Friday, October 21, 2022

The 15th edition of Malazè, the Campi Flegrei Festival-lab Continues


The event created to promote the beauties and tourist-cultural proposals of the Phlegraean area, organized by Malazè Laboratorio di Comunità APS, continues in its second weekend of events dedicated to food and wine, the beauties of the territory, the landscape, the myths and its stories. These are the ingredients that will accompany young and old "ViaggiAttori" to live an experiential dimension that only these unique places can offer.


"We are halfway there, happy to have resumed this year but aware that Malazè - explains the creator of the event, Rosario Mattera - cannot limit itself to being a showcase of the Phlegraean Fields for only two weeks a year. We want to look to the future in an innovative way to create wealth responsibly in the food sector as well as in cultural and social enterprise, in new digital technologies and in design. But we haven't forgotten our past; we know that roots can make a difference in the globalized world ”.


 Below is the complete calendar of the second weekend of Malazè, reservations are required for each event.


Friday 21st October 2022


At the table with the Sibyl | Masseria Sardo - Lake Averno at 7:30 pm

For info and reservations: 0818581814 - 3493083243 | ristorante@masseriasardo.com


 

Tasting Laboratory of Extra Virgin Olive Oil from Campania | Slow Food Campania - Slow Olive Group | Bacoli at 10:00 (reserved for operators in the sector)

For info and reservations: 339 8006902 | slowolivecampania@gmail.com

Saturday 22nd October 2022

The Rione Terra, like a museum, between Myth, tales and recent history - Lux in Fabula Antonio Isabettini | Pozzuoli - Rione Terra at 17:00, Palazzo Migliaresi at 17:00

Antonio Isabettini tells the story and the chronicle of the Rione Terra with the projection of unpublished visual documents. For info: 328 667 0977 |luxinfabula2@libero.it

Bio Fitness Game - The Garden of the Templars - Redhorn.

Pozzuoli - Lake Averno at 09:00. Team sports training with an athletic trainer and treasure hunt with the Sibyl's enigmas along the shores of Lake Averno.

For info and reservations: 345 667 0467 - 351 731 4370 | info@ilgiardinodeitemplari.it

Discovering the vegetable garden and agro-biodiversity (Pozzuoli - Lake Averno at 10:00). The club's educators will guide families on an outdoor day at the educational garden of the Phlegraean Dog Center in Lake Averno to discover the vegetable garden and biodiversity of agriculture. For info and reservations: 340 6004477 - 348 9608185 | legambientecittaflegrea@gmail.com

In the footsteps of San Gennaro - Progetto Uomo Onlus (9:30 am 1st group / 11:00 am 2nd group - 15 participants per group). A visit, a mix of history, art, tradition and devotion to understand the life of San Gennaro and his link with Naples and the Phlegraean Fields. Accompanied by a qualified guide and a friar, you will have the opportunity to visit the church, the cloister and the soup kitchen (to which part of the proceeds will go) in a different way, focusing on the artistic and spiritual aspect local.

For info and reservations: 333 3577746 | 380 4722925

Campi Flegrei where history becomes myth | Photo exhibition

11:00 opening at Casa Mehari Quarto Via Nicotera 8. For info: 335 7106976 | contact@flegreaphoto.it

Sunday 23 October 2022

Napoli Obliqua Napoli Pedala (appointment: 07:30 - Galleria Principe di Napoli) | A bike trip in the beating heart of the city of Naples, between the districts of the historic center and beyond, to learn more about the morphology of Naples, its history, traditions and contemporaneity.

For info and reservations: 338 2723767 | 338 2127542 | napolibikefestival@gmail.com

Bio Fitness Game - The Garden of the Templars - Redhorn.

Pozzuoli - Lake Averno at 09:00. Team sports training with an athletic trainer and treasure hunt with the Sibyl's enigmas along the shores of Lake Averno.

