Wednesday, June 25, 2025

Spaghetti Vongole - Naples Italy

 

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My PIZZA at Da MARINO RESTORANTE PIZZERIA

NAPOLI

Summer 2015 

Author Daniel Bellino Zwicke
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I was walking around Naples and getting hungry, I was looking for a good place to eat. I knew I wanted to get a nice plate of Spaghetti Vongole . As I walked along Via Santa Lucia I came across a trattoria that looked like it might be good. I went inside to take a look. The girl at the cash register greeted me and seemed very nice, and as I looked around the place looked good to me and had a nice feel to it. When I spotted a large Italian Family of about 12 people at one large table, I figured it must be good, so I asked the girl for a table and she told me to take a seat anywhere I liked.
I picked out a nice strategic spot to be comfortable at and watch all the action. Most of that action happened to be that Italian Family having quite a massive feast, as dish after dish of antipasti, pasta, and seafood came out of the kitchen one by one.

I sat down and studied the menu. When the waiter came back over, I ordered a small carafe of Falanghina local white wine. I looked at the menu and it all looked good. As I  said, I already knew that I was Jonesing for a Plate of Vongole, and so I ordered a plate, along with a Insalta Frutta di Mare to start. The  waiter brought my wine and I took a sip. The wine was nice and refreshing.
I sat back and watched that family eat and the waiters as they brought Pizza, Pasta, and Fish to the tables outside where most of the people were eating. A few minutes went by, and my waiter brought out my antipasto, the Insalata Frutta di Mare. My seafood salad was filled with Calamari, Mussels, Octopus, and Shrimp and it was absolutely divine. One of the best I ever had. 

I sipped my wine and totally enjoyed my antipasto. I looked at the many pictures and Jerseys of the Napoli Futbol (Soccer) Team, including Giuseppe Brusccolotti, and the legendary Diego Maradona. There were a number of Soccer Balls on display as well. These guys were really into futbol, especially Team Napoli.

I finished my tasty Insalata Frutta di Mare and waited for the Spaghetti. When the waiter brought me my Vongole, it looked absolutely awesome. I took a picture to remember it and dug in. I removed all the Veraci Clams from the tiny shells and then I really dug in. My God, this pasta was incredible and may very well have been the single most Perfect Plate of Spaghetti Vongole I have ever eaten. I kid you not. I've had many a plates all over the Amalfi Coast, in Capri, and other places in Napoli, and for sure, nothing could beat this one. I slowly savored it.
Well, I finished my pasta and then went to the bagno. As I did, I passed by the Pizza Oven where the Pizzaiolo was turning out some amazing looking Pizza. Dam they looked Good!
Now, I wasn't planning on it, but as they looked so good, I just could not resist getting one. So I ordered a PIZZA with Salame. My Pizza came a few minutes later, and it looked amazing. It was quite big and I never thought I would finish it all, but guess what? I did. It was that good, I just couldn't stop eating it, and I'll say it again. As with my plate of Spaghetti Vongole being just absolutely perfect as perfect could be, so was my Pizza, it just could not have been any better. Yes that good.

So, Da Marino was a most wonderful surprise, and I had one of the best and most enjoyable meals in my life there, as I remember it well to this very day. 

Basta!






DSC02826


Girl at Da MARINO

Via Santa Lucia 118, Napoli, Italy



DSC02797

My INSALATA FRUTTA Di MARE

Seafood Salad

"SO GOOD" !!!



DSC02801


That Perfect Plate of SPAGHETTI VONGOLE

Da MARINO, NAPOLI

 







POSITANO The AMALFI COAST 

COOKBOOK - TRAVEL GUIDE

LEARN HOW to MAKE PIZZA - PASTA

SPAGHETTI VONGOLE and More ...

BEST TRAVEL TIPS on POSITANO / AMALFI COAST

 
 
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Monday, June 23, 2025

The Poseidon Hotel Positano

POSITANO'S MOST GORGEOUS VIEWS 

At The HOTEL POSEIDON



TERRACE at The POSEIDON

POSITANO






"WELCOME to The POSEIDON"







A TYPICAL ROOM

The POSEIDON HOTEL

POSITANO






The POOL

Looking The Other Way is One of The Worlds Most Beautiful Views

The HOTEL POSEIDON



Formerly a private seaside villa built for summer holidays at the coast, the sought-after property was converted into a hotel by the Aonzo family in the 1950s, and still remains under their watchful guidance. During its 65-plus years of operation, the hotel has welcomed tourists from all over the world, giving them a little slice of Positano paradise.

One of the initial fully-serviced hotels in the area, the hotel also boasts an extraordinary wooden elevator that was the first one built in Positano back in 1965. Home to a total of 50 rooms and suites, this charming retreat presents elegant hospitality in harmony with Amalfi tradition, and ticks all the boxes from sumptuous accommodation to spellbinding views and morish cuisine.



