andiamotrips - campania, italy with karen phillips

ENOLABORATORIO ® 2009/2010 Divinoinvigna Enoteca e AIS Napoli will hold a blind wine tasting on Thursday, July 1st.  Mauro Erro will lead this journey through Irpinia where 6 Greco di Tufo wines from 5 different areas will be presented. Adele Chiagano will prepare dishes to accompany the tasting.     The fun begins at 2030 ish,   The cost of the evening is 35 Euro and reservations can be made by contacting divinoinvigna@libero.it – 081 3722670 – 329 6467600   Enoteca Divinoinvigna – Via S. Freud, 33/35 – Naples

Marennà - Feudi Di San Gregorio's Retsurant -will throw their annual Summer Party on Friday, July 16th. Chef Barrale will be on hand to prepare a menu made for l'estate. DUBL, Feudi's famed spumante ,will flow freely.  Live music perfomed on the enormous terrace of Marennà with a captivating view of the vineyards. All that is missing is YOU!  The cost of the dinner party is 30 euro. Reservations (highly recommended) can be made by calling 0825 986675 or prenota@feudi.it . Feudi Di San Gregorio Loc. Cerza Grossa Sorbo Serpico (Av)                                                                     

An exhibition on the long life of Michelangelo through the documents of the Buonarroti Archive. From the first letters and poems of his youth to the correspondence of the artist, by that time he reached  ninety years old, with the beloved nephew Leonardo. The display highlights two main phases of Michelangelo’s life: the Florence adulthood period and the following period in Rome, where he became an architect of Saint Peter’s factory. The proofs of his period in Florence (letters and drawings) provide information on his Michelangelo’s intense commitment, in particular, around two great works: the tomb of Julius II who, in 1505 on the Pope’s will, should have been placed in Saint Peter but was never actually finished; and the tormented enterprise of San Lorenzo in Florence, from the never carried out project for the façade of the basilica to the realizations of the Sagrestia Nuova and the Biblioteca Laurenziana. The Roman period documents the close friendship with the young Roman pat...

It seems like the hot color of this summer is a cool pink…or should I say rosé . Manuela Piancastelli and Peppe Mancini of Terre del Principe hosted Antonio Fiore ( Corriere del Mezzogiorno ), his group of wine and food enthusiasts, I Macchoroncini , and 5 of the top chefs from Campania. Cinque ‘Babette’ as the program called them. Five of the top female chefs joined together to present a cool pink menu to accompany Terre del Principe’s Roseto del Volturno. So after a medieval musical concert in the vineyards, a toast in the bottaio, we sat down to lunch. The menu was as follows: Chef Rosanna Marziale of Le Colonne in Caserta Ricotta a cianfotta in formella , a beautiful presentation, ricotta tinted with saffron and turnip (to give it that cool pink color) and stuffed with lightly sautéed summer vegetables. Topped with mozzarella milk. Chef Marianna Vitale of SUD in Quarto Cheesecake di baccalà profumata al finocchietto con pomodoro confit , ceci di cecerale e bucc...

There will be an art exhibit at Castel del'Ovo in Mergellina by artist Marco Palmieri June 30-July 25.  The show will open with an inaguration on the 30th of June from 1800-1945-  If you miss that, you can still see his artwork Tuesday-Saturday 1030-1330, 1600-1900.  Sunday 1030-1330.

Saturday...Napoli- Salerno A3, Torre Annuziata nord exit...direction Torre del Greco...Viale Europa 42.... Il Poeta Vesuviano ’s summer menu. A menu that uses home grown vegetables, homemade breads and pastas, local products. A menu that is simple, pleasing to the eye and palate. A menu prepared entirely by Chef Carmine Mazza . The first thing that stuck me about Carmine was the fact that he is only 25 years old. The ‘chef’ bug hit when he was 12, waking up on Sunday mornings to the smell of the typical ragu sauce simmering away. After attending chef’s school, he worked in numerous local restaurants…then his big break or breaks came. Hotel Capri Palace with Chef Oliver Glowig… Don Alfonso 1890 , Sant Agata sui Due Golfi. Then eventually, at the ripe old age of 23, he opened up his own restaurant, Il Poeta Vesuviana , and has been running things ever since. Humble, charismatic, and proud of his Campanian roots. That is the impression that I got while talking with Carmine. We di...

