andiamotrips - campania, italy with karen phillips

  In the heart of Naples, amidst the echoes of its ancient past and the vibrant hum of its modern life, a unique project has taken root, symbolizing hope, education, and environmental recovery. The Resilient Vineyard , a brainchild of RadiciVive  and the Varchetta family, who have been intertwined with the art of winemaking since 1891, stands as a testament to what can be achieved when a community comes together for the greater good. Cristina and Vincenzo Varchetta , with their deep roots in viticulture, have extended their passion beyond the confines of their vineyard, reaching out to local schools to share their knowledge and love for the land. This visionary project, created in synergy with the Naples municipality, the superintendence of archaeological and cultural heritage, and the architecture faculty of the Federico II University, offers more than just a lesson in winemaking. It is a concrete example of environmental recovery, breathing new life into an area that had been left

Pork belly cooked at low temperature, sweet and sour sauce, chilli pepper, potato and carrot terrine Recently, I had the opportunity to dine at Don Alfonso 1890 in Sant’Agata Sui Due Golfi, an iconic restaurant and boutique hotel in the Campania region near Sorrento. In a recent post , I mentioned that the restaurant closed for a season after 50 years to undergo significant structural renovations in pursuit of their dream of sustainability and a healthier planet for future generations. Since 2011, I have been a loyal patron of Don Alfonso 1890, except during the COVID pandemic and restructuring periods. Every time I sit at the table and peruse the menu, I still feel excited. I was eager to discover Chef Ernesto Iaccarino's creations for Spring 2024. Apart from an a la carte menu, the restaurant offers three tasting menus: La Tradizione/Traditional, Vegetariano/Vegetarian , and La Degustazione , which I opted for – a comprehensive menu featuring revamped signature dishes and new add