Colomba di Pasqua
- At March 29, 2021
- By Zia Lucy
- In lifestyle in Positano, Positano
- 0
A Special Easter Pastry
Colomba di Pasqua, literally translated as Easter Dove, is a traditional Italian dessert we eat at Easter. We love to call it the Sister of Panettone as their recipes are similar. The classic recipe is filled with candied fruit, which on the Amalfi Coast is mostly candied orange zest, and studded with almonds and sugar pearls. During the centuries its recipe has changed a lot and many are the legends surrounding this sweet.
Origins
All the legends start in Northern Italy so we all agree that Colomba is a typical Northern Italian dessert.
People from southern Italy won’t complain as we are very competitive about pastries and we have invented the Easter Pastiera which is a must to have on our tables! But, let’s talk about the legends…
The Battle of Legnano: in 1176, during a battle between the Lombardy and the Holy Roman Empire, the leader of the Lombard League saw two doves flying and he interpreted it as a sign of victory. He later ordered the cooks to prepare a dove-shaped bread with Yeats, Flour and Eggs.
The Legend of King Alboino: during 572 BC, King Alboino of the Lombards finally entered in Pavia, after years of siege and this happened three days before Easter. A baker offered the King a dessert with a shape of dove. According to the legend, the King liked this pastry so much to promise the peace.
Queen Teodolina and the Irish Abbot: this legend talks about a group of pilgrims and the Irish Abbot “San Colombano” who arrived in Lombardy in 612 BC. The King and the Queen offered to pilgrims a delicious meal full of meat but San Colombano declined the invitation as it was time of Lent. In change, San Colombano turned the meal into a Dove shaped bread.
How Colomba became popular all over Italy
The Dessert we know nowadays is recent and its recipe is completely different from the original which is similar to bread or more simple in the ingredients.
Angelo Motta, a baker from Milan, in 1930’s had the great idea of making the Colomba the dessert that everybody should have eaten at Easter. As He was already popular for a Christmas dessert, called Panettone, He decided to use the same recipe but He changed its shape. So, Colomba was spread all over Italy by the most popular Italian Brand for Industrial Bakery.
Ingredients and preparation
I love eating Easter Desserts but I am terrible in cooking them. That’s the reason why I asked Giosuè from Bar Paradise in Positano to show me how He makes the Colomba, and I also made a video.
The ingredients are simple but its preparation is complex and it requires almost 2 days.
The base ingredient is sourdough which rises for 4 hours.
Later, the dough is mixed with ingredients such as sugar, butter and eggs and rests for 12-15 hours.
Then the dough is mixed with other ingredients and is left to rise for about 2 hours.
After this long time, the pastry chef creates the shape of a dove and leaves it to rise for another 5 hours, adds a glaze and bakes it. After baking, the Colomba cools upside down and finally it’s ready to eat!
There are different varieties of our Colomba di Pasqua. My favourite one is the one with white chocolate and pistachio glaze.
Look at my video:
Luxury Shopping in Naples
- At March 22, 2021
- By Zia Lucy
- In City life
- 0
Did I ever tell you I was a shopaholic?
I still have a sort of addiction to clothes and accessories but, growing up, I realized I didn’t need same bags everybody had just because they were from Louis Vuitton or Christian Dior. You can’t be unique if your neighbour wears same outift as yours!
Everybody talks about “luxury” meaning “a state of great comfort or elegance, especially when involving great expense”. Is this true? Do we all live a life of luxury just because we spend tons of money? Does luxury mean feeling unique in a bar where 10 girls wear exactly like you? Can luxury be combined with unique?
After years of matching clothes with my personality, I understood that unique can be combined with luxury. I wanted to be unique, 100% unique, and it was not essential to spend lots of money. Luxury for me means “having things that you can use for a long time, create your own style, wear accessories that set you apart, show your personality throughout your clothes”.
Why to Shop In Napoli!
