I know that I have been writing about my fall tour and my favorite restaurant in Rome, so now I am going to write about my favorite Italian subject and that is:  Mamma Agata’s cooking program in Ravello.

The other day I received, by mail, my first and best Christmas present.  I noticed the package was sent to: Gourmet Getaways.  I could not imagine who was sending me a package.  I didn’t order anything.  Quickly I got out the scissors and managed to get through layers and layers of packaging tape.  Before my eyes were four packages of Mamma Agata’s pasta and a few other prized treats from Italy along with a thank you note from Chiara.

Well, I could not resist making pasta for dinner.  Each package is sealed with the logo and a recipe on the back.  How clever!  Now you can get first hand recipes from Italy!

My husband and I had a wonderful delicious pasta dinner.  It was  so good he had a second portion.  The texture of this pasta is best described by a smooth surface but a definite al dente center!

Suggestion:  cook according to directions but watch is slowly as you do not want to over cook this pasta!  It must have an al-dente center!  That’s what makes it truly Italian.

For those of you that want to book a cooking class please send me an email and we will work together to get you schedules for the best cooking class in Italy.  An experience not to be missed!

Those that cannot go I highly recommend you purchase her cookbook.  You will think you are in Italy and after looking at these pictures you will want to give me a call and book that flight to Italy and register for her class.

If you have not purchased your cookbook you can do so by contacting Mamma Agata at

http://Mammaagata.com/shopping-mamma-agata-cookbook.aspx.

HINT:  Best to order the book directly through Mamma Agata’s website so that you can get a signed copy!

If you enter Gourmet Getaways in the dedication portion of the order she will know that I recommended you!  Also she will personally send you a signed copy of the cookbook.

There were six of us that evening.  Since we were staying at the Palazzo Manfredi it was not a difficult walk from the hotel but I would suggest you take a cab.

Lucio Sforza, the chef, is originally from Orvieto so his cuisine is Umbrian.  He is very adventurous in mixing his ingredients.  His creations are over the top.  There was so much to choose from that it was very difficult to make a decision.  We all decided that we were going to order as many different dishes as we could and none of us were disappointed!

He has an extensive wine list that will not break the bank.  Everyone had an appetizer and main dish.  Of course we were very thrilled with the entire meal, including desserts.

If you are going with a small group I suggest you make a reservation.  Go a little early as the locals will fill up the restaurant later in the evening.

As we were leaving the restaurant I noticed the jar of biscotti.  The manager offered me two which I gladly took.  I  never refuse biscotti.  They were delicious and I wish I could have had more!  Crunchy and full of flavor!

I highly recommend this restaurant.  When I return to Rome I will definitely go back here!  Go with an appetite and be daring in your selection.  You will not be disappointed.

L’Asino d’Oro on Via del  Boschetto – go there on your next visit.  Maybe I will see you there!

Ostica Antica was an ancient port for Rome located right  on the mouth of the Tiber River.  It was founded in the 4^th BC by rich businessmen, merchants, sailors and slaves.  There are many parts to this ancient ruin including: Decumanus Maximus ( the main city street), the Forum, the theatre, Capitolium, an elaborate bath complex,  which still contain beautiful mosaics.  These are just a few mentioned features of this ancient park.

The entire park is quite extensive and can take you up to three hours to explore so wear comfortable shoes!  The entrance fee is 4 euros, and accessible by subway from Rome.  Well worth the visit to see how the people of Rome lived many years ago!  Rome’s answer to Pompeii – only older!

Our food and wine, while in Umbria, was beyond our expectations.  It began with a meal in Orvieto , Venusos, which is located in the piazza steps from the Duomo.  The chef uses all local and fresh ingredients.  Each of the three dishes were paired with local Umbrian wines, which only enhanced the experience.  We enjoyed every mouthful! Luca’s  philosophy is: “Life is too shore to drink bad wine.”   I highly recommend this trattoria in Orvieto.

Our other dining experience while in Orvieto was at the Champagneria, behind the Duomo. We enjoyed a twelve course tasting lasting three hours! We toasted another great night filled with wonderful food and champagne.   Velia and Gianluca were great hosts.  Velia is a fantastic chef!

It was another wonderful ’food’ experience!

We were lucky and we were seated outside.  We both ordered cocktails to celebrate the beautiful weather in hopes that it would continue for the rest of the summer.  Before long our order was before us.  I ordered a Porchetta Sandwich.  Delicious!  My daughter ordered a Poached egg served on top of creamy polenta. Bother were served with a small salad.  Of couse we were not leaving until we had dessert.  So we ordered a Semifreddo (translation – half cold) and  a plate of  Italian cookies.

