Zolta – New Mural in Naples | Gorgo

12302015 We’re heading back to Italy, and this time to the amazing city of Naples to showcase some of the equally amazing local talent. Leading the charge is Joseph Capriati, who 2 years on since his landmark album ‘Self Portrait’ on Drumcode, has shown no sign of slowing his meteoric rise to become one of Italy’s biggest and most recognised talents. Napoli: Joseph Capriati, Markantonio, Gaetano Parisio, Luigi Madonna, Flavio Folco | Boiler Room

12312015 The event was absolutely awaited, and it was simply great. First of all, the choice of location was excellent: Duel beat club, that for this special event was transformed in a boiler (a bit bigger than a) room. The music? Well even if usually we don’t like to write review, in this case we like to tell that Naples remains one of the world’s capitals of techno. Boiler room Naples, where winners are love & music! | Ibiza by Night

NOVEMBER 2015

HIGHLY-REGARDED PASTICCERIA

11012015 Amalfi -  Pasticceria Pansa: sorry, maybe i’ve already mentioned too many “must eat” and “must try” but now i’m serious once here, don’t miss Pasticceria Pansa; their “sfogliatella” is one of the most delicious pastry you’ll ever try and their Gelato…i’ve no words, it makes me cry! Amalfi Coast Holidays: 72 hours of luscious and luxury! | FollowMU 

11022015 This view, unbelievable when I first laid eyes on it, was painted from the balcony of the San Martino musuem and looks down to the Vomero neighborhood in Naples.When I arrived at the museum with the editor of the book and another writer, we were refused entrance with a plein air easel in tow. Good thing that Neapolitans are kind and understanding. It took about 5 min of talking with the director to get permission to go in and paint anywhere I wanted in the gardens behind the museum. Painting Views in Naples | Kelly Medford, Artist 

11032015 Cuoppo Napoletano, Origin: Naples - Yet another (truly) shining example of deep-fried deliciousness, this paper cone filled with fried seafood makes us want to hit the coast right this second. Who needs home, anyway? Just start forwarding our mail to Naples, please. 17 Classic Italian Street Foods That Everyone Should Try Once | The Huffington Post

11042015 There is a wonderful tradition in Napoli called “suspended coffee” (“caffè sospeso”). Lately, the international press has been talking a lot about it. Amid social crisis and growing poverty in the Western world it is becoming somewhat fashionable to pay your own bill at a bar and leave enough money for another cup of coffee, for someone else. However, Neapolitans have been quietly living with this custom for over 200 years. It has never been a fashion trend for them, or a way to attract attention to some social issues.Share Your Joy: Suspended Coffee in Naples | Green Holiday Italy

11052015 The stunningly beautiful Amalfi Coast stands out for its spectacular coastlines, rugged cliffs, cascades of brightly coloured houses, lemon groves and olive trees on terraced hillsides, all tumbling down to an aquamarine sea. The main town in the area is Amalfi, which makes a good starting point for an exploration of this exquisite coastline. Amalfi Coast and south | Scott Dunn Travel

11062015 We finished with a Café Macchiato, some squares of chocolate and lemon cake, and a glass of extremely chilled Limoncello from Ravello. The London Foodie Goes to Italy – Amalfi Coast (Ravello) | The London Foodie

11072015 I spent two days in Naples on my way to the IV° Naples Urban Sketching Workshop (which actually took place in Ischia). Naples was incredibly busy, and it felt quite different from the Italy i knew; i had never been this far south. The narrow streets of Quartieri Spagnoli (supposedly not the best neighbourhood) were much calmer than the city center and were great to sketch. Two days in Napoli | Urban Sketchers 

11082015 Mamma and I were pretty hopping excited by the time we reached Positano. I had some business up near Salerno, so we ventured into Cetara for an amazing ‘straight from the sea’  lunch  at Acqua Pazza, on their delicately designed fish plates  &  we also had to stop and buy some ceramic fish for my courtyard wall back home. Oh Dear! Did you think I had abandoned you? Not a chance! | My Amalfi Coast