Veritas Restaurant   has decided to throw a dinner party to inaugurate their beer list. They have invited Mario Cipriano , master brewer and owner of Karma Alvignano in Caserta. Menu: Salsiccia di baccalà, fagiolini fritti e maionese all’aglio dolce , Cod sausage, fried beans sweet garlic mayonnaise Beer: Lemon Ale Fagottini ripieni di fagioli spollichini e cozze in zuppetta di sedano e lardo di montagna , Burritos stuffed with beans and a mussel soup with celery an lard. Beer: Carminia Salmone selvaggio in panuria alle erbe, crema di patate e porro , Wild salmon in herb-flavored breadcrumbs, creamed potatoes and leeks Beer: Cubulteria Crumble con mousse al cappuccino, gelato alle mandorle, salsa al cioccolato , cappuccino mousse crumble, ice cream with almonds, chocolate sauce Na’ tazzulella ‘e cafè The cost of the evening is 30 Euro and begins at 2030 ish Veritas Restaurant Corso Vittorio Emmanuele 141 Naples For more info and reservations 081 660585

I found a really great website, http://www.tipeatalia.it/ , full of great recipes that have been tempting me over the past few months.  Here is one by Lidia Merola ...Great for summer! Polpette di melanzane con ripieno goloso Eggplantballs with Cheesy Feeling Ingredients: 500 grams of eggplant, 100 g of grated pecorino cheese, 150 g of stale bread, chopped parsley, 1 clove garlic, 2 eggs, 50 g of provaletta di Sorrento , breadcrumbs, salt and pepper to taste Preparation :   Cut the eggplant cubes and cook in salted boiling water. Drain and squeeze out excess water. Mash the eggplant until it is smooth. Add the eggs, grated cheese, stale bread that you put to soak in a bit of milk, parsley and garlic. Adjust salt and pepper. Mix ingredients well and form meatballs Insert  a couple of cubes of provoletta in the center. Dip the meatballs in breadcrumbs and fry in hot oil. For a lighter recipe you can cook the meatballs in oven arranging them in a pan lined with...

Last time, they broke the monotony of the Sorrento peninsula and settled down at a table laden with delicious fish.... surrounded by good friends, good wine and good music! Now they want to repeat it, but this time focusing on their roots. Good Mediterranean food. Just like Mamma makes.... The menu : For starters… -Na bella Fritturell e Panzarott, Crocchè, Mozzarellin a spass ca' carrozz e Frittatin sfizzius!, Fried Neapolitan specialties such as panzarotta (fried dough stuffed with ricott), potato balls, and mozzarella - N'ampepata e Cozz, a vasc' a Marin 'e Cassano , steamed mussels - A Trecc chiù bell 'e copp 'e Cuont , Braided mozzarella from Colli (the best!) - A Parmigian 'e Mulignan (L'Ottava Meraviglia del Mondo), Eggplant Parmesean.-the 8th wonder of the world - Mulignan a Fungitiell , Fried melanzane in tomato sauce Last but not least... Pizzaaaaaa...of every variety... -Followed by: Paccheri di Gragnano with mussels a...

On Friday, June 25 at La Grotta Vineria Grapperia Hostaria in Caselnuovo, there will be an opportunity to try Falanghina del Taburno from Cantina del Taburno and Ocone Winery . In addition to wine tatsting, a complete menu will be offered to accompany this exciting Campania white. The cost of the evening is 30 Euro and the event starts at 2030 ish. For more information, or to reserve a spot, contact  0818423121 3476442634 or lagrottavineria@libero.it La Grotta Vineria Grapperia Hostaria, Corso Umberto I, 176, Casalnuovo di Napoli

