I'll be on the First Floor - Primo Piano, Portici (Na)

I’m going out, I said.  After weeks of the zona rossa, the Campania region made it back to yellow.  Which for some in the restaurant industry is a little bit of fresh air.  Literally.  Bars, restaurants, and pizzerias could finally accept diners in their establishments – but only if they could be seated outdoors.

So…I told my son, I’m going out.  And if you need me, I’ll be on the first floor…. Primo Piano in Portici (Na). (A burger place reccomeded to me by the simpatico Francesco Colantonio, who is a close friend and menu consultant for Primo Piano.)

The guys from the first floor - Andrea Valletta, Antonio Improta, Emanuele Raniello, and Pasquale Formisano

I arrived around 6 pm. A little early, but I wanted to have time for an aperitif and a quick chit chat with Emanuele Raniello.  It was during this chat that I learned quite a bit about this burger restaurant, which was founded by Raniello and his partner Antonio Improta about 6 years ago.  Raniello invited me to scan the QR code for the menu – which is divided into 2 parts.  Part 1, the restaurant, which is where I was, and Part 2, cocktails.  For those who were interested in hanging out and listening to music in a separate area. 

I glanced at the menu. Once, twice, three times.  I couldn’t decide.  There was a quite a bit to choose from, and this being my first time, I did not want to over do it.  That is when bartender Andrea Valletta stepped in. He suggested I try a Mi-To, which is a cocktail made with Campari and vermouth.   

Bene.  What should I order with my cocktail?

Ti aiuto io? Raniello asked.  Can I help?

Please do! – Not sure if I whispered or shouted.

Raniello suggested an item that was to the menu. Like really new. Pork belly with raw red shrimp. fantasticaaa…

Next up, a suggestion from the chef.  Chef Pasquale Formisano wanted me to try his pancakes. Pancakes with zucchini alla Nerano and those incredible raw red shrimps.

Both appetizers were amazing…ready to warm me up to what I had been drawn out to Portici for.  The perfect panini…which began with the perfect bun. 

I went for 2 –

The first is called Sea Side - Artisan bun from Cesto Bakery, homemade tuna burger, cheddar, cucumber, bacon, fried onion in tempura "Primo Piano", tomato, and lettuce.

Then I went for their burger called Joker (from Batman).  (Artisan bun, Scottona hamburger Bifulco Selection 30 days of maturation, provolone, crumbled tarallo Leopoldo, pistachio cream, baked potatoes, crispy mortadella I.G.P.).

Earlier I wrote that Primo Panino was a burger restaurant.  Well, to me it is so much more.  There was so much energy. So much, how can I phrase it, so much life.  A home away from home for many.  Even if just for a few hours.  And that is just what we all have been craving for. A chance to slowly get back to some kind of normal. 

So, if you need me, I’ll be on the first floor…. Primo Piano in Portici (Na).

Thanks, ragazzi!!!