11092015 Indigo blue hues deepen as the sun sets on the Amalfi Coast. Salty sea air tousles my blonde locks as I quietly sip on limoncello. Clanging wine glasses and the gentle hum of a distant Vespa become a symphony of sorts. The scent of lemon fills the air. Silky strands of handmade pasta against bursting tomato flesh and fresh basil gives me a certain pleasure. Suddenly, the whistle of my teakettle brings me back to reality. I get up from the couch to make another cup of coffee, all the while dreaming of the wonderful cookbook Wild Rosemary & Lemon Cake by Katie & Giancarlo Caldesi. Fresh Pasta | for the love of the south

11102015 Recipes such as paccheri alla Genovese (pasta tubes with sweet onion and beef sauce), polpettine di carne al sugo di pomodore (meatballs in tomato sauce), pollo al limone (lemon chicken), zucchine scapece (fried courgettes with mint and vinegar), torta di ricotta & pere (pear and ricotta tart) and sorbetto o granita al limone (limoncello sorbet or granita) are the kind of food that fit my kind of cooking. Feather Light Smoked Cheese Gnocchi from The Amalfi Coast | Kavita Favelle

11112015 People fled to the beach at Positano, Amalfi, over the  weekend. Italy's Indian summer set to linger | The Local

11122015 As the winner of Smith’s sexiest bedroom award, Hotel Bellevue Syrene, housed in an ancient grotto, comes second in our list. The exposed stone walls, over-sized hydro-massage pool – on top of an en-suite tub, canopied king-size bed, and balcony with sea views make this hotel the 2015’s Sexiest Bedroom winner. Italy’s Top Hotels according to Mr & Mrs Smith | Slow Italy

11132015 You will be the guests of Antonella and Francesco and you will stay in an apartment in Torre Annunziata. Join this dynamic couple and learn Italian while immersing in Italian culture, in the shadow of Mt. Vesuvius! Our city, Torre Annunziata, is located at the foot of the majestic Mount Vesuvius. It features volcanic sand beaches, from which you can admire in the distance the island of Capri, and which are bathed in the waters of the Gulf of Napoli. New Italian Language Homestay in Southern Italy, Almafi Coast near Pompeii | Studentessa matta

11142015 This fabulous rental villa is in one of the most beautiful and scenic areas on the Amalfi Coast, between the two historic towns of Amalfi and Ravello. The property (250 sq. m. of floor space + 1000 sq. m of outdoor area) has several levels, with terraces each with stunning views of the Amalfi coast and the sea. Some terraces are uncovered for sunbathing, while others are shaded by pergolas, trees or tents. The villa has a private swimming pool, located on the upper level, with plenty of space for relaxing and enjoying the breathtaking views to Amalfi Coast. Castiglione di Ravello | The Luxury Travel Book

11152015 Caroline & Conor, capitalizing on the inherit chicness that is the Italian wedding, turned the dial up a notch with a stunning black tie affair on the tree lined terrace at Ravello’s Villa Eva, offering 360 degree views. Italian wedding photographer Gianni di Natale was the perfect fit for Caroline & Conor, matching the beauty of the surroundings with his unique & artful eye. Gorgeous Tented Italian Wedding Along The Amalfi Coast At Villa Eva | StoryboardWedding 

11162015 The 15th of October. I remember it well. In Sannio (Benevento province) thousands were experiencing a tragedy greater than a little traffic on the highway or a few large puddles in the parking lot. They were experiencing mudslides, river banks overflowing, vineyards and livelihoods destroyed  if not seriously damaged. Among those affected was the large cooperative Cantina di Solapaca. Mud entered into their warehouse covering up to 80,000 bottles of their Falanghina del Sannio, Barbera, Greco, Aglianico, and Fiano wines. 80,000 bottles covered in mud. But the south has a special spirit. A spirit that with hard work and innovation, a situation as negative as this can bring a community together. The cooperative decided to put these bottles on sale as an effort to break even instead of suffering huge loses on the wines sold. The campaign is called SporcheMaBuone! - Dirty but good. SporcheMaBuone - The Southern Spirit Alive in Sannio (Bn) 