For my latest edition of vineyard hopping, I decided to stay a little closer to home...my Campi Flegrei, and a visit to my Winerdì partner, Vincenzo Di Meo and his La Sibilla located in Bacoli… June 21st, 2010. According to the calendar, the first day of summer. But as I drove towards La Sibilla in Bacoli, I’m sure I saw all 4 seasons outside the window. As I pulled into the driveway at 0950, sun turned to storm as the skies opened up and poured out a torrential downfall of heavy, cool rain. Not to worry, though. Vincenzo Di Meo , La Sibilla’s winemaker, was waiting for me under the canopy of his porch, with Falanghina, and Piedirosso, and a smile. Falanghina…Piedirosso…Campi Flegrei’s indigenous grapes…the two grapes that have made their mark on a territory that the Greeks and Romans once called home. The two grapes that are the base for La Sibilla’s wines. The wines that I wanted to try. The vineyards that I wanted to see. The stories that I wanted to hear. During an info...

Un cielo sereno ...that is what we were greeted with. The 40 or so wine lovers who came out on the 22nd of June to Roof in Sky in Bacoli. The occasion was to try Roseto del Volturno , the newest creation from Terre del Principe . On hand was Manuela Piancastelli (winery owner) and Fabrizio Erbaggio (Ais Napoli, Ciao Vino). We tasted Manuela’s wine while enjoying her antipasto, tortina di baccala . A perfect match for this rosé. This blend of Pallagrello Nero and Cassavecchia.  Many were struck at first by the color, a color that reminds Manuela of the blush her grandmother would use on her cheekbones. We noticed its delicate aromas, and then impressed by its balance, its structure, is sapidity. Throughout the evening, this wine flowed, accompanied by Michele Grande’s menu of Stoccafisso alla Pizzaiola,Parmigiana di Pesce Bandiera, Zuppetta di Seppie e Cicerchie Flegree, and Anguriata . Roof and Sky’s captain took us on a mini tour of the lake as well. Refreshin...

Winemaker Vincenzo Mercurio and   Cantine Babbo present an evening of wine tasting in the garden of Villa Gitana , via Scalandrone 24,, Pozzuoli on July 8, at 2030 hrs. Wines to be tasted: SINTEMA falanghina d.o.c. dei Campi Flegrei 2009 MALAZE’ vino spumante extra dry 2009 MONTENUOVO vino spumante rosè extra dry 2009 TERRACALDA piedirosso dei Campi Flegrei 2008 Not only wine! A lovely meal to accompany the tasting… Dishes: Ostriche bretoni, Sashimi di pesce mediterraneo, Breton oysters, Mediterranean sashimi seafood Molluschi e spezie orientali, Road Food dei Campi Flegrei Shellfish and oriental spices, Riso Carnaroli con Gamberi di Crotone e Fiori di Zucca Carnaroli, rice with prawns and Crotone zucchini flowers Fingerfoood fruits & desserts The cost for the evening is 35 Euro. Reservations are necessary and can be made by contacting Cantine Babbo at Tel.081-8687831 or email: info@villagitana.it

Beginning in July, every Friday and Saturday evening, Villa Matilde invites you to spend your evenings with them.  An evening close to the vineyards,with a glass of Falerno, a buffet of appetizers and music. An evening relaxing and enjoying  the gentle sea breeze. The evenings begin at 1900hrs and end at 2100 ish.  The cost is 20 Euro per person. Something to definitely look into... For more info, call 0823.932 088 or email info@villamatilde.it Villa Matilde S.S. Domitiana, 18 CAP 81030 Cellole (CE)

It has been awhile since I wrote about my first level sommelier course. Not to worry, I hung in there. After 14 lessons, I took the exam and am ready to move on to the second level. I remember when I started the course. I was nervous, concerned about the difficulties of taking a course in another language. Concerned about the technical/scientific terminology that can be confusing in English as well as Italian. But I made it through… As I look back on the last 3 months, the Monday evenings spent on level C of Hotel Ramada, downtown Naples, I look back with admiration. Ais Napoli gave me enormous opportunities for one who is curious about this wine world. High quality instructors such as Antonio Del Franco (current Ais Campania President), Nicoletta Gargiulo (Italy’ Best Sommelier 2007 and Ais Campania President candidate), Lucia Pintatore, Maria Sarnataro , Alessandro Palmieri , and Francesco Martusciello (winemaker Grotte del Sole).  The leadership of Elena Erman ...

