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Growing Roots in History: The Resilient Vineyard Project, Pianura (Na)

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  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
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Behind the Menu: The Story of Don Alfonso 1890's Culinary Evolution

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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
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Green Is the New Gourmet: How Don Alfonso 1890 is Redefining Sustainability in the Culinary World

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Chef Ernesto Iaccarino Don Alfonso 1890 Earth Day every day? You bet! That's the anthem of the Iaccarino family over at Don Alfonso 1890, nestled in the picturesque Sant'Agat a Sui Due Golfi, a stone’s throw from Sorrento. Picture this: for half a century, these eco-warriors have been at the forefront of living sustainably . Their green initiatives even snagged them a coveted Green Michelin star, cozying right up next to the two Michelin stars their restaurant proudly flaunts. But hold the phone—by the end of 2022, they hit the pause button, deciding not to reopen for the 2023 season. Why? They set out on a mission to level up their green game even further. Yep, in a time when the hospitality world was just finding its feet after the pandemic, they made the bold move to forego not just business but those shiny Michelin stars too. Fast forward to Spring 2024, and guess what? Don Alfonso 1890 is making a grand comeback. I got the scoop straight from Chef Ernesto Iaccarino, and
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A Journey through Naples' Vicolo della Cultura

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  In the enchanting city of Naples, Italy, a new cultural treasure has blossomed, enchanting both locals and visitors. Known as the  Vicolo della Cultura , or Alley of Culture, this captivating street art initiative celebrates the legacies of influential women throughout history. Each mural and artwork narrates tales of strength, intellect, and remarkable accomplishments. To catch you up, I’d like to take you back a bit.  Il Vicolo della Cultura  is an association in Naples, Italy that loves not only their culture but their neighborhoods as well. So much so that they have ‘taken over’ so to speak, side streets and cleaned them up, painted murals with prominent figures in history, as well as added other specialties such as bookshelves where you can swap books and QR codes where you can learn further about the area. See my You Tube video  here . This latest adventure has paired up the association with local bookstore  A & M  and focuses on 5 women;  Frida Kahlo, Michela Murgia, Matil
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Exploring the Flavors of Procida - the Famous Lemon Salad at Calacala' Rooms, Restaurant & Farm Experience

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                                    Ciao guys!! Last week I visited the island of Procida. Have you heard of it? It is the smallest of the 3 off of the bay of Naples. And though I’ve lived in Campania for 30 years, I haven’t been to Procida in over 25!!! So why did I feel inspired to hop on a 30 minute ferry from Pozzuoli on the first day of spring? To 1) beat the crowds and 2) check out the famous  insalata di limone - lemon salad which you can only find in Procida. Surely there are those of you have heard about a lemon salad and have tried to create it at home using lemons from the supermarket or from your garden (guilty!!!!) but it is not the same!  Salvatore Costagliola Di Polidoro  of  Calacala Rooms,Restaurant & Farm Experience   showed me why. Now that I understood the why, I wanted to see the other ingredients that he used from his garden and how he prepared them. No problem!   I was a bit skeptical at first. But I must admit that this blend of fresh ingredients from the ga
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Exploring the Depths of Naples, Italy: Unveiling the Fascinating Secrets of Galleria Borbonica

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  I recently visited the Galleria Borbonica in Naples.  What a treasure.  Though I had read about it before, I would have never imagined how a tour ( in English ) could have been so interesting and emotional. I joined the standard tour led by Sabrina.  She began with an overview of the history behind this tunnel.  She shared that initially  the Galleria Borbonica aka Boubon Tunnel was designed as an escape route in the 19th century. King Ferdinand II of Bourbon ordered the construction of this underground passage to quickly move from the Royal Palace to the military barracks during times of turmoil. She spoke of the challenges as we followed her step by step into time. A n underground water reservoir situated beneath the Galleria once provided water to the Royal Palace, stands as a testament to the resourcefulness of ancient engineers. Our tour continued- a fast forward to WW II.   The  Galleria Borbonica served as a refuge from bombings. You could envsion  numerous Neapolitans seeki
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Coming Soon! My New Andiamotrips Website: Campania Food, Wine and Travel at Your Fingertips!

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  Ciao guys!! Today is an incredibly exciting day as I unveil a project that I have poured my heart and soul into – a new Andiamotrips website! 🎉 This platform is not just an ordinary website; it will serve as a hub that consolidates my blog, YouTube channel, and services all in one virtual space. With versions available in English and Italian, the aim of this website is to reach a wider audience and foster a global community of travel enthusiasts. As I gear up for the grand reveal, I am filled with boundless excitement for the journey ahead. Get ready to immerse yourself in a world of engaging content and valuable resources. From expert travel tips and insider insights to exclusive videos and personalized services, the Andiamotrips website promises a fulfilling experience for every visitor. I am truly grateful for the unwavering support and enthusiasm from each and every one of you. Together, we are embarking on a voyage brimming with adventure, discovery, and camaraderie. Thank y
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