One of my favourite Valentine’s dinners was while my husband and I were staying on the island of Ischia (Italy) for a month. Too bad I can’t remember the name of the restaurant – it’s been a while (2001). This was a time before our kids were born, and before I started writing for money, so some details have been forgotten. But then other details of that experience are quite clear.
Best Time To Visit
Although Ischia (Italy) is the largest of the three islands off the coast of Napoli (Naples), it is Capri that seems to get the most tourist attention. The volcanic island of Ischia has a population of less than 15,000, but it swells in the summer with tourists visiting ts popular mineral hot springs and gorgeous beaches. Winter is quiet, but just as charming.
Best Lunch Option
For lunch, pick up rotisserie chicken at locations that only open for the lunch hours. Garage-style doors open up to reveal a giant rotisserie with a cook spritzing the chickens with (oil/water?), while another puts half chickens in Styrofoam containers. In between, one of the cooks collects money into a small metal box from a que of customers. It’s a well-oiled lunch machine that closes its garage door around 2 p.m.
Best Dinner Option
(No name Trattoria) In Forio the trattoria is a casual, inexpensive way to enjoy traditional Italian dishes. At the entrance, the pizza oven is always busy with orders. The pizza maker stokes the fire, throws the dough, and completes order after order. The server brings patrons fresh artisan bread that’s still warm. Don’t expect butter on the table, this is Southern Italy, so waiters will find the request unusual.
Favourite Meal
Tony ordered the catch of the day, and it was served whole, eyeballs and all. My favourite dish was the homemade gnocchi with a simple tomato sauce – ah comfort food.
Where to Have Dessert
Even though it’s February, head to a gelateria (gelato=ice cream).
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