11172015 In Campania awakens II, we headed inland to the southern end of the Apennine Mountain range and the unique territory of Irpinia where temperatures get quite chilly. It’s not surprising given that vineyards sit up to 1900 feet above sea level. These elevations combined with temperatures that fluctuate greatly throughout the year can be quite trying. Wines of Campania | GT Food & Travel

11182015 Our next stop was a neighboring Summonte vineyard run by Ciro Picariello, a practitioner of natural winemaking. We opened Ciro Picariello, Fiano di Avellino DOP 2012 (14%), made with grapes from Summonte and Montefredane. The wine was bright with tangy acidity (think green apples) with distinct aromas and the flavor of orange blossoms, rosemary and toasted almonds. It also had a smoky minerality, like flint. My clients were perplexed at my mention of flint. As a curious kid, you may have once licked a smooth stone and gotten a sense of its taste. That's flinty — a stone-like mineral smell and taste. Campania awakens, II | The American | In Italia

11192015 The Luci D’Artista will cover the streets of Salerno with lights that go beyond the usual Christmas illuminations. The urban light installations are the work of contemporary artists and this year’s theme is "forest". The Campania city will be illuminated with fairy tale characters, enchanted gardens and mythical dragons. The unparalleled atmosphere might just put you in a festive mood... Ten things to do in Italy in November | The Local

11202015 Salerno is a city and comune in Campania and is the capital of the province of the same name. It is located on the Gulf of Salerno on the Tyrrhenian Sea. Salerno was an indendent Lombard principality in the early Middle Ages. Salerno - The Cutest City in Campania, Italy | See.place - Places To See Before You Die

11212015 Bellevue Syrene, ‪Sorrento‬ - As the winner of Smith’s sexiest bedroom award, Hotel Bellevue Syrene, housed in an ancient grotto, comes second in our list. The exposed stone walls, over-sized hydro-massage pool – on top of an en-suite tub, canopied king-size bed, and balcony with sea views make this hotel the 2015’s Sexiest Bedroom winner. Italy’s Top Hotels according to Mr & Mrs Smith | Slow Italy

11222015 The Sorrentino cocktail was invented in 2013 in the Hotel Vittoria Excelsior for Guido Fiorentino. Created in the pool bar, it immediatly became the Number One cocktail around the pool. Everyone would end up enjoying one. the sorrentino cocktail | Colin Peter Field

11232015 Caserta, Campania - It's the home of the best mozzarella in Italy -- and therefore the world. This is the real one, made with buffalo -- not cow -- milk. It's denser, porcelain white, smooth and bittersweet. Milk oozes out when you bite it. Monks started the tradition in the 12th century and it's been handed down from generation to generation. Local stores sell all the different shapes -- braids, eggs, small and big balls. Italy for eaters: 9 destinations that'll destroy your waistline | CNN

11242015 In Naples welcoming guests is a given. Neapolitans are known for their ability to make everyone feel like part of the family, no matter where they might come from. This accoglienza, plus the amazing home-cooked food at Osteria La Mattonella, is what the Marangio family is famous for. Osteria La Mattonella in Naples | Casa Mia Italy Food & Wine

11252015 Antica Latteria, Naples - Cozy trattoria in the chic Chiaia quarter of Napoli, this trattoria serves up classic Neapolitan dishes in a funky, eclectic and welcoming dining room. The staff is friendly and the Pasta with Genovese sauce is my go-to dish here. The pasta con patate e provola, the eggplant parmigiano, polpette, and the fried antipasti are also very good. Traveling To Italy? List Of Places To Eat In Rome, Florence, Milan, Venice And More | BrowsingItaly

11262015 Just for fun, I stuck my travel guide for Naples & the Amalfi Coast inside the bag, but it’s unlikely I’ll carry the whole book with me. Rick Steves, crazy man that he is, rips the pages he needs right out of his guide books. I’m going to follow a suggestion made on my previous post and just photocopy the pages of the places I’ll b visiting and carry that particular day’s destination with me each day. Take a Peek Inside My Travelon Travel Purse | Between Naps on the Porch 