After years of living in Napoli, I discovered lots of amazing shops. Napoli has always had a great tradition of high quality tailored suits, handcrafted shoes and bags, great perfumers. Here you are able to find seamstress and tailors who transmit their knowledge from generation to generation since 1850s. It is no coincidence that future brides go to Via Duomo ( main road for wedding fashion studios) to choose the perfect dress for their “Special Day”. Neapolitan fashion style can be classic, romantic, metropolitan, vintage, radical chic or pin up. The perfect mix of all these styles creates a unique way of being yourself, of feeling great by walking through old streets or drinking an Aperitivo with your friends into a speak easy bar. In Napoli “You Can Dare”, and you can wear dresses and accessories for many years because they never go out of fashion!
Where I Shop..
I am not jealous of telling you places where I go for shopping. Fashion in Napoli is so unique that you can find your own style without having my style… and shop assistants are very kind to help you choosing the best for you! Even if I have Miu Miu, Dior and Chanel bags, I don’t like buying those popular brands because I believe their new collections are made for everybody and not only for you. I am always in search of Vintage bags or high quality dresses and accessories that don’t cost you an arm or a leg! Best Streets for shopping are Via Duomo (for brides), Via Chiaja, Via Calabritto and Via dei Mille (if you are looking for Luxury Famous Brands) . But there are some other small roads where you can find amazing shops. And it is not necessary to spend tons of money!
Here’s my list for you
1. To Perfume or not to perfume?
After discovering Bruno Acampora Profumi your drama will be solved by five drops of Musc per Day!
Since 1947, Bruno Acampora has created emotional and provocative fragances involving all your senses. Located in the heart of the Luxury shopping area, into the ground floor of and old Palace, the little elegant boutique is the place where you can stay forever. It is very hard to choose the fragrance you like the most and you would keep all of them. Like in a Candy Shop, all the small colored glass bottles are a strong temptation! Between extrait de perfume and eau de perfume I prefer the pure essence and the choice for “the one” was really hard. Even if Musc has been declared “so sexy to drop men’s pants”, I chose Musc Gold (a meticulous mix of Lavender, Rose, Jasmine, Neroly, Violet, Amber, Vanilla, Patchouly, Sandalwood, Musk and Flowery honey). In case you think this perfume is too sexy or too sweet, no worries… there are many other fragances for you! https://en.brunoacampora.com/
2. Extravagant Romance from Nenna Pop
Colored, fun, in a mood of festive atmosphere and with objects all over, Nenna Pop is the shop where you can have the best dress for your mood. Unique as the owner, Mariagrazia Greco, you can’t leave this place without buying a thing. No matter if you wear classic, romantic or ethnic, if you feel young or old or need to find a dress to use at work, here you will find the style which better suits you and, after a great help from the sail assistants, you will be ready for a great Aperitivo next door! Nenna Pop is located in Via Carlo Poerio, close to the “Baretti” Streets ( an area full of bars where lots of people use to have Aperitivo after 7.00 pm). Follow them on Instagram: @nenna.pop
3. Gently Vintage Look by Roberta Bacarelli
Her passion for Vintage creates romantic prêt-à-porter dresses focused on extraordinary textiles. The lifestyle of contemporary women is perfectly touched by the elegance of the past in Roberta Bacarelli’s dresses. In her showroom you will find outfits for every occasion, shoes, swimming suits and kids collections: https://www.robertabacarelli.it
4. What about men?
Since 1800, the best city for men suits was the chaotic and extravagant Napoli! The perfectly designed tailoring tradition continues nowadays with a selection of unique prêt-à-porter collections, and you will surprised by the greatest choice of accessories for men! Between all the tailors in the city ( It wasn’t easy to make a choice) point out:
Mariano Rubinacci, an elegant showroom where you can also find ready to wear clothes, sited in one of the most popular and eclectic palaces of Napoli: https://marianorubinacci.com
Ulturale, for your perfect tie: http://www.ulturale.com
Antica ditta Mario Talarico, the last hand made umbrella creator: http://www.mariotalarico.it
5. Bags, My Passion
I started collecting bags since I was 19. I believe you can have a few clothes but you need lots of bags because accessories make the difference! One of the places I love the most is Tramontano: https://tramontano.it
The Island of Procida is the new italian Capital of Culture
- At January 19, 2021
- By Zia Lucy
- In Local Tours and History
- 0
Yesterday I received the incredible news that Procida has been named Italian Capital of Culture for 2022.
