andiamotrips - campania, italy with karen phillips

  One Friday afternoon I stopped by  Casa A Tre Pizzi  for a chat with  Chef Giovanni Erculanese.  I had just visited an archaeological site in nearby Posillipo. I was quite excited about that particular visit because I learned so much about the history of that particular section of Naples and thus that particular history of the Campania region. The chef and I discussed how important it is to understand the history and culture of a region or area to help us also understand and appreciate the evolution or creation of a particular dish or recipe in a restaurant.   That is why I was so excited when I sat down a week later for dinner just a couple of metres from the pass to try some of the chef’s dishes for the new season.    Casa a Tre Pizzi is a restaurant located where Mergellina meets Posillipo.     The restaurant is run by the Notaro family – Andrea, Mirko and their father Salvatore- from Somma Vesuviana, a town near Naples.     Why is this important you may ask? Well, Somma Vesuviana

Fried anchovies on the beach-Lido Turistico Campi Flegrei aka the Phlegrean Fields has been my home for the last 30 years. How much do you know about this coastal area near Naples which houses the largest volcanic area in Europe?   Besides offering some amazing archaeological sites, coastal lakes, beaches, thermal springs, and nature reserves, it also has some great spots to eat...and yes, drink wine. Here is my list of some not to miss spots. Restaurants From traditional cuisine to Michelin starred fine dining- the area is packed. It wasn't easy to choose, believe me. 1 . Caracol 2. Bothanica 3. Turistico Beach Park 4. HomePiccola Osteria Alternativa 5. Hosteria Bugiarda 6. Kuma65 7. TribusRestaurant 9. Ristorante La Bifora 10 . IlTestardo- Locanda Atipica 11. SudRistorante 12. AbraxasOsteria Caracol with chef Angelo Carannante and Maitre Ciro Sannino   Wineries Thanks to the vulcanic soil and their proximity to the ocean, the flavor and aromas of th