11272015 Il Negombo, ‪Ischia‬ - In 1947, Duke Luigi Silvestro Camerini of Padua, a botanist and intellectual, discovered the Bay of Montano which reminded him of a bay called Negombo in Sri Lanka. He then spent several years buying up the entire bay from its many owners in order to create his own Negombo and filled it with myriad plants from all over the world. In the sixties, however, with the advent of tourism on the island and business interests in the North, the duke spent more time away than at home, with the result that the garden reverted to a semi-wilderness. Business at the “water park” flourishes - Il Negombo now has 29 pools, 3 eateries, 2 shops, a hotel and a spa, and in the peak season hosts 2000 visitors a day. The Italian Branch of the MGS | Mediterranean Garden Society 

11282015 Piazzetta - This is the little square that you'll arrive in if you get the funicular up from Marina Grande. They say it's where all the film stars and other rich and famous people go to be seen. Normally that would put me right off but don't let that ruin it for you – it isn't like that at all. It's as beautiful a little piazza as any you'll find elsewhere in Italy and it it isn't outrageously expensive either so be sure to enjoy an aperitivo or a coffee in true Neopolitan style (ask for an espresso Napoletano), while listing to the church bells ringing and the languages of a hundred countries. Enchantment Awaits on The Island of Capri | Exquisite Coasts

11292015 Robert 'D' Naja (Massive Attack) & James Lavelle (UNKLE) give an insight into why they fell in love with Napoli and what it means to them. Massive Attack & UNKLE - Why I Love Napoli | Copa90

11302015 UNKLE mastermind James Lavelle will gather exclusive remixes he created for artists like Lana Del Rey, Queens of the Stone Age, Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds and his own UNKLE tracks on a two-disc compilation titled GU41 Naples - James Lavelle Presents UNKLE Sounds. New 'Global Underground' Mix | RollingStone

