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Summer in Naples: the ice-cream parlors not to be missed in the city

In the city there are so many places where you can eat a good ice cream but only some offer a truly excellent ice cream. Let’s see together the ice cream parlors not to be missed!

Mennella

Quality finds its best form in Mennella ice cream, 100% natural. Composed of natural preparations, high quality fresh milk, cream obtained with the first flowering of milk, carob seed flour used as a thickener, Mennella ice cream has a natural, fresh and unmistakable taste. Every taste is prepared with fresh ingredients typical of the Italian territory: hazelnuts from Giffoni, almonds from Apulia, apricots from Vesuvius, Sorrento walnuts, lemons from the coast, wild strawberries from Acerno, pistachios from Bronte, dry and fresh seasonal fruit. The bases are prepared in the laboratory of Torre del Greco while the last process, the freezing, is done directly in the presence of the customer.
WHERE: Different sales points in the city.

Fantasia gelati

Fantasia Gelati was founded in 1994 and has distinguished itself over the years as an excellence in the field of artisan gelato production. The company that has been producing ice cream for 20 years in its 1000 square meter production laboratory and tasty specialties has been awarded with numerous awards. A long career distinguishes this company that over the years with dedication and passion has transformed ice cream into a multisensory experience. Starting from the choice of the most genuine and natural ingredients, such as buffalo milk and fresh fruit, up to the preparation of over 60 flavors that are updated with the arrival of each new season.
WHERE: Different sales points in the city.

Leopoldo, Casa Infante

The certainty of tradition, the rich taste of memories of the past, the goodness of the historical tastes of the traditional Italian ice cream parlor. The classics, from creams to fruit flavors. Choose between chocolate goodness, tiramisu, stracciatella, coffee, zuppa inglese and the freshness of fruity tastes: sour cherry, pistachio, berries,… Highest quality and genuine delights. But not only. From the continuous research on the flavor of Casa Infante the original tastes are born. Gifts to the Neapolitan gastronomic tradition make possible specialties like ice cream with babà, pastiera and roccocò! Tasteful intuitions and whimsical combinations to savor new flavors, never tried before: figs and ruhm, almond and honey, salt caramel, …
WHERE: Different sales points in the city.

Il Bilancione

Bilancione ice cream shop was born in Naples on the Posillipo hill in 1977 by the brothers Vincenzo and Pietro Bilancione and is today a reference point for both Neapolitans and tourists from all over the world. It has become a must also for people from the world of sport and entertainment. The real secrets of this success are the continuous search for quality and the professionalism with which customers are welcomed and served, all in a landscape setting among the most beautiful in the world, so that the Bilancione brand is recognized as: “ice cream of Posillipo ”.
WHERE: Via Posillipo, 238.

Soave

In the heart of the Vomero district, we find Soave, the historic ice cream shop located on the main street of the hilly shopping, where you can eat excellent ice cream. Don’t miss the timeless pistachio flavor.
WHERE: Via Alessandro Scarlatti, 130

Gay-Odin

Gay-Odin is not just one of the best chocolate factories in Naples. When you can rely on excellent quality raw materials, why not enjoy them in all possible forms? This is how the surprising ice creams and semifreddo desserts take their inspiration from the flavors of the Gay-Odin chocolates. Acorn forest ice cream, orange chocolate, Sicilian pistachio, Avola almond paste, ginger or hot pepper chocolate are just some of the flavors created by the most famous Neapolitan chocolate.
WHERE: Via Benedetto Croce, 61.

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Naples Travel Tip: The Campania ArteCard

Like a lot of cities and travel destinations, it’s possible to purchase a discount card in Naples that enables you to have free/discounted access to various historical and cultural sites around the city. Sometimes these things are worth it, sometimes they are not.

In Naples however, I would strongly advise picking up a Campania >artecard swiftly after arriving in the city.

You can buy your pass online, on the >artecard app, at an >artecard point and at the ticket office of various tourist sites (at the Archaeological Museum, at Pompeii, etc)

There are variations of the Campania Artecard available and the most suitable will depend on your personal interests and your intended Naples itinerary.

The cards allow free access to some sites, free use of public transportation, and reduced entry at additional sites. Prices start from €12 for those under 25, and €21 for those over 25. Either way, it will save you a fair bit.

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Over 100 Ferrari from all over the world in Campania

More than 100 Ferrari from all over the world will meet in Campania for the eighth edition of the Ferrari Cavalcade.
The event offers Ferrari customers unique driving experiences, along fascinating routes that allow you to fully appreciate the performance of the contemporary cars of the Cavallino.