The property has a variety of quaint rooms & suites   to select from, all of which vary in size and boast a unique character. Along with the usual luxe amenities like air-conditioning, minibars, personised bathrobes and slippers, flatscreen televisions, free and unlimited internet as well as daily housekeeping and turndown services, each room (except the Standard Double Rooms) features a private terrace or balcony with panoramic views of the sea, Positano town and the Amalfi Coastline. Meanwhile, the Standard Double Rooms have lovely private terraces that look out onto the hotel’s lush gardens. The hotel is family-friendly, and there are various accommodation options for those travelling with children, with either large suites or interconnecting rooms available to make guests and their little ones feel right at home.

The interiors of the rooms reflect the Villa’s history and locale: each is individually furnished and boasts a distinctive Mediterranean flair. The floors are tiled in hand-painted maiolica and the sentimental décor includes furniture that belongs to the founding family, making the spaces feel warm and inviting. Elegant accents complete the spaces, such as wrought iron headboards and antique frames. Each room also has a beautiful bathroom with a bathtub and/or a shower – many of which have large windows overlooking Positano’s colourful houses perched on the cliffs.


The hotel has various offers allowing guests to take full advantage of its comfortable accommodations, including their latest ‘Work From Hotel’ package. This offer allows guests to tailor their stay at the hotel, ensuring they have all the necessary facilities to work effectively, while still enjoying everything Hotel Poseidon has to offer.


GASTRONOMIC DELIGHTS

The hotel’s signature Il Tridente Restaurant has become one of Positano’s must-visit destinations, especially for those looking to dine al fresco. Whether it’s a laid-back lunch or a romantic dinner, every meal is a memorable occasion under the flora-enveloped pergolas on Hotel Poseidon’s restaurant terrace.

Serving the freshest and most delicious Neapolitan cuisine to an enchanting backdrop, Mediterreanean living doesn’t get better than this. The dishes which have traditional roots have been thoughtfully reinterpreted in a modern way, with the chef paying special attention to using only local and seasonal ingredients. The vegan and gluten-free options are equally as tasty and are prepared with the utmost care.

Il Tridente’s Bar is just as delightful as the restaurant. Caressed by a fresh breeze that cools off a summer day, and gently illuminated by candlelight, the bar’s terrace is a truly special spot to sip on a cocktail or two at sunset. The terrace enjoys a 180-degree view over Positano, the sea and the rest of the Amalfi Coast, and on colder nights, two fireplaces create a romantic atmosphere indoors.

The hotel also boasts an impressive wine cellar with national and international wine labels and a wide liquor selection. This ensures that guests have access to their preferred beverages, with the drinks menu catering to a variety of tastes. A good array of local Amalfi wines are also available, and the hotel can arrange wine tastings for groups.









The HOTEL POSEIDON

AA TYPICAL ROOM







GOING to POSITANO ?

DON"T LEAVE HOME Without IT



POSITANO The AMALFI COAST

TRAVEL GUIDE - COOKBOOK





FIRST-CLASS FACILITIES

Nestled amongst fragrant orange and lemon trees, summer lingers a little longer here – and what better place to soak up the sun than lounging at the pool? Hotel Poseidon boasts one of the nicest pools in Positano, complete with enough space on the terrace for every guest to enjoy the afternoon on a sunlounger – a somewhat rare occurrence in this neck of the woods.

Enjoy the striking view while taking a dip in the pool, and when you get peckish, order from the all-day bar which serves drinks and snacks directly to the sunbeds. For the quintessential Amalfi Coast experience, don’t miss tasting the iconic Limoncello Spritz!

After a day exploring the city, the hotel’s L’Onda Beauty Centre is the idyllic spot for a bit of downtime. The first beauty centre to be built on the Amalfi Coast, L’Onda is a living legacy. Greatly valued and visited by both locals and returning visitors of Positano, guests can relish massages, body treatments and aesthetic treatments in a tranquil setting. For the ultimate pampering, enjoy some time in the Turkish bath that’s built directly into the cliff rock.


EXPERIENTIAL OFFERINGS

Other than its exquisite views, magical setting and close proximity to the town, Hotel Poseidon offers its own unique experiences for guests to enjoy. Marco Aonzo, one of the owners of the Hotel Poseidon, is a classic car collector and one of the hotel’s experiences pays tribute to this passion, allowing guests to take a Volkswagen Convertible Beetle on a spin around the region’s scenic winding roads (free of charge).

Hotel Poseidon’s location also makes it the perfect wedding and event venue. For over four decades, it has been a sought-after event destination, hosting everything from intimate weddings to chic birthday parties. The traditional style of the architecture, the beauty of the gardens and green areas that surround the hotel and, of course, its view, create a timeless atmosphere that is ideal for celebrations. With a knowledgeable hotel team that’s keen to assist, each event can be effortlessly tailored to the guest’s wishes and expertly executed with the help of local suppliers.