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

SEPTEMBER 2015

UNSPOILT OASIS

09012015 On the next day I attended another wine-themed tour by Campania Grand Tour. The first stop was a very off-the-beaten path beauty of the region: the Natural Park of Grassano, an unspoiled oasis near Benevento. The most fascinating thing of the park is the mesmerizing colour of the water pouring from several mineral springs, which ranges from emerald green to blue sapphire. One more weekend in Campania | Blocal Travel blog
09022015 From D.O.P. pizza to Vesuvius-studded views to the warmth of the Neapolitans themselves, what’s not to love about Naples? September 19th marks the feast of the city’s most important patron saint San Gennaro, and is not only one of Naples’ most iconic holy days, but all of Italy’s. The festivities kick off in the morning when the Neapolitans gather in Piazza del Duomo in front of the city’s cathedral to watch the saint’s dried blood liquefy—an auspicious miracle that signifies a disaster-free year lies ahead. Then the procession begins. Stores close, but vendors set up shop on the lively streets selling plenty of memorable keepsakes and bites. 5 seaside places in Italy to catch the last of the summer sun | Swide
09032015 Following Naples annual celebration of pizza at Napoli Pizza Village 2015, the Via Caracciolo portion of Lungomare will play host to ‘Bufala Fest‘ from 11th to 13th September. The festival is dedicated entirely to buffalo and their products: Campanian buffalo mozzarella DOP, Campanian buffalo ricotta DOP, but also meat and hams, even ice creams produced using buffalo milk and, yes, more pizza too! Bufala Fest on the Lungomare | Napoli Unplugged
09042015  Teresa Iorio scooped the coveted Caputo trophy on Thursday, awarded to the best pizza made in traditional Neapolitan style, Ansa news reported. “I'm so happy,” said a tearful Iorio as she picked up her award. “I'd like to dedicate this to my mother and my father who taught me the art of pizza making. Whenever I roll out a pizza base I think of my dad,” she told reporters. World first as woman wins pizza contest | The Local Italy
09052015 Mozzarella di bufala: buffalo milk mozzarella cheese is made by spinning and then cutting the ribbony cooked curd by hand. Mozzarella comes in all shapes and sizes, from the small, bite-size cherry bocconcini, to the awesome 1-pound bowling ball-size Aversana, or the delightful interlaced bufala “braid”. I could eat mozzarella every day. Insider Spotlight: Eleonora's Top 3 Tips for Italy | Insiders Abroad
09062015 Take away Campania and Italy would be a sad, sorry place, not least at the table. How the Amalfi Coast Keeps Drawing Us In | Travel + Leisure
09072015 The best way to experience the beauty of Amalfi Coast, with its rugged cliffs and pastel hued villages that stretch 50 kilometers along the southern side of Italy's Sorrentine Peninsula? From the passenger seat of a vintage convertible, naturally. It's considered one of the world's prettiest road trips, so we sympathize if you find yourself manning the wheel. 10 dream trips every traveler should experience | CNN International
009082015 Benvenuti al sud, a famous Italian film, was shot in this town.  Built on the mountain top, with steep streets and hundreds of stone steps, Castellabate is truly a gem in and of itself.  Then you add the stunning views and beautiful beaches at its foot and you find yourself truly in paradise. The Tyrrhenian sea water is clear blue, the beaches pristine, the towns charming, the food as fresh and delicious as can be…truly a not-to-be-missed destination for anyone wishing to experience a slice of genuine Italy! Campania…not just the Amalfi coast | My Italian Destination
09092015 Agnanum is a small winery located in Agnano just on the outskirts of Naples in the Campi Flegrei area. The Astroni National Park, a volcanic crater filled with Mediterrenean vegetation, is next to the vineyards. The centenarian vines growing on extremely poor dusty volcanic  terrain are trained in an old Pergola system. The soils are rich of sulfur and minerals and you can even see some solfatars (gas coming out of the ground) on some parts of the mountains. Agnanum – an extinct volcano | Scuola di Vino
09102015 When most people think of Campania, images of sun-swept Mediterranean shores dance in the mind, but Vinosia sits inland on a bed of fertile volcanic soil, with a continental climate and heavy rains throughout the year, giving the grapes their characteristics that are distinct from the better known Italian varietals. Vinosia, located in Atripalda in the Irpinia region of Campania, makes wines from local varietals like Aglianico, Falanghina and Greco di Tufo. Uncovering the hidden gems of Italy's Campania wine region | Pique Newsmagazine