The 3rd edition of La Notte delle Bollicine e del Rosato (The Night of Sparkling Wines/Spumante and Rosè) will be held on the 13th and 14th of July at the Fabbrica del Sapori in Battipaglia (SA).  Wineries from all over Southern Italia will be on hand as well as some of the hottest chefs around.  The event is free, and starts at 8 pm each evening...just get in your car and go!

Celebrate the summer  on the 24th of June, the night of San Giovanni. Believed to be a night of magic to some, in the Avellino province, specifically Cantine Luigi Tecce Via Trinità Paternopoli (Av), a bonfire will be lit. Don't expect the characters from Shakespeare’s A Midsummer’s Night Dream , but there will be food and wine…and a little bit of magic . The event starts at 1800 hrs. For more info call 338.5234241 - 349.2957565

Piano di Sorrento will transform, for one night, into a city full of grande entertainment and shopping. Notte Bianca means music, dancing, sports, entertainment and magic: this will happen the night between 25 and 26 June 2010. There will also be a concert by Valerio Scanu, winner of the Sanremo Festival 2010 edition. The varied program drawn up by the organizers will satisfy even those who prefer folk music, the tradition of Tammorra, etc..; Present among other groups will be Trio Tarantae who are well known in the peninsula for their skill as artists who know how to involve the public in dance. And don’t forget shopping as well as local restaurants in which you’ll find open all night long ! The program--- 18.00: Via San Michele Agrumeto: entertainment for children. After sunset, star gazing with Astrocampania. 19.30 hours : Parade with Paranza the Ass. I Vesuvius, street performers and children along Via San Michele, Rose Square, Via delle Rose, Via Mercato, Piazza dell...

Chef Carmine Mazza will present his specialties for the summer season... - Variazione di zucchina...ripiena con provola di Agerola, crema di zucchine al basilico e fiori di zucchine, crudite' e salsa al basilico , Variation of zucchini stuffed with ... provola Agerola, cream of zucchini with basil and zucchini flowers, tomato sauce and basil sauce - Gnocchetti al limone con vongole veraci e calamaretti , Lemon gnocchi with clams and squid - Parmigiana di pesce bandiera , su pomodorini del piennolo leggermente scottati , Parmesan fish on piennolo tomatoes, lightly blanched - Semifreddo pralinato al latte di mandorla, con salsa al cioccolato e fragole , Praline parfait with almond milk, with chocolate sauce and strawberries Dinner will be accompanied by bread with tomato, bacon and olives, breadsticks and homemade bagels. The cost of the menu is 25 Euro (wine excluded). The dinner begins at 8:30 pm For more information, contact Ristorante il Poeta Vesuviano V...

Divinoinvigna Enoteca in collaboration with Luciano Piganatarowineblog Presents Champagne in 20 calici 20 champagne glasses A 4 part series  where you can toast the summer with the best bubblies from France. Your guide on this journey will be Mauro Erro who will introduce you to the territory as lead you in a degustazione of  5 different Champagnes. Each appointment will be accompanied by culinary specialties prepared by Adele Chiagano . The schedule is as follows: Tuesday, June 22. 2030 hrs Camille Saves Carte Blanche 1er cru brut Etienne Lefevre Carte Blanche Grand Cru brut Henri Chauvet Blanc de Noirs brut Benoit Lahaje Rosè de maceration Henri Chauvet Millesime 2004 Cuvèe Blanche Tuesday, June 29. 2030 hrs Chardonnet Reserve brut Etienne Lefevre Carte d’Or Grand Cru brut Francois Billion Cuvèe de Reserve Grand Cru brut Voirin Jumel Millesime 2004 brut Henri Chauvet Millesime 2004 Cuvèe Noire Monday, July 5. 2030 hrs Benoit La...