For info and reservations: 345 667 0467 - 351 731 4370 | info@ilgiardinodeitemplari.it

Foraging among the volcanoes - APS Visit Campi Flegrei - Masseria Sardo

The event will be held in the oasis of Monte Nuovo, from which we will leave to reach the shores of Lake Averno. A fascinating tour that will end with an aperitif. For info and reservations: 347 5507420 - 320 8015037 | info@visitcampiflegrei.eu

Naturalistic Walk in Procida Capital “For orchards and gardens” - Procida Porto 10:00 am | Paths to discover Procida, the smallest of the Phlegrean islands, capital of Culture 2022.

Walk through vegetable gardens, vineyards, gardens and typical streets of the island. For info and reservations: 333 7201311 - 338 8257952 | association@vivara.it

Vibrating in the memory of the ruins of the Villa Rustica del Torchio (Phlegraean quarter - Villa del Torchio 9: 30-12: 30)

Gong concert and ancestral instruments by Gong Master Antonella Notturno and guided tour by the Campi Flegrei Archaeological Group. For info and reservations: 349 0962592 - 338 3187875 | protocol.generale@comune.quarto.na.it - ​​raffaella.devivo@libero.it

Walking Tour Pozzuoli. Discovering the wonders of the Phlegraean Fields with a walk in the historic center of Pozzuoli. For info and reservations: 081 19009000 | percorsiflegrei@turismoeservizi.it

Fata Morgana at Lake Averno (from 10:30 to 13:00). The educators of Legambiente Città Flegrea and the Morgana fairy will guide the participants on a particular outdoor walk to discover the archaeological evidence, myths, legends and floral and faunal species of the mysterious Lake Averno. For info and reservations: 340 6004477 - 348 9608185 | legambientecittaflegrea@gmail.com

Capo Miseno Myth and History - Between Ceres Dionysus and Isis (Bacoli Faro di Miseno at 11:00). Guided walk through the breathtaking scenery of Capo Miseno where participants can have fun in a procession in honor of ancient divinities. For info and reservations: 339 4195725 | Culturavventura@gmail.com

Archeoemotions: Discovering the Mosaics of the Submerged Bay (from 11:00 to 12:00). Boat excursion, a unique and inimitable journey to discover the history of the submerged villas of Baia and its spectacular mosaics | For info and reservations: 379 2426496 |nostrosud.srl@libero.it

Bacoli waterways and ... wines. A guided tour to discover two extraordinary Roman archaeological sites hidden in the narrow streets of the historic center of Bacoli: the Cento Camerelle complex and the Piscina Mirabilis.

or info and reservations: 081 014 0916 | info@piscinamirabilisbacoli.it

Discovering the Ancient Misenum (Bacoli - Sacello degli Augustali at 10:00)

Guided walk to discover the sites of the ancient Roman town of Misenum whose port was the seat of the most important fleet of the Roman Empire.

Terramadre life resurfaces | Campi Flegrei Award VI edition | photographic exhibition at Castello di Baia

Flegrea PHOTO association in collaboration with the Phlegraean Fields Archaeological Park

Baia - Archaeological Museum of the Phlegraean Fields | For info: 335 7106976 | contact@flegreaphoto.it

For all updates and news in detail, just consult the event website www.malaze.it.

Wednesday, October 12, 2022

Malazè is Back!


Malazè
is back, the festival-lab conceived by Rosario Mattera to promote the beauties and tourist-cultural proposals of the Phlegraean Fields. Now in its fifteenth edition, Malazè is an event that spreads throughout the Phlegraean Fields and ideally unites Naples, Pozzuoli, Bacoli, Monte di Procida, Quarto and Procida as well as numerous associations and businesses in the area.


This year an edition full of events dedicated to food and wine, the beauties of the Phlegraean area, history but also leisure, designed so that you can  immerse yourself in the myths and legends of this land.

"The goal is to let those who do not know it discover this land and to thrill those who already know it but not enough", explains Rosario Mattera. “This is the fifteenth edition, every year is a different bet and we did not expect to get this far; I am driven by the conviction that the territory has strengths that are not sufficiently valued and that it still has a lot to offer ".