09112015 On our recent trip to Amalfi, we enjoyed our share of seafood, but we also tried to keep some room for dessert. The sweets of the Campania region are famous, and one of my favorites is the lemon flavored almond cake from Amalfi. We took a day trip to Capri while staying in Positano, and while strolling through the center of Capri we came across an amazing pasticceria (pastry shop) with a mouth-watering window display. Not being able to help ourselves we went in a bought two small cakes, one Torte Caprese (chocolate almond cake), and this one, Dolce di Amalfi made from lemons and ground almonds. Lemon Almond Cake {Dolce di Amalfi} | Italian Food Forever
09122015 Less than one hour separates Sorrento from Naples by train, but the distance could not be greater. The crowded city lingers just as memory in the alleyways shrouded in lemon scent. An impervious landscape where hills alternate to deep valleys has been turned into gentle terraces degrading towards the sea. Here are being grown orange and lemon trees, olives and vines, and the mild and dry climate quite all the year long preserves this compelling beauty in every season. Visiting Sorrento in Italy | Italia Living
09132015 Ristorante da Gigino is actually in the heart of tourist central, just off the main shopping drag of Via San Cesareo, but it’s so off the beaten path that even my local friend didn’t know about it. When we arrived, the place was jammed with tourists and locals alike.  The place is festive with strolling musicians… the service was good even though the place was crowded… and the pizza was terrific! Top 5 Local Spots to Dine in Sorrento | Lisa at Wanderlust Women
09142015 I think I have a new favorite beach. But shhh … don't tell Santa Croce. I've always like the little cove at Marina di Praia, located between Conca dei Marini and and Praiano. The road clings to the mountainside high above the beach and a small access road that's pretty easy to miss leads down to a tiny seaside village. Marina di Praia - My New Favorite Beach On The Amalfi Coast | Ciao Amalfi
09152015 I have stayed in most of the famed hotels and was excited to try something different, the sparkling new Capri Tiberio Palace Hotel located off the beaten path and offering commanding views of the sea. The vibrant and enthusiastic GM Francesca Tozzi warmly greeted me upon arrival and treated me to a relaxing, decadent visit to their cozy Oriental Zen spa, and then to a casual dinner at the Terrazza Tiberio restaurant. The hotel proudly offers the all new 50′s vibe, 2,700 square foot Bellevue Suite, the only suite in Capri featuring a fitness area, outdoor dining and heated plunge pool. Escape to the Amalfi Coast: Capri, Sorrento and Mariah Carey's Secret Retreat | Forbes.com
09162015 Take a look at my Amalfi cushions, inspired by a photograph I took of the dome of one of the most iconic churches on Italy's Amalfi Coast. Introducing Alexandra D. Foster Luxury Cushions | Alexandra D. Foster Destinations Perfected 
09172015 Sorrento welcomes every year thousands of tourists, especially British, attracted by the beauty of the town, of the beaches and of its “unrivaled in Europe” mild climate. Something more: in Sorrento there are also ancient traditions that survive thanks to the work of fishermen and craftsmen. One of them is Antonino Tramontano. Until few time ago, his yard was very similar to a magic cave with the walls covered by the tools of the trade, used to built the typical fishing boats witch float on the sea of the Naples Gulf. Welcome to Sorrento | Italia Slow Tour
09182015 Some of these villas have been restored and are open to visitors, like the Casa del Fauno and Casa del Menandro. These extravagant homes feature courtyards and atriums, and are filled with mosaics and marble floors. Casa del Menandro even has a private bathhouse. 17 pictures that will make you want to visit Pompeii, which was covered under a layer of volcanic ash thousands of years ago | Business Insider
09192015 Ruins of villas, thermal baths and roads lie just a few meters from the surface and, together with marine life and gaseous emissions, create a unique and unexpected underwater Mediterranean landscape. This extraordinary characteristics lead to the creation of a Marine Protected Area between the municipalities of Bacoli and Pozzuoli. Octopuses, small crustaceans and fishes snoop undisturbed around submerged buildings and roads, colonized by sessile organisms such as algae, sponges, sea anemones, sea urchins and starfishes. Archaeological Diving Campi Flegrei | Scubashooters.net
09202015 Today Arianna, like an elegant lady in recovery from a brutal mugging, is a little shaky on her feet, and her finery is somewhat dishevelled, but her pedigree and character are evident – she is lofty and well positioned, and already she stares defiantly back across the valley, directly towards Vesuvius. It was only in the mid-eighteenth century that Arianna, and others like her, were discovered buried beneath metres of ash and pumice.  There followed a flurry of activity in Stabiae – brief excavations were begun … but then, once again, the villas were abandoned. Ancient Stabiae and its villas, once so luxurious, and then … | The Phraser
