andiamotrips - campania, italy with karen phillips

Pastry Chef Antonino Maresca      Ro World - a fantastically ambitious project that opened its doors for the first time back in February.  A hot spot in progress with a cafè, bistrot, restaurant, and...what caught my attention - a pastry department led by one of Italy's top pastry chefs, Antonino Maresca.   Maresca's desserts are known throughout Italy - particularly due to his work in Michelin starred restaurants such as Il Mosaico in Ischia as well as teaching courses throughout the country with a focus on high end deserts.       So when the news came out that Maresca would have his hand in desserts that would be available for everyday dining, breakfast, and takeaway - I had to check it out.  I spent the month of June stopping by Ro World to see what was in the box.       When you walk into Ro for the first time, it is hard to miss the piccoli pastry counter on the left.  Small pastries that are made daily and refurnished throughout the day.  If you are lucky, you may even f

     I call it m y table.  The table in the far corner of the dining room of Il Faro Di Capo D'Orso , a Michelin starred restaurant located in the town of Maiori on the Amalfi Coast.  I've grown fond of that little corner table, even if I must admit, that this visit began a little different than the others.  The restaurant had just opened for their first lunch service of 2020, their first lunch service after Italy's lockdown.  So after a quick check of my temperature at the door - to ensure that I didn't have a fever- I headed over to my table, took off my mask, and sat down.     Feeling comfortable when you go out, particularly as the country reawakens, is very important.  That was immediate thanks to restaurant manager Bonny Ferrara and sommelier Antonio Cannoniero .  I was treated to an aperitif which included a glass of champagne, fantasticaaa finger foods prepared by Chef Francesco Sodano and his brigade, and a little bit of conversation. Here's a look.