Many of you are asking now what does Capital of Culture mean and where is Procida. Here is some information and travel tips for you.
Italian Capital of Culture
It’s a City, designated by the Italian government for a period of one year with the aim of preserving and enhancing the cultural and landscape heritage. Started in 2014, the project supports, encourages and enhances the capacity of Italian cities in the fields of culture in order to valorize social cohesion, integration, conservation and innovation for a better collective well-being. procida won the competition out of 10 cities of great interest. The project, carried out by the Island, represents not only the Isle itself but all the Tourist Municipalities in Campania. A project made to valorize our beautiful land but, above all, to relaunch a tourism that seems to have disappeared. A project which has involved everyone, conscious that culture becomes a fundamental pivot to re-establish connections and relationships between people, to cancel social diversity and break down architectural barriers, to develop a slow tourism, so that the tourist becomes a citizen.
Procida
Considered a secret Island, Procida is not as popular as the closer Capri and Ischia but it has chosen by many directors for a set of important movies like “Il Postino”. It is a small enchanting place of volcanic origin with about 10.000 inhabitants, winding narrow streets, colored houses and lavish nature. You fall in love with this Island as soon as you get to Terra Murata, the steep and fortified historic center from where you can admire a breathtaking panorama on the bay of Napoli. Procida reminds me a bit Positano of 1960s: small colored houses of fisherman and friendly people who are really proud of where they live and about their simple life, great food and relaxing beaches.
What to see:
- The Abbey of San Michele: a Benedictine structure dating back the 11th century, destroyed and rebuilt different times, whose current architecture is from the 16th century. Many legends are connected to the patron saint, the archangel Michael, and among these it’s worth to mention an invasion of pirates led by the corsair Khair-al-Din, well known as Barbarossa (red beard). According to the legend, pirates couldn’t invade Procida because the archangel Michael appeared in the sky with his flaming sword to protect the island.
- Palazzo d’Avalos: built by the Avalos Family during the 16th century, it became a prison, then a noble palace, then a prison again until its closure in 1988. Nowadays it’s a Museum and it is possible to book a guided tour on: https://www.comune.procida.na.it/index.php?action=index&p=647
- Casale Vascello: with its colorful houses, leaning against each other, this neighborhood retains all the charm of the past. My first impression was of finding myself in a small world suspended in time, where silence and a few voices of residents help to create a magical and unique atmosphere.
- Island of Vivara: a small strip of land connected to Procida by an old bridge and populated by rare plants, birds and archaeological finds. Vivara is a protected natural oasis since 1974 and the only building you can see is a 17th century house which later became a Hunting Lodge for the Bourbon Family. Led by certified naturalistic guides, visits are available from Friday to Sunday, by reservation and pre payment on: http://www.vivarariservanaturalestatale.it
- House of Graziella: a reconstructed building which commemorates the love of Alphonse de Lamartine for Graziella, a young lady who died for tuberculosis. In 1811, the French poet, almost at the end of his Grand Tour of Italy, arrived in Procida and fell in love with a young orphan, Graziella, who was living with her brother and grandparents in a fisherman’s house. Later in 1849, Lamartine wrote a beautiful novel about this romantic love, made so special by the simplicity and rare beauty of Graziella.
Where to eat:
- La Lampara: considered one of the best restaurants in Procida, la Lampara offers fresh food and delicious pastries. I recommend to eat seared tuna with pistacchio and vegetables or pasta with 4 different kind of shrimps, but all their food is great. The restaurant is sited in a very panoramic area of La Corricella. I recommend to book in advance: http://www.hotelcorricella.it/it.html
- La Medusa: one of the first restaurants on the port, it combines the oldest culinary tradition with a new touch made by the youngest generation in the family. The menu is based on fresh food enriched with local flavors. You can find La Medusa in Via Roma, 116. At the m moment they do not have a website but you can follow their IG: @ristorante_la_medusa_
- Maresia: a hotel and a solarium-beach club with a Lounge Bar, ideal for aperitivo and some fresh salads or sandwiches: https://www.maresiaprocida.it/it/index.html
Food Suggestion: Procida is famous for salted anchovies. According to the tradition, fishermen’s wives used to put in salt the anchovies they couldn’t sell. This was a way to preserve food and the smallest salted anchovies are delicious. I have an addiction to them but I understand the taste could be “too much” for those who are not used to strong flavors. If you are brave enough, I highly recommend to taste it.
