Showing posts with label food. Show all posts
Showing posts with label food. Show all posts

TRAVEL DIARY: CAPRI

A perfect place to visit on a Friday afternoon... and my last place to share from my trip to Italy. Welcome to Capri!
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This beautiful island is every bit as charming, sunny, and wonderful as everyone promised it would be. By far the most relaxing stop on our travels, I could have spent a few more days here lounging by our pool, enjoying the views, and indulging in a little luxury!

While we couldn't book a room at J.K Place (where I've always wanted to visit) we did the next best thing and stayed in a lovely hotel practically right next door. It was just my sister and I for this part of the trip, so we dolled ourselves up one night and headed over there for drinks on the patio that turned into a spectacular dinner where we were completely spoiled by the staff.
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We also discovered a cute little lunch spot where we wedged ourselves into this teeny balcony and people-watched for a few hours on a Saturday when it was quite packed on the island.

The second day there, we spent some time in Anacapri which was lovely and quiet - especially on a Sunday. (It's where I got the pair of sandals I shared with you last week!) I wanted to bring back a whole bowl of these puffer fish too, but I don't think they allow sharp objects on the airplane...
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We basically ate our way through Italy - can you tell? This was the best pesto I have ever ever had at some random little spot we picked because we got hungry. Love when that happens!
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We ended the last night there in the glow of this beautiful sunset... I was so sad to leave such a relaxing and beautiful place. Capri, I will definitely be back!

I hope you enjoyed a peek at all my travels! It was an amazing little trip and I can't wait for the next one! Ciao Ciao!

*all images by coco+kelley

TRAVEL DIARY: THE AMALFI COAST

The next stops on our quick little journey were to Sorrento and Positano where we spent about a full day in each city relaxing enjoying a little beach (or should I say cliff?) time...
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Our hotel was just two blocks up from the waterfront, and this was the view that greeted us on our first day in Sant'Agnello where we stayed (just outside of Sorrento, it's a little more quiet than being downtown).

Having been to the Amalfi Coast before, I took less photos for some silly reason, but I managed to snap a few good ones on our trip to Positano the next day...
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I couldn't resist the Missoni shop - it was too perfect! And so is this postcard-worthy view!
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There was tons of shopping in Positano, and I came home with some goodies! When we stumbled upon this display of loafers in every possible color though, I froze up and couldn't decide which ones I loved the most! Just looking at them again, I get overwhelmed! Green? Peach? Lilac? Red? What would you have chosen?  
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And again - more eating! Of course. This is one of my favorite traditional dishes - I remember my Nonna and my father making it from time to time growing up. It's squash or zucchini blossoms stuffed with fresh ricotta or goat cheese, lightly fried, and served with fresh basil and pomodoro. (If you want to test it out yourself, try this recipe from Giada for the goat cheese, or this recipe from bon appetit for the ricotta version!)

I've saved my favorite spot for last (just like we did in our trip!) so on Friday I will share my final destination - Capri!

TRAVEL DIARY: CATANIA

While the rest of my family got to enjoy Sicily for about a week, I joined in the party a bit late, so my few days there were spent mainly in Catania. If you want a dose of real southern Sicilian living, I recommend diving into the culture here!
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The fish market near the main piazza was a sight to see! (I of course didn't have my camera with me to capture it.) and we ate tons of fresh seafood for dinner both nights. My favorite was the spaghetti with clams. My father was more adventurous with his dish (on the right). The best part, though, was the evening light filtering into the square, drenching the church, and settling on us during dinner before disappearing. Can't you just feel the warm glow? 
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Of course, after dinner I had to treat myself to my first gelato, and I chose the gelateria based completely on the fascinating ceiling. Looks like something Kelly Wearstler would approve of, no?

The next day was all about sightseeing, since it was Sunday and nothing was open. We roamed through the little town and found buildings old and new... all beautiful! 
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We mused at how Italians always look so chic and cool, even in the middle of the heat, so we all practiced putting on our best faces to fit in. This is my "Oh, what, this gorgeous centuries-old church? Nothing I haven't seen before. Ho hum." face. What do you think?
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I was so bummed when we passed Rizzotti and Zara Home and neither were open. Sundays in Europe! Ugh!! The best I could do was snap a few window shopping photos for you.
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At the end of the afternoon we ended up in this big park that was wonderfully shaded and quiet... a perfect spot to sit and enjoy the city for a bit before packing up and leaving the next day for more adventures (tomorrow, tomorrow!).

ps - the b&b we stayed at in catania is called BAD, but don't let the name scare you. its decor was slightly hipster meets old world italy, we had our own private patio and kitchen, and the owners were wonderfully helpful! we also dined two nights in a row at the osteria antica sicilia, we loved it (and our waiter, paulo) so much. 

*photography by coco+kelley.