About a month ago, I received an email from journalist/photographer Tom Hyland . He was coming to Italy-specifically Campania. and he wanted me to take him around Taurasi. How could I say no? I love opportunities like these…opportunities where I can share my Campania. Opportunities where I can appreciate and fall in love again with a region that has won my heart. So…Saturday, June 12, I hopped into my Opel Agila, Autostrade A16, Benevento exit towards Taurasi. A journey that I have made many times over the past few years, but a drive that I will never tire of. Green, green, green. Vineyards here and there…silence… pace . 10 am appointment with Mr. Taurasi himself, Antonio Caggiano . Joining Tom Hyland and I was my friend, my Irpinia expert, Raffaele Del Franco , who knows the region like he knows the back of his hand. When we pulled up in front of the winery, Antonio was hard at work, directing workers on his latest renovation project. A quick walk through his Macchia dei Goti vi...

On Tuesday, June 22nd, Manuela Piancastelli and Peppe Mancini will celebrate their new rosè, Roseto del Volturno . This wine is the product of Manuela’s desire to produce a powerful, yet delicate wine-a marriage between the rich aromatic Casavecchia grape and the elegant Pallagrello Nero. The location for this special event is Roof & Sky, Asteco e Cielo , Pontile n.3 Lago Miseno. Villa Comunale di Bacoli (Na). The program is as follows: 1900 hrs: Presentation/Wine Tasting of Roseto del Volturno. Free admission but you must call to reserve a spot. 2100 hrs: Roof and Sky will ‘leave port’ and head for the center of Lago Miseno. Here we will enjoy a meal prepared to baptize Roseto del Volturno prepared by Maria Cristina Di Palma and Michele Grande. Tortino di Baccalà (cod pie) Stoccafisso alla Pizzaiola (dried cod with tomato sauce) Parmigiana di Pesce Bandiera (‘flag fish’ parmesan) Zuppetta di Seppie e Cicerchie Flegree (cuttlefish and cicerchie bean soup) A...

Over the past few months, Città del Gusto in Bagnoli has become like a second home. I’ve attended various wine tastings there and I’ve also been following their cooking class schedule. I’ve been looking for the right one and last week I found it. A Mommy (or Daddy) –Child cooking class. An great opportunity to spend time with my 9 year old son David . We arrived on time and were given our ‘Città del Gusto aprons’. Our instructor for the evening was Salvatore Esposito …a chef with loads of patience and a grande talent to motivate a class of 6 aspiring chefs (ages ranging from 4 to 9) and their parents. Our task for the evening? I dolci !!!  Two recipies: 1) Graffette e Bombette al Forno ( Donuts and ‘Bombs’ baked in the oven) 2) Delizie di Sfloglie (Treats made with Pasta Sfoglia) This particular evening was a real mommy moment. I stepped back and let David take over. The instructions were presented in a manner fatto per bambini (made for kids). From mixing the ingredie...

Another highlight of my Anteprima Irpinia weekend was lunch on Saturday.  Our group ate at the winery I Capitani.   This winery, run by the Cefalo family for more than 100 years, welcomed us with open arms.  Our schedule was tight, but we had time to sit down to a buffet lunch.  I Capitani's wines are the classic Irpinia offerings; Fiano di Avellino, Greco di Tufo, and Aglianico (Taurasi).  One wine which was the topic of much discussion during lunch was Emè (Aglianico Taurasi, Merlot, and Sangiovese). We squeezed in a quick tour of the winery, which basically is a mini-museum full of wine making tools from the past. A quick caffè and a slice of amarone and ricotta pie, then we were on our way...

