We always enjoy Melina and Peppino’s gracious hospitality; however there are other areas to visit in Naples and relatives. Without a doubt a ride to Salerno would be magnificent and when we are there, we will visit with Anna, Melina’s daughter, and her family.
From Maddaloni, we will drive to Sorrento and begin a magnificent journey along the Amalfi Drive to Salerno. We must be careful. The beautiful roadway is quite dangerous in spots, but the fear is lessened by the continuous beauty, panorama and atmosphere of the Amalfi Coast. When in Salerno, we will indulge in some of Naples’ fabulous seafood dishes. For our Italian recipes go to foodwineitalian.
Experience what it is like to drive on the narrow winding roads along the coast of Amalfi. View breathtaking mountain and ocean scenery. A quick stop in the town of Sorrento for a “caffe perfetto” and the madness of “I motorini”. The Amalfi Coast is …
The Neopolitans have a way with food that is rich in fruit, vegetables, olive oil, creamy buffalo mozzarella, pasta bursting with flavour from their ripe sweet tomatoes and their creamy bean dishes and seafood; mussels and clams. …
Betty suggested that we visit her cousin Melina who lives in Maddaloni, a small town outside the City of Naples. So, being an obedient mate, we left Northern Italy and headed for Campania.
Melina and her husband Peppino have vast orchards with trees bearing fresh fruit the size of which we had never seen. The peaches, pears and lemons were huge. They also have acres of tomatoes which workers harvested and then bushels of tomatoes were sold for canning and export. We found that an old farmhouse, Peppino inherited from his uncle, had been converted into an agriturismo.
Campania Wine Store
Melina served us traditional Southern Italian dishes during our visit. Lasagna was one of our favorite’s as well as a veal pot roast. Peppino, the man of the house, opened a great bottle of wine from area, he served us a Taurasi, a great DOCG wine from Avellino. Absolutely perfect with Melina’s fine Neapolitan touch to the food. For Italian recipes go to www.foodwineitalian.com
Three of southern Italy’s most impressive varieties of grapes are Aglianico, Fiano, and Greco. These three varieties thrive in the volcanic soils of Avellino northeast of Mount Vesuvious which is still an active Volcano.
Preserving these three “archaeological varieties” is the mission of the south’s wine producers who strive to make the most of natural wines which date back to antiquity.
Vesuvio Vineyard and Mountain
A wine that I have served and enjoyed for years from this area is Lacryma Christi Del Vesuvio white or red; the vines are fed by the ashes at the foot of the volcanic mountain. The white pairs well with Neapolitan antipasto and the red is ideal with its famous tomato sauce.
When visiting Viareggio in Tuscany, Livorno is a short ride just south of the beach resort, and it is a city not to be overlooked. Livorno is a port city on the Ligurian sea, on the western edge of Tuscany and is the third largest port on the western coast of Italy. Livorno is known [...]
Viareggio, the beach community, is a short commute to other exciting towns in Tuscany. One that comes to mind is Lucca. A city with a medieval protective wall that is only about a half hour drive from the beach. The first time I was in Lucca, I drove through the city’s wall at night. The [...]
My claim token is claim token QAXSFTZ3K6HA. If you are sightseeing inTuscany Italy during July and August, want to chill out on the beach, with great food and wine; head for Viareggio which is one of Tuscany’s most famous and traditional seaside resorts. Go and enjoy the wide endless beaches, the fantastic cuisine and the exciting [...]
We described the uniqueness of Liguria’s Cinque Terre, the terrain and vineyards. The food of all of Liguria is delicious. Farinata Genovese: Ligurian Chickpea Pancake/Flatbread | Cinnamon … Farinata or Faina is a savory flatbread made from chickpea flour whose origins lie in Liguria, Italy. You may recognize it by another name; it’s twin is the [...]
For years I listened to my Dad raving about this unique area in Italy, Cinque Terre, “The Five Lands”. He was introduced to the area while visiting his cousin in Genoa, the Archbishop. Cinque Terre is comprised of five small hamlets along Italy’s eastern Ligurian coast- Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore. Of [...]
We decided to leave the floating city and experience La Dolce Vita. Where else but the hometown of the great film producer Federico Fellini. The city that inspired his creative genius and his award winning film “La Dolce Vita”. Rimini Italy and its Riviera Rimini is a fishing village for most of the year that [...]
It’s great to read about experiences others have had in Venice. Their comments are invaluable and their first hand experience is as rich as mine. Rialto Market Venice Italy Travels with Monica: Trip to Venice, Italy – First 2 days Delicious food (tagliatelle with pistachio nuts and a gorgonzola sauce; and baked eggplant – shared [...]
We’re on the road again, leaving the breathtakingly beautiful Veneto Vineyards and heading into Venice. Venice is a place like no other and never fails to impress. We studied many photographs of this city in mapping out our trip and Betty even made sure she saw the movie “Summertime” with Katharine Hepburn and Rossano Brazzi. [...]
