andiamotrips - campania, italy with karen phillips

Chef Lorenzo Cuomo And there I was...the first weekend of spring.  Destination Amalfi Coast.  Excited about the sunny Saturday, but even more about lunch.  I was returning to Re Mauri', the Michelin starred restaurant located in Vietri sul Mare.  Radio blasting I almost did not hear my phone ringing. I pulled over to answer it.   It was Chef Lorenzo Cuomo checking in.  Cuomo wantd to make sure everything was okay.  That I remembered the way (It had ben over a year since my last visit).  I assured him that tutto was appost' ...fine. Twenty minutes later I was sitting at my table looking over the menu.  It wasn't easy to  choose, especially since I hadn't been in over a year - but after speaking with the chef, I decided on the tasting menu, with the addition of a second pasta.  So, after a vodka martini, an aperitif, and amazing appetizer (soon on the blog), the fantastic firsts arrived. Cuomo's pasta and beans arrived first. This is the che

Chef Marco C. Merola Saturday afternoon, about a quarter to 3.  It was my first day of school and I didn't want to be late.  I didn't want to be late for my first cooking class with Chef Marco Merola of I Cook You Food Academy in Caserta.  The school is located in a quiet parco just minutes from the Caserta Royal Palace. I sent Chef Merola a message when I arrived (just a few minutes late) and he came out and opened the gate.  It was my first visit to Merola's school.  A visit that was long overdue, so Merola gave me a quick tour of his school that has been around since 2010.  The school offers professional and amateur courses-like the one I was about to participate in.  A class on pies and flans.  My apron and recipe book was on the counter - I introduced myself to my classmates, and the three hour class began.  First up?  Merola patiently led us in making a very tasty anchovy pie. Here's his recipe for this amazing appetizer. Anchovy pie, potatoes and t

It was a refreshing afternoon. Perfect for a lunch ou t.   I wasn't sure what to expect that day.   Wasn’t sure what to expect because it was my first visit to Osteria La Lanterna in Avellino. I must admit the desire to visit this home-style restaurant has been on my mind for quite a long time. I'm talking years. When I met  Ch e f   Luisa Evangelista nearly 10 years ago and more recently bumping into Chef   Stefano Parrella at various events around Campania. However, good things come to those who wait they say and I must agree that in this particular case, I totally agree. Saturday afternoon March 9, the drive on the autostrada all the way on the exit of Baiano. What do you do the first time you visit an Osteria for the first time?  There is the desire to try everything.  I mean everything! At this point, self-control must step in.  I glanced at the menu – chatted with Parrella and we both decided to go for the tasting menu.   Any allergies?   No…Bring it on!  

Chef Alessandro Tormolino I can still remember my first visit to Sensi Restaurant located in Amalfi - the beautiful Amalfi Coast. It was November 2nd 2017. I had no trouble finding the town- since I’d been several times before, but I must admit that I did have quite a bit of trouble finding the restaurant.  Google Maps was not much help though it did lead me close. At one point, I got so frustrated that I sent a quick message to the chef with a picture of where I was standing.  At the foot of Il Duomo , a beautiful church that is a not to miss location. As I was waiting for a response, I looked up and there was a small sign Sensi Restaurant and an arrow leading me down a small alley, up a quick flight of stairs and around the corner met Chef Alessandro Tormolino for the first time. A lot has happened since that visit, in fact I returned last December to see what was up.   This time the staff seated me away from the terrace and views of the port, led me down a fli