Confessions of a Cesto Convert - Cesto Bakery, Torre Del Greco (Na)

I feel the need to confess, and as they say, confession is good for the soul.

I guess you can say that  we met online.  Cesto Bakery and I...And for me it was love at first sight.  It started off innocently enough, following their instagram page every morning.  Enticed by pictures and short video clips of  croissants, and pandoro and panettone Christmas cakes.  After a couple of weeks, I eventually reached out.  I ordered a pandoro online.  The couple of days of anticipation nearly killed me.  When my package arrived, it was hard to hide my excitement.  One of the best pandoro cakes that I have ever tasted.  I was curious, I wanted to learn more....

It was time to meet Cesto Bakery in person.

Cesto Bakery is located in Torre Del Greco's historic center.  It is about 45 minutes from my home and when I arrived, I patiently waited my turn in line outside the storefront on Via Salvator Noto.  Once inside, I was overwhelmed by the aromas of breads, pizzas and breakfast pastries.  As I was making up my mind, out of the corner of my eye I saw a familiar face.  That face, that smile, that voice from Cesto's ig stories.  It was him, Catello Di Maio, the man behind the bakery.

Catello Di Maio
(photo courtesy of Cesto Bakery)

We had a coffee, a croissant and a quick chat.31 year old Di Maio is passionate about his bread making - he has been baking since he was a child, practically growing up in his father's bakery. Di Maio, with a smile, can tell you everything you want to know about bread, yeast, sourdough, and if your lucky - a little bit about Neapolitan history.  I was lucky.  We had this conversation as Di Maio led me from Via Salvator Noto to Via Falanga - Cesto's second storefront.  Here, I was treated to a tour of the bakery as Di Maio and his team were at work.Here I got to see up close loaves going into the oven, knowing full well, that though they may cost a little more than the average loaf in the supermarket, it will last me 3 times as long and will taste sooo much better.  Fun fact - on Sundays, Di Maio and his team bakes loaves that are 2 meters long!

                                        

The more I listened and observed, the greater my admiration and respect grew for Di Maio and his operation.  His knowledge of baking is impressive and after purchasing several products on several  occasions - I'm hooked.  

No - wait - I'm converted.