Over 200 collectors and enthusiasts crews from more than 20 countries around the world, with a large representation of Europe, the United States, the Middle East, and with numerous participants from the Far East, New Zealand and Australia. Numbers that reflect the boundless attraction of the Maranello brand.

This international parterre awaits a journey full of surprises and a variety of landscapes that only the Campania region can offer. At the wheel of their Ferrari, participants will be able to explore the wonderful views of the Amalfi coast and the Campania hinterland, from the Parco del Partenio to the slopes of Vesuvius.

The tour will begin on Tuesday 18th June with a visit to the city of Benevento, where the Ferrari can be admired in Corso Garibaldi from 1 pm. The following day from 1.30 pm the cars will be available on the Salerno seafront, before going along the bends from Amalfi to Sorrento, where they are expected in Corso Italia from 7.00 pm. On June 20th, the Royal Palace of Caserta will be the setting for the Cavalcade, in front of which the models of the Cavallino Rampante will line up around 10:30 am, and the center of Naples, with a stop in Piazza del Plebiscito from 2.30 pm. The fourth last day of the tour, Friday 21st, will be dedicated to one of the jewels of the Gulf, with a parade of cars from Capri to Anacapri at 7:00 pm.

An exceptional program and a great show not only for Ferrari owners but for all citizens and tourists, which binds the most famous car manufacturer in the world to these places symbol of Italian beauty.
“We want to bring the Ferrari brand closer to the beauty of Campania – said Alessandro Cellamare, head of Ferrari events – It will be an opportunity for our customers to see territories they would not have visited. It is not just a Ferrari event, but of the territory. A convoy that moves every day in Campania and that, on average, will cover 800 kilometers every day “.

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Cross Piazza del Plebiscito with your eyes closed.

The purpose of this game is managing to go between the equestrian statues in the center of the square, sculpted by Antonio Canova and depicting Charles III of Bourbon and Ferdinand I of the Two Sicilies.

Rules of the game: close your eyes or wear a blindfold. Procedure: starting from the gate of Palazzo Reale, walk straight for about 170 meters. Do not be surprised if, on opening your eyes, you realize not only that you have not managed to cross the space between the two statues, but that you are somewhere else entirely.

According to legend, it is all Queen Margherita’s fault: she is said to have granted a pardon to the prisoners of the Kingdom who passed this test, however, a curse launched by the Queen herself prevented the competitors from being successful.
As a matter of fact, the particular conformation of the square, with its surface of not perfectly linear cobblestones, hinders walking in a straight line, making this a very difficult thing to do in Naples with kids, especially during the night.

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5 most romantic places in Naples

The atmosphere, the landscapes, the dinner at the restaurants on the promenade, Naples is certainly one of the most romantic cities in the world. So let’s see the 5 most romantic places where you can comfortably spend your special moments with your partner, or give your first neapolitan kiss.

Gaiola and Virgilian Park

Gaiola, magical and mysterious. A fabulous natural scenery where a small island rises. In the past it was called “Euplea”, protector of safe navigation, and safe haven.
The origins of Gaiola are really ancient: they date back to Roman times, when it was inhabited by Publio Pollione il Vecchio. From the impressive free beach, along some stairs, you can enter into the protected marine area of the Submarine Park of Gaiola, where from the sand you pass to a less soft and rocky scenery.                                The Virgilian Park was built under the name of Park of Victory or of Beauty. It was called Remembrances Park to commemorate the fallen of the Great War, and later Virgilian Park, in honor of the poet and legendary protector and wizard of Naples, Virgil. It extends over an area of about 92,000 m², 150 meters above sea level, on the promontory of Posillipo hill. You can access from 2 entrances: the main entrance, where you will find a newly built fountain, and from Via Tito Lucrezio Caro. The Virgilian park is characterized by a system of terraces overlooking the Gulf of Naples. You can enjoy different views: the islands of Nisida, Procida, Ischia and Capri, Vesuvius coast, Sorrento Peninsula, Trentaremi Bay with its archaeological site and the historic center of Naples.

Sant’Antonio Terrace

You can get here with the funicular of Mergellina. Just take the first stop “Sant Antonio”, in Via Orazio. Keep walking until Via Minucio Felice. Keep going on this street and prepare yourselves for the inimitable view waiting for you on the terrace, in front of the Church of Sant’Antonio a Posillipo. The ideal place fot taking some pictues, and of course for kisses.