09212015 Caserta is one of those weirdly overlooked treasures, an immense Baroque compound designed in the 18th century by Luigi Vanvitelli for the Bourbon king of Naples to rival Versailles. The French palace has about 700 rooms, Caserta has 1,200, as well as one of the most opulent parks in Europe, which includes a 265-foot cascade. But the Italian palace attracts a little over 500,000 visitors a year, while Versailles takes in about five million. Impossible to Forget Caserta, Italy | The New York Times
09222015 True Amphora Wine - Villa Matilde is a terrific producer which specialises in Falerno del Massico – every time I tasted their wines I marked them very highly indeed – and farms some of the original vineyard slopes that made the Roman Falernian wine. This was the first cult wine of Rome and records show that it was served to Julius Caesar and even shipped to England. Salvatore Avallone owns Villa Matilde (Cellole) and wanted to create a wine that harked back to how the Romans made it, but was also recognisably wine – the Romans made wines that as far as we can tell were like a sweet syrup to which they added water and spices. The Good Campanians – stories, grapes and wines from Italy’s deep south | Quentin Sadler's Wine Page
09232015 Neapolitan pizza is unique. The Dough as the headliner takes center stage, the crust soft and chewy, not hard and crusty. Generally wood fired, it’s tomato bed is soft and pillowy, just the slightly bit doughy in the center, so its best eaten with a fork and knife. It’s not smothered with shredded cheese, but has just a few blobs of bufala mozzarella and several whole basil leaves adorning the middle. My Pizza Love Story | Travlinmad Photography & Blog
09242015 The hike up the volcano is in three stages. Apart for a whiff of sulphur there's nothing out of the ordinary: no sign of steam curling up into the midday sun, only a large depression dotted here and there by vegetation. But if the volcano disappoints the view doesn't: the Bay of Naples stretches below with the island of Elba just visible in the haze to the right and the Lattari mountains to the left. Travel with Tracey Renodewn: Vesuvius tour entertains but leaves you feeling a little wiser too | TQHeraldExpress
09252015 The book describes how Margie fell in love with Naples on her first visit there, having – like me – travelled to the area many times but never having actually visited the city itself. Her delight in this fascinating and sprawling metropolis is obvious as she takes us with her on her explorations. Interspersed with her gently evocative photographs, taken with love and care, she observes daily life in the old streets and alleyways of Naples: she watches the flower seller arranging his perfect bouquets; the colourful vegetable market; a stone-mason hard at work; a silversmith working on a piece of jewellery and the frenzy of the market selling fish from the Gulf of Naples. Margie’s observations are warm and interesting. Book Review: Colors of Naples and the Amalfi Coast by Margie Miklas | Orna O'Reilly Travel & Design
09262015 Naples often gets a bad rap—and, yes, the city is a little “grittier,” and much more chaotic, than Italy’s other cities. But there’s a reason why people call it bella Napoli. There’s something about the decay of Naples’ elegant palaces and medieval castles that’s both bittersweet and beautiful. And there is a ton to do and see here, from enjoying the city’s world-famous food to exploring its eerie underground to seeing some of the most important art and archaeology in Italy at Naples’ top-notch museums. (Here are 9 reasons not to skip Naples!). The energy here, though, is the true core of Naples’ bellezza—and something everyone has to experience at least once in a lifetime. 10 of the Most Beautiful Cities in Italy | Walks Of Italy
09272015 In Naples, chocolate is synonymous with Gay Odin. This historical patisserie was founded in the late 1800s by Isidoro Odin, a masterful confectioner who moved to Naples from the north of Italy, attracted by the vibrant cultural life that the city offered at the turn of the century. Later joined by his wife Onorina Gay, Odin took to preparing the most mouth-watering chocolate sweets, and it wasn't long before they had attracted the attention of Naples’ citizens. Among Gay Odin's specialties are the Foreste, chunks of milk chocolate sculpted to look like wood logs, and the Vesuvio, chocolate sweets shaped after the nearby dormant volcano. Insider Guide to Napoli’s 10 Stunning Cultural Restaurants: The Best of Naples | The Culture Trip
09282015 Final tip to anyone interested in travelling to the Amalfi Coast: you do not want to skip Naples! It makes me so sad whenever I hear someone having taken a flight to Napoli but having directly continued to the Amalfi Coast without even taking a quick look at this gem of a city that tourists have not yet found and ruined. Amalfi Coast: A day trip to Sorrento | Always Abroad
09292015 Are you considering a trip to the Stadio San Paolo to see Napoli in action? Luckily for you, Joe Ginto takes you through a visit to the home of the Partenopei. Travel Guide: Napoli | Forza Italian Football
09302015 Because of how beautiful Naples looks at night. 33 Reasons Why The South Of Italy Will Ruin You For Life | BuzzFeed