See for yourself from the pictures.  You will not be disappointed.

And now for dessert!

So treat yourself.  Go to Salumeria Rosi located at 283 Amsterdam Ave.The chef, Cesare Casella did a wonderful job creating an appetizing menu !

Our day began early as we had to depart from the Excelsior Victoria hotel in order to arrive in Ravello by 10am.  It was a beautiful day and the ride to Ravello was breathtaking.  Upon our arrival Chiara greeted everyone with a cheerful smile and encouraged us to sit on the terrace and have an Italian breakfast:  Mamma Agata’s famous lemon cake and a cappuccino.

Mamma’s house is built into the hillside of Ravello with beautiful views of the Amalfi Coast .  Pictures cannot due it justice!  One has to see this to believe this view!  I often wonder what it would be like to wake up to this view every day.  This family works hard to grow their own vegetables and  herbs.  They also have their own lemon trees .    The land is terraced so as to use every available space. 

After we had a chance to collect ourselves we went into Mamma’s kitchen and were eager to learn. Everyone was given an apron and folder with notepaper and pens so we could take copious notes. Mamma does not speak English so her daughter, Chiara, translates and together they make quite the team.   The first part of the lesson we concentrated on making eggplant parmesian and fresh tomato sauce.  I has to bake for one hour and then it must rest for about 45 minutes before eating!

Mid way we took a break and explored the working farm and took in the beautiful vistas.  Many of us just marveled at the amount of work that they have to do to  make this an ultimate cooking program. The family works together every step of the way and together they are quite the team.  Even Chiara’s children help during the season when another pair of hands are needed.

We returned thirty minutes later.  Mamma then teaches us to make two pasta dishes: one with capers, tomatoes and olives and the other is with sausage, red and yellow peppers and cherry tomatoes. Next comes Mamma’s famous lemon chicken. All the ingredients are grown on the farm.

After many glasses of wines, eating  rolled eggplant and tasting the tomato sauces we sit down to a fabulous meal.  The eggplant is so light and tasty, the pasta is outstanding the chicken so juicy and tender. 

 Of course for dessert there is the  lemon cake and no one resisted having seconds.  With all the lemon trees abundant with lemons Mamma makes her own limoncello.  I think it is the best on the Amalfi Coast and I have tasted several brands.  This a winner!  Hands down!

After our dinner Chiara tells everyone about the farm, how Mamma cooked for very famous people and still does and other bits of information.  She kept our attention for quite a while.

Now it is time for us to leave. All of us wanted to stay, but before we departed  we gather for a group picture and hope that the memories of this special day will linger for a long long time. Chiara and Mamma make you feel that you are part of their family. 

This cooking class is the ultimate.  You will not be disappointed one bit!  I cannot wait to go back and will definitely put together another tour.

After everyone checked into the hotel and unloaded their luggage we gathered by the pool as   I had made arrangements for us to have a pizza making class with the chef at the hotel.  We were all given chef’s hats and aprons and we were ready to roll up our sleeves and get to work. 

As we approached the outdoor kitchen there was the wood-burning oven, which had been burning logs for at least 2 hours so that the temperature would be at least 900 degrees! 

First the chef instructed us on how to prepare the dough using yeast, water, flour and a little bit of sugar.  After a 3-hour rise it is ready for us to shape the dough, add the sauce and cheeses and some olive oil. 

Very simple ingredients.    Using a pizza peel the pizza was headed for the oven where it only took 2 –3 minutes to cook.  Each was dressed with a little basil and then it was ready for us to eat! Everyone had the chance to make his or her own pizza. 

Each pizza was beautifully charred on the bottom and the dough was very tender.  Of course it was the best pizza ever!  Nothing like a simple Neapolitan pizza.

We all enjoyed eating our pizza and drinking wine and Pelligrino sitting among the lemon trees with the sun shining.  A great start to a wonderful tour.

Later in the week after our exclusive dinner at the hotel, to which the chef prepared a special meal for my group, the manager and the chef presented everyone with a cooking certificate and the recipe.

Getting back to this hotel, let me say again that this hotel is my favorite.  I have stayed here at least four times and each time my stay is enhanced and I can never tire of this magnificent hotel.

What makes this hotel so special is the manager Nicolino Grigio(pictured below)  You can read more about the hotel by visiting John and Elana

The staff was very knowledgeable and very professional.  Everyone ordered drinks, appetizers and a main course.  Everything dish was perfect from the presentation to the taste.  No one was disappointed!  My sea bass was delicious as you can see from the picture.