San Martino

San Martino is another amazing place where you can have a complete view from the top of the city. You can arrive here with the Montesanto funicular. Just five minutes by walking and you will have in front of you the Belvedere. San Martino is a little square with a church and a castle, with around some shops, bar and pubs where you can have an aperitif. If you want an even better view, there are 2 possible options… but you’ll have to pay a ticket (unless it’s the first Sunday of the month). You can go up Castel Sant’Elmo or you can venture into the gardens of the Certosa of San Martino.  Anyway, from San Martino you can go down through the Pedamentina, an amazing stairway that takes you directly to the Historical Center.

Lungomare

Just  beyond Piazza del Plebiscito, a couple of minutes by walking, you will find the seaside. A quiet walk, without cars, perfect for romantic moments, with lots of restaurants and clubs.
The best part is just in the middle, with the Castel dell’Ovo. The castle is free entry, and it gives you, from the top, a wonderful look of the city, from the seaside. Outside the castle there is the Borgo Marinari, an ancient port with restaurants and romantic spots. If you want to walk a little bit more you have the Villa Comunale, a seafront park where you can rent rickshaws or bicycles to enjoy a classic Neapolitan sunny day.

The Lover Street

Last but not least, there is a little secret road in Via Toledo, in Via Santa Maria delle Grazie, known as La via degli innamorati (Lover Street). Is a narrow street, full of hearts and writes, that cuts all the old part of the city. It’s usual for the couples stop in front to take a selphie photo or cross it hand by hand.

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Casatiello Napoletano. The King of Easter in Napoli.

There are two things that are synonymous with Easter in Napoli – Pastiera – the ricotta and wheat based pie that is like a cheesecake on steroids and its equally indulgent antithesis – the rustic and savoury Casatiello Napoletano. Think of them as the yin and the yang or the Adam and Eve of the Neapolitan Easter table.

A type of rustico, or a rustic bread, Casatiello is hardy, filling, and oh so satisfying. Something I would think of more as a comfort food for the cold, wet days of winter, here it is nevertheless a symbol of spring.  Made only for the Easter holiday, its brother Tòrtano however is made year round.

Two breads cut from the same dough, the only difference between them – hard-boiled eggs. Perhaps symbolic of creation, I can only guess the addition of eggs to Casatiello render it suitable only for the Easter holiday. Made in a round pan similar to an American bundt pan, the shape is said to symbolize the crown of thorns.

The recipe dates to at least the 1600s and they say, the Napoletani that is, that it is not Casatiello without sugna (or strutto in Italian) – pork fat/lard. Served as part of the antipasti on Easter day, it tastes even better the next day, Pasquetta – Easter Monday.

The first step in any good Casatiello? The ingredients.

Flour, lievito – fresh yeast sold in little cubes, water, salt, pepper, and most importantly, sugna for the dough. Hard boiled eggs and an assortment of salumi and cheese inside.

To make Casatiello with 1 kg flour we recommended “un mezzo chilo di misto,” – a 1/2 kg of assorted salumi and cheese. For our Casatiello we chopped up some ciccioli, capicollo, salame napoletano, and pancetta coppata. Pecorino cheese is typically used but this time we are using a Caciotta di Avellino.

Ingredients

For the dough
1 kg flour plus extra for rolling the dough.
300 ml Water.
1 cake (.6 oz) fresh yeast or one package or 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast.
Warm water.
Salt and pepper.
About 4 tbsp of lard for the dough plus more for coating the dough.

For the filling
1/2 kg assorted salumi and cheese.
6 hard-boiled eggs.

Cooking Method

Pour flour onto a work surface.
Mix in salt and a very generous amount of pepper.
Add yeast (if you are using active dry yeast you will need to dissolve it in about  1/2 cup warm water first).
Add water a little bit at a time, working it in until a soft dough begins to form.
Add the lard and work it completely into the dough.
Continue working the dough, adding water as needed until the dough is just slightly damp and very elastic.
Cover with a kitchen towel and let rise 2 hr or more.

The Casatiello dough after the first rise

Meanwhile chop the salumi and cheese
Boil and chop the eggs and add them to the salumi mixture

After the dough has risen one hour, flour the work surface and roll it out into a large rectangular form.

Spread the salumi mixture across the length of the dough starting near the bottom of the dough.  

Roll the dough up like a cigar, pinch the edges and coat them with lard.