Where to Sleep: even if many people go to Procida just for one day, I suggest to enjoy the Island more. You can include a stay for a night during your holidays in Napoli, Sorrento, the Amalfi Coast or Ischia. There are a lot of B&B, Apartments and Hotels. Maresia and La Corricella offer rooms and I loved Casa Bormioli: http://www.casabormioli.it/landing7/
The Municipality of Procida will organise incredible festivals for 2022. Don’t miss it and have a look at their website: https://www.comune.procida.na.it
Photo: courtesy of Giuseppe Merolla
Tramonti: between lemons and vines
- At January 09, 2021
- By Zia Lucy
- In walking tour
- 0
I made this article a few years ago and I completely forgot to post it.
So, here you can find a little description of my first hike to Tramonti and the reason why I decided to include a wine tasting in my Amalfi Coast Driving and Guided Tours (http://en.zialucy.com/amalfi-ravello-wine/).
2006. Although the weather was uncertain we went to the Valley of Tramonti, driving along the Amalfi Coast and began the hiking from Maiori. We did a loop trail, we passed through many villages with medieval churches and chapels, surrounded by “peschiere” (stone basins used for rainwater harvesting) and lemon groves, in the lush Mediterranean nature crossed by streams and springs.
Along the way we had two pleasant meetings: the first, a boy from Gete (one of the little towns in Tramonti) who kindly accompanied us along the way, showing the beautiful hidden corners of his village; second, during a lunch break, (well, it was a picnic with some local Provolone del Monaco cheese, salami and bread) a gentleman offered us homemade wine and other cold cuts.Nowadays, this way of interacting with locals is rare, quite extinct, and thanks to these little-big gestures our walk was even more enjoyable.
The name Tramonti means “between the Mountains”, a small valley on the Amalfi Coast sited between the sea and our incredible Monti Lattari. Here you can find 13 small towns where the population lives on agriculture and tourism.
Although uncertain, some historians believe the origins of the first village can be dated to the Third Century. During middle ages, Tramonti was linked to the Maritime Republic of Amalfi.
2008. Later in the years, when I became an official tour guide and thanks to my brother who arranges Shore excursions for Positano Drivers (http://www.positanodrivers.com)I discovered an incredible vineyard called Tenuta San Francesco (http://www.vinitenutasanfrancesco.com) and soon one of their wines, called é iss, became my favorite.
About Tenuta San Francesco: in 2004 four winemakers founded a unique wine estate in order to relive the ancient tradition of grape growing. All the vineyards are characterized by high density plant and situated on steep sloped terraced lands between 200 and 600 meters above sea-level. Between all the indigenous grape varieties, which all produce great wines, it’s worth to mention Tintore, a vine that survived grape phylloxera diseases during the 19th century. The wine produced from Tintore grapes in Tenuta San Francesco is called “é iss” and in our dialect means “it’s him”or “this is it”, indicating the uniqueness in grapes, production and taste of this incredible red.
I love arranging a lunch/ wine tasting at Tenuta San Francesco during my Amalfi Coast Drive and Guided excursions as I believe you can’t leave the Amalfi Coast without having experienced it all!
For any extra info, feel free to contact me: [email protected]
Hike with me to Paradise through the Amalfi Coast
- At November 25, 2020
- By Zia Lucy
- In Paths, walking tour
- 0
Visiting the Amalfi Coast could be one of the best experiences in your life, especially if you add some hiking in your holiday!
A beautiful piece of paradise was chosen by artists and writers, they decided to have a great escape after visiting the most popular cities of Italy. Later in 1960’s the Amalfi Coast became a really popular place for ceramics, lemons, great fresh food and the warm climate.