 Then of course we had to have dessert.  I never go to a restaurant and not order dessert.  In fact, I have been known to read the dessert menu first so that I can properly pace myself when ordering the appetizer and main course. The dessert menu had quite a few choices so everyone chose something different so we could all have a taste.  I would rate the desserts a ‘12’ on a scale of 1 to 10.  Then the waiter presented us with a small plate of sweets made by the dessert chef.  Exceptional! ! ! 

Before we left we were given a crumb muffin, which of course I saved for breakfast the next day. Delicious !  Gramercy Tavern – treat yourself to a delicious experience!

 If you would like a more detailed description with  better food photos of our family outing please visit JohnandElana.

As you exit the Inn of Fifth Ave you can go either turn left or right and encounter many restaurants offering their best fare!  We decided to turn left this night.  Many  restaurants were full of eater and the streets were full of eager hungry people on the prowl for good food.  Our noses brought us to Pazzo!  They were willing  to seat us, since we were only two, but I do recommend you make a reservation!  We both had delicious and very fresh salads to start. Their claim to fame is their homemade pasta.  We both had pasta dishes that night and the pasta was tender and light, the way is should be.  Over all I would definitely go back to this restaurant.  Oh! By the way, their chocolate soufflé was great!  The center was oozing of chocolate – the way I like it!

Roy’s Hawaiian Cuisine, across Tamiami Road is another great choice.  We had a party of six people and everything was done to perfection even the dessert.

Sea Salt in the historic section (3^rd Street South) is a relatively new restaurant.  That evening it was extremely crowded and the kitchen was in full swing.  My dinner was ok so I would recommend that if you are going to Naples during high season go here for lunch when it is not so crazy!  I will give this restaurant another chance.  It has an extensive wine list!

Another restaurant in this area is Campiella, which I understand is very very good, however I was not able to get reservations there -so next time I will book well in advance.

My favorite above all was Bistro 821 on Fifth Ave South. Every dish was done to perfection and I am going back to this restaurant!  Chef Jesse Housman uses only the freshest of ingredients. A very innovative cuisine!  Going back here for sure!

Oh!  Want to get a good pizza in town?  Oh yes you can!  One evening I decided I needed to have my own pizza and a glass of wine.  So off we went to RossoPomodoro, which means red tomato.  I was a little hesitant at first since this is a chain restaurant but decided to go ahead and take my chances.  The restaurant,   originated in Italy with a few in the USA, was very crowded so I thought it couldn’t be that bad!  Want a delicious brick oven pizza?  Go here and you will not be disappointed.  This is the only way pizza should be baked!  With the ovens roaring over 900 degrees the bottom is slightly charred, a good sign. Every ingredient is fresh and from Italy.  In fact our food was so good we went back for lunch one day and had a tasty calzone!  Again the dough was tender and light!

If you are interested in good weather, great shopping, especially on 3^rd Street South filled with boutique shops, great golf and great accommodations, head south to Naples Florida that is.  You will not be disappointed!

 I suggest you check in and relax at the Inn on Fifth Avenue, located where else but Fifth Ave. South in Naples.  This hotel is situated conveniently in the middle of Fifth Ave South.  The rooms are furnished in a plantation style decor.  Of course there is air conditioning and all the comforts of home  including a coffee maker in each room.Be sure your room is located poolside so that you are steps away from the relaxing pool.

What I enjoyed most about this hotel is that Inn on Fifth also has spa facilities so if you feel like indulging yourself go right ahead! The very helpful staff will make you feel at home and will cater to your every whim, should it be booking a tee time at the hundreds of golf courses in Naples, dinner reservations or recommendations, spa services or any other concern you may have.

Within the building is McCabe’s Pub where they have appetizing pub fare.  Every morning they would provide us with a 20% discount breakfast coupon.So each morning we would enjoy our breakfast outside under the trees and take in the  morning activities.  We also had lunch and dinner here.  In the evening entertainment at the bar. Also you can always catch up on the latest sports happenings by watching the wide-screen tv.  Also part of the Inn on Fifth is Truluck’s, a seafood and steak restaurant.

So cure your winter blues and  getaway to Naples, Florida, that is!  If you need assistance  booking this hotel let me know, as I have become friends with the manager at this hotel, Cathy Christopher.  A wonderful manager and new friend!

I will be sure to return to Naples, Florida, that is!  And enjoy my stay at the Inn on Fifth Ave.

More to come about the restaurants in Naples in my next blog!