Fifteen days, four thematic areas (Taste, Myths and Stories, Archeology, Nature and Landscape). It starts on Friday 14 October 2022 with "A dip in history ... and then toast with the Romans", an appointment that will allow you to snorkel in the submerged city of Baia to continue with the "Bio Fitness Game", a workshop in Pozzuoli dedicated to slow food, Walking Tour of Pozzuoli, wine tastings of the Campi Flegrei DOC wines, oil workshops, reserved for Phlegraean restaurateurs, events to discover the ancient fortress of the Rione Terra di Pozzuoli and much more.


There is also space for outdoor activities with "Kids by bike", urban trekking and walks to discover Capo Miseno and Montenuovo; "The idleness of Dionysus" at the Terme di Baia and "Archeoemotions" will allow, however, to combine different passions together (archeology, taste and nature). Every Monday it will be the turn of the ARF cooks who will organize "Everyone in a barrel", ten-handed dinners in the cellar or workshops and meetings to discover the flavors of this land.

A preview of Malazè 2022 is scheduled for Thursday 13 October, at 5 pm, at Villa di Livia (Pozzuoli). Francesco Maisto, president of the Campi Flegrei Regional Park Authority will speak with Mattera; Nicola Caputo, Councilor for Agriculture of the Campania Region and the mayor of Pozzuoli, Luigi Manzoni. This will be followed by a tasting of typical Phlegraean dishes and Campania wines donated by the ARF and the Women of Wine of Campania. The service will be offered by the IPSEOA "Lucio Petronio" Institute of Pozzuoli.

The entire Malazè 2022 program can be viewed on the website www.malaze.it.

Wednesday, October 5, 2022

Rediscovering Caracol - Caracol Gourmet, Bacoli (Na)

 

 


It’s as if I am rediscovering you and your cuisine, Angelo.

That is how I answered Angelo Carannante, chef of the Michelin starred restaurant Caracol Gourmet, during our after lunch chit chat that windy afternoon.

Rediscovering, reliving, and in some ways -silently celebrating- my latest lunch at one of Campania’s top restaurants.

My first visit was back in 2017.  I remember as if it were yesterday. Each yearly visit since then (minus 2020 due to Covid)  includes a steep downhill ride in the restaurant’s 4x4 (the only way to reach Caracol). Colorful, no frills, packed with flavor dishes. A wine list with international as well as local wines from Campi Flegrei.  And of course- the fantastic view. Definitely a stellar experience.

 

Let’s rediscover together-



My afternoon began with a sparkling wine by Corte dei Roberto, a sea truffle that had been steamed open on the grill, a lampuga (translated dolphin fish or mahi-mahi) kebab with teriyaki sauce, a fried ravioli filled with creamy codfish and a double buckwheat cracker with porcini mushroom.








Oct-dog...a tasty play on words- The chef's octopus sandwich.

 Then on to the appetizers. 


Cod cooked in olive oil, centrifuged friarielli broccoli, celery root cream, and clam water. 


What do you think about when I saw cauliflower?  I bet you have never had it like this...


Here it is roasted and served with a tahini sauce, anchovy caviar, an almonds.  All blanketed with cauliflower foam.

First courses- I was treated to 2.


Spaghettoni with anchovies and mussels.





A pumpkin risotto with horseradish and smoked eel...

Second course. The chef mentioned to me that when one thinks of the cuisine Campi Flegrei, they think of the sea.  Many do not realize that the territory's recipe book also features a rich history of meats, vegetables and fowl.  Like this second course so flavorfully demonstrates.




Guinea fowl breast with a red mullet champagne and caviar nage.

All throughout the meal, I was treated to a glass of wine (or four) thanks to pairings by maitre sommelier Giannantonio Scotto Di Vetta.



Pre- dessert.


Prickly pear sorbet with cinnamon and bottarga.