People come here not only to enjoy the sun and the marvellous beaches but also to discover our culture, admire the amazing nature surrounding us and enjoy our “too Italian lifestyle”. Classic Tours you can do here are: getting a Ferry or a private boat to Capri, visit ancient vineyards, stopping to the archaelogical Site of Pompeii on the way to the airport.
But, have you ever thought about hiking?
There’s a great selection of trails you can take on the Amalfi Coast: Every path is different due to the geographical position of the Coast and its micro climate which changes from one place to the other. You can do half or full day hikes, combining your walks other activities and tours.
Hiking on the Amalfi Coast can be a great holiday for the entire family, a “once in a lifetime adventure”. If you are looking for a longer adventure, you can do one week trekking between Amalfi and Sorrento or vice versa, enjoying off the beaten path and later relax into the beautiful small towns, go to the beach or do some shopping.
Hiking on the Amalfi Coast offers you a different point of view and if you do it with a guide, it improves the quality of your holiday. With a native guide In fact, you are able to connect with locals and discover the hidden secrets of a place. A guide not only points out flowers and places, but also tells you stories you can’t find in books because they belong to the everyday life and to popular traditions. A guide can suggest you the best viewpoint where you can stop and take a selfie and always try to skip the crowds.
Hiking along the Amalfi Coast with a local guide could change your holiday from nice to Paradisiac.
So why not try?
Here’s there’s a list of my favorite hikes (… yes, local guides have favorite places too):
1. Ravello to Atrani via Sambuco
Start hiking from Ravello, one of the most beautiful towns in the Amalfi Coast. Before walking, I suggest to visit Villa Rufolo and then have a pastry at Caffè Calce (my favorite bar for gelato and brioche, they also have a pizzeria for lunch). The hike brings you to San Nicola Convent through a path surrounded by ancient dry-walls, small rivers and chestnut trees. After crossing the Convent, you can take a path to get to Minori or Maiori and walk through a pine forest with some coastal views and lemon gardens at its end. I like going to Minori.
2. Papermills Valley
You can read a description of this hike in this post: http://en.zialucy.com/2020/04/18/paper-mills-valley-hike-amalfi/
3. Path of the Gods
Considered the most beautiful trail in Italy, this hike is suitable for many people (not for those who have knee, legs, heart or balance problems). I’ve done this hike more than 1000 times and I never get tire of it. Me and my guides will be happy to show you the best spots and talk about local legends.
4. Positano to Colli di Fontanelle (path of the 2 provinces) or Le Tese
One of the most challenging hike for length and elevation gain. It’s my favorite for the challenge and the views: Once above Monte Comune, weather permitting, you are able to enjoy the spectacular views on the two bays (Salerno and Naples) divided by the Isle of Capri and the best part of our mountains! If you can’t hike for 13 km with 1000 meter of elevation, I recommend to go for a walk to Santa Maria del Castello through Le Tese Hike (the path where I do a big workout before starting the hiking season).
5. Sirenuse Trail
Considered the alternative hike to path of the gods, This trail is more beautiful and with a bigger variety of views. It’s recommended for people who stay in Sorrento as its start is only 30 minutes driving.
6. Athena Trail
Once upon a time, there was a path getting the Sanctuary of Athena. Nowadays it’s not possible to get to the Sanctuary but the hike is amazing and it looks like you touch Capri with your hands!
Find more info Here: Athena Trail
7. Villa Jovis and Arco Naturale
Emperor Tiberius in 27 AD decided to live in Capri. Here an amazing Villa was built, on the highest side of Capri, far away from the dangers of Rome. Here he reigned and here, according to Suetonius, Tiberius engaged in wild debauchery. Nowadays, it is possible to admire some ruins of this Villa and later you can walk back to Capri, taking a path that leads you to a Natural Arch and above the Faraglioni Rocks. Great spots and incredible vegetation will let you feel the real energy of Capri and you will understand why, from The Romans to Romantic Painters, people choose to have their great escape in this amazing Isle!
Are you ready to hike with Zia Lucy? Feel free to contact Us: [email protected]
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