Roll up the Casatiello

Bring the ends together to form a circular shape.

Grease the Casatiello pan with lard, work the dough into the pan and generously coat the top of the dough with lard.

Cover and let rise 3 hours.

Casatiello after the second rise

Bake at 180º C for approximately 1 1/2 to 2 hours.

Buon Appetito!

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April 1st and Chocolate Fish in Napoli ~ no joke!

We’re all being careful not to fall for any April Fool’s jokes today – and there’s no escape from the pranksters’ favourite day of the year in Italy. Here, it just has a cuter name: April Fish. That comes from a common joke that involves sticking a drawing of a pesciolino (little fish) onto the back of an unsuspecting victim. Then, everyone else asks if anyone has seen “April’s fish” and makes jokes about that person – when, of course, the victim doesn’t know it’s them.

Chocolatiers deliciously get into the spirit with fish-shaped goodies. Schools of fish of all sizes fill shop windows, the larger ones often filled with smaller treats. To a chocoholic, fish never tasted so good! Since Easter usually falls around the same time, fish feature predominantly in shop windows through that holiday as well.
Here would be a good excuse to buy special chocolates on this day over. Not that we ever really need an excuse for chocolate…

Wherever you are, have fun on April 1st and enjoy some chocolate.

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In the first week of March, all Italy’s state museums are free

Fancy a few hours in the National Archaeological Museum, a stroll round the Caserta palace or catching the view from the Certosa di San Martino? Next week you can visit them all for free.

Scores of state-owned attractions across Italy will waive their entry fees from March 5-10th as part of an initiative to make the country’s most precious heritage available for free on 20 days each year.

Culture Minister Alberto Bonisoli has declared next Tuesday to Sunday “Museum Week”, meaning that locals and tourists alike have six days to visit some of Italy’s most famous museums, galleries and archaeological sites without paying a cent.

Some of the best-known attractions participating include the Museo e Real bosco di Capodimonte and Palazzo Reale, the ruins of Herculaneum – as well as its treasures in Naples’ Archeological Museum – the Complesso dei Girolamini and all the various villas of the ruins of Pompeii. Find a full list here.

The initiative replaces Italy’s “free museum Sundays”, the scheme that saw museums open for free every first Sunday of the month. Under a new decree that takes effect this week, Italian state museums will instead offer six free Sundays between October and March, eight free days of their choice and six during Museum Week.

Culture Minister Alberto Bonisoli says the new system should help reduce the long queues and oppressive crowds that typically gather at Italy’s most popular attractions every first Sunday of the month. Sites might choose to offer free entry on a weekday afternoon instead of at the weekend, for instance, to help them manage visitor numbers.

In addition, people aged 18-25 will be able to visit state-owned attractions at any time they choose for the reduced price of just €2.

Bonisoli has said that he wants to add even more free days in future, hinting that there could be two Museum Weeks a year from 2020.

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Discovering the Blue Vase of Pompeii

Discovered at Pompeii on December 29, 1837, in the presence of King Ferdinand II, the Blue Vase is regarded by many to be the Naples National Archaeological Museum‘s most prized possession.

The Blue Vase is said to have been found in the House of the Mosaic Columns during a Royal inspection. Some have suggested it was planted to impress the noble visitors. Apparently, it was not uncommon for excavators to inhume their finds and wait for an opportune time to unearth the treasure in order to keep their patrons excited and the funds coming in.

Extremely fragile, Imperial Roman cameo glass vases are terrifically rare; only a handful survive. Perhaps the most famous specimen is the so-called Portland Vase in the British Museum.

They were made by fusing different colored sheets of glass together in a furnace. After cooling, the top layer was etched away, creating designs that stand out from the contrasting background. As with the Blue Vase, the most common color combination was the use of an opaque white over a translucent cobalt blue.

Beneath each handle of the Blue Vase the iconography depicts a group of pudgy putti gaily harvesting grapes for winemaking and playing musical instruments. Separating the two scenes are highly elaborate grape vines bearing clusters of fruit and some birds. The vines appear to be springing like antlers from the head of Silenus, the trusty companion of Dionysus, the god of wine. Circling the vessel’s base are flora and fauna from the Mediterranean. Fittingly, the glass vessel is shaped like a wine amphora.

Undoubtably the work of master craftsmen, this priceless masterpiece was truly a wonder to behold.

National Archaeological Museum is away only a few minutes walk from our apartment!