 Followed by a dessert inspired by the chef's trip to Brazil last year.

 In fact the dish is called Memory of a trip to Brazil-and it features coconut, cachaça and lime.

It was at about this point in the meal when a gentleman at the table to my right  spoke to me.

Are you writing a review? he asked.

No, I smiled back.  

I'm just rediscovering an old friend.  

Rediscovering, reliving, and in some ways -silently celebrating- my latest lunch at one of Campania’s top restaurants.


Chef Angelo Carannante and I


Sunday, October 2, 2022

Monteruscello Fest, 20 Thousand Euro Donated To Telethon For Research On Diseases Without Diagnosis

 


On the 12th of September, the 1st edition of Monteruscello Fest was held.  A sold out charity event featuring chefs, pizza makers and other artisans in the enogastronamic that raised 20 thousand Euro for Telethon.  

This was announced by the organizers of the event, Daniele and Simone Testa and Giovanni Tammaro who wanted to promote the initiative, together with the Municipality of Pozzuoli, to make a contribution to the research program on Diseases Without  Diagnosis implemented by the Tigem of Pozzuoli and also to enhance the Monteruscello district.

"We thank - they said - the many people who participating in the event made a donation to Telethon and the many artists and chefs who did not lack their support for the initiative. We apologize to the many local operators, restaurateurs, entrepreneurs of the food, pastry chefs, which we have not been able to involve this year. We consider this first edition a test, but we are sure that next year by spreading the initiative over two days we will be able to include many important and top-level realities that are active in Pozzuoli and in the 'Phlegraean area ".


I attended the event-check out some of my posts below...


Saturday, October 1, 2022

Back to Abraxas - Abraxas Osteria, Pozzuoli (Na)

 

When you open Abraxas Osteria’s home page, you’ll find these words---


We are in the Phlegrean fields, here where throughout the centuries the fire meets the sea, the seductive and wild nature offers unique scenarios and unmatched products.

Here the ancient embraces the modern with warm and lively colors: smoothed tufo stone, the brick arches, the wood, colors and shapes of objects that tell our story.
Every detail has something to tell, each detail is part of Abraxas.

Abraxas is a place where the hosts welcome friends who come back with pleasure to learn about their tales and their passion for these lands, made of laborers, breeders, fishermen and producers
who live to carry on in their companies the ancient traditions that allow each of our plates to
to be lived through warm feelings.

I read those words with a smile as I scrolled through the website with curiosity, enthusiasm, and excitement.  It had been two (omg- maybe three) years since I had visited Nando Salemme -owner, traveller, dreamer, enthusiast- and I eager to see what I Nando had done with the place.

Check it out -


Lively colors is right!  And what attention to detail.  I fell in love with my water glass-complete with a yellow and blue fish!


 

Nando's menu features not only the traditions of Campi Flegrei/Campania- but has a long list of quality Slow Food Presidio products - many chosen personally during his travels.



Toasted seaweed bread with Cantabrian anchovies and Normandy butter.  Caciobarile with giant lupins from Variano.  Plegrean fiocco.  Foccaccia with sautéed escarole, olives, walnuts and anchovies. Zucchini crochette and mint mayonnaise.  Casatiello. Stracciata with Neapolitan eggplant.




Murzill 'sapurit ...

Fresella from San Marcellino with tomato salad  and mussels from Campi Flegrei.

Next, I wanted to focus on first courses- and I was served two...



Linguine with a creamy cicerchia sauce, tomatoes, and mussels from Capo Miseno.



Potato gnocchi with leeks, shrimp, squid, and frutti di mare with lemon.


I decided to pass on second courses-that honestly wasn't easy to do, considering the top selection of quality grilled meats.  Next time!


So  I checked out the dessert menu with a deconstructed tiramisu as well as an espresso martini...


So, my impressions about my Saturday lunch at Abraxas?  Let's just say that I gave Salemme a hug when I arrived and an even bigger one when I left...

Host Nando Salemme and myself




A presto!



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