What is a wine fair wihout i banchi d'assaggi ?  You know, the booths where you can try wines.  This past weekend, at the Enoteca Regionale in Taurasi, 31 wineries were on hand.  The courtyard of the Castello Marchionale was transformed into a wine tasting wonderland...Take a look below:

The first part in a series of blogs on Anteprima Irpinia I fell in love again this weekend. This happened while walking through the vineyards of Irpinia. Up to Montemaro (500-700 m above sea level—Taurasi territory). Over to Lapio (450-550 m above sea level-Fiano). Stopping in Santa Paolina (450-500 m ) and Montefusco (500-650 m) to see where Greco grows. This happened while discussing wines with wineries such as Molettiere, Mastroberardino, Di Monaci, Il Cancelliere, and Elmi . Sharing a glass of wine with owners from Donnachiara, Amarono, Joaquin, Boccella , and Vadiaperti . While tasting wines in the vineyards, trying produtti tipici; cheeses and salamis. It hit me while travelling on our Wine Bus, looking out the window and enjoying the great views of the mountains and the valleys of Irpinia. While closing my eyes, and feeling the warm sun and cool breezes of Irpinia. I fell in love again with my Campania, with my Irpinia. A territory full of wonders, contradictions, and surp...

A Friday evening in Irpinia. Here the sun sets at the Radici Resort between 8:20 and 9 pm. And on this particular evening, the air was cool…and so were the colors in the sky. Orange, pink and grayish white clouds were the backdrop to the vineyards behind Morabianca , Mastroberardin o’s restaurant. I had a golden opportunity to attend a dinner to kick off Anteprima Irpinia. Our host, Piero Mastroberardino arrived; we hopped into our little van, and were off on a quick tour of the vineyards that led to the golf course. A walk through the club house, across the perfectly trimmed lawn and down to the swimming pool. Piero discussed his love of golf as he pointed out his 9 hole course. Back up the hill, back to Morabianca where Massimo Di Renzo (Mastroberardino’s winemaker) was waiting for us. We all sat down to a relaxing meal with  Morabianca Falanghina Irpinia DOCG  and More Maoirum Fiano di Avellino DOCG DOCG(both 2009) paired with our appetizers. Redimore Irpinia A...

I was in Rome two days ago.  My friend Kate and I were in town to see the Caravaggio exhibit-awesome-and also decided to check out a couple of wine bars.  A little bit of internet research, and advice from a couple of 'experts'-Paolo and Alessandro- we narrowed our choices down to two. La Barrique and Roscioli. First stop--7:30 pm ish... La Barrique ...quaint, rustic, comfortable.  At the bar, a variety of bruschetta to accompany your glass (or bottle) of wine.  An extensive menu of bar food that reminded me of Happy Hours at Syracuse University. So after munching on bruschetta with our glasses of wine, we decided to go for a crostone ( basically a big bruschetta).  Our choice-gorgonzola with endive,origano, and olive oil...wow.  I paired it with Trebbiano 2007 Nicodemi and Gewurtraminer 2009 Colterenzio . Time to move on. Alessandro (trusted friend ) strongly reccommended that we make a reservation for Roscioli if we desired to go...we di...

Taurasi 2006, Fiano di Avellino 2009, and Greco di Tufo 2009. These are the players this weekend for an unique opportunity to try wines from 31 wineries from Iripina. Amarano (Montemarano), Antica Hirpinia (Taurasi), Antico Castello (San Mango sul Calore), Bambinuto (Santa Paolina), Boccella (Castelfranci), Cantina dei Monaci (Santa Paolina), Colle di San Domenico (Chiusano San Domenico), Contrade di Taurasi (Taurasi), D’Antiche Terre (Manocalzati), Di Prisco (Fontanarosa), Donnachiara (Montefalcione), Elmi (Montemarano), F.lli Urciuolo (Forino), Feudi di San Gregorio (Sorbo Serpico), I Capitani (Torre Le Nocelle), Il Cancelliere (Montemarano), Joaquin (Montefalcione), La Molara (Luogosano), Le Otto Terre (Tufo), Mastroberardino (Atripalda), Molettieri Salvatore (Montemarano), Picariello Ciro (Summonte), Rocca del Principe (Lapio), Russo (Sant’Angelo all’Esca), Tenuta del Cavalier Pepe (Luogosano), Tenuta Ponte (Luogosano), Terranera (Grottolella), Terredora (Montefusco), Vadiapert...