A town filled with rich history and culture, there are a variety of exciting activities to enjoy in and around Positano that the hotel can assist with booking. Some of these include a boat excursion to Capri (and its Blue Grotto) or to Amalfi, stopping for a dive at the incredible Furore Fjord; exploring the Amalfi Coast by air by flying in a CESSNA plane; visiting wine farms and Limoncello factories or taking cooking classes in first-rate restaurants or authentic Italian homes. For those wanting to keep fit, Positano makes this easy with its varied outdoor activities:  take a scenic hike on the Path of the Gods or partake in a kayak tour towards Praiano.


LOCATION

The hotel’s location is one of its biggest drawcards and explains why it’s been a much-desired filming destination for TV Shows and movies since its opening. In a strategic position that enables it to be near to the town’s main attractions, but high enough to enjoy the most breathtaking view, there are few properties in Positano that can rival Hotel Poseidon’s locale. It is also one of the few hotels in the famously stair-filled cliffside village that can be accessed directly from the street.

The property is only 800 meters from Positano Main Beach and Positano Ferry Dock (an 8-minute walk) and the Napoli Capodichino Airport and Salerno Ferry Dock are 62km and 54km away respectively. Pompeii, Herculaneum and Paestum are also less than 2 hours away (by car or by ferry), which make for an easy and insightful day trip out of Positano. There are also a host of delightful restaurants nearby, and a grocery store on the hotel’s doorstep.




POSITANO'S MOST STUNNING VIEWS

POOL & TERRAZZO



"TERRAZZO"

TRIDENT RISTORANTE

HOTEL POSEIDON






RISTORANTE TRIDENT

HOTEL POSEIDON





The HOTEL POSEIDON

POSITANO










POSITANO HOTELS

AMALFI COAST CAPRI & WORLDWIDE








Friday, June 20, 2025

Wine Bars of Venice by Bellino

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ALL ' ARCO
 
One of VENICE'S BEST BACARO
 
CICHETTI

STANLEY TUCCI'S FAVORITE VENETIAN WINE BAR

BEST-SELLING COOKBOOK author DANIEL BELLINO Discovered it
30 YEARA before "TUCCI" in 1995, when he was doing Research for his BACARO
"BAR CICHETTI" America's 1st Ever VENETIAN WINE BAR (Bacaro) 
Created by Daniel Bellino Zwicke & Tom Taraci in 1998



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BACARO ALL' ARCO
 
VENICE


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CICHETTI

at ALL ARCO

VENEZIA


 




One of The 1st Videos on CICHETTI
 
of VENICE
 
by Author Daniel Bellino Zwicke
 
Creator of AMERICA"S 1st Ever Venetian Wine Bar
 
BAR CICHETTI
 
BACARO


 
 
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CANTINE VINO SCHIAVI
 
One of VENICE'S Most POPULAR
 
 
BACARI
 
 
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Do MORI
 
VENICE
 
 
 \
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DO MORI
 
One of Venice's OLDEST
 
and MOST POPULAR BACARI




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But The Service is COLD and Un-Friendly
 
and The Owner is an SOB
 
 
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DEMI JOHNS
 
VINI
 
DO MORi - VENICE
 
 



ALLA VEDOVA


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BACARO 
 
alla VEDOVA




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CICHETTI MISTI VENENZIA



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Dining Room
 
alla VEDOVA
 
VENICE
 
 
 


 



RICK STEVES Does CICHETTI
 
 
at VENETIAN WINE BARS
 
 
VENICE



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al PONTE
 
BACAROVENICE
 
 
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al PONTE
 
 
One of My FAVORITES



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CICHETTI
 
at DO MORI


 
 
.
 
CICHETTI
 
VENICE


 
 
 

 
 


MEMORIES of VENICE
 
and ITALIAN FOOD
 
CICHETTI
 
PASTA and ??

 
 




DO SPADE
 
Along with Do MORI
 
One of VENICE'S Two MOST FAMOUS BACARI



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Do SPADE




 
At The BAR - Do SPADE

One of CASANOVA'S FAVORITE SPOTS


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MISTI MARE CICCHETTI



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Due NEGRONI


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MENU



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POLPETTINI
 
DO SPADE
 
 
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BAR CICHETTI
 
GREENWICH VILLAGE
 
NEW YORK
 
Was AMERICA'S 1st EVER BACARO
 
aka
  
VENETIAN WINE BAR
 



 
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SUNDAY SAUCE
 
by Daniel Bellino Zwicke
 
Co-Creator of BAR CICHETTI





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OSTERIA ANTICO DOLO
 
Dal 1400
 
VENEZIA


 
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OSTERIA ANtICA DOLO
  
VENICE

"CASANOVA was HERE" !!!!




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OSTERIA
 
DOLO



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LISTINO PREZZI

OSTERIA ANTICA DOLO



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CICHETTI MISTI
 
 



ANTICA DOLO
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OSTERIA DOLO
 
 
 



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al VOLTO




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AL VOLTO 
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CALAMARI FRITTI
 
e VINI
 
 
DO MORI
 
VENEZIA
 
 
 
 


 
Rick Steves
 
 
VENICE CITY of DREAMS





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La TAVOLA
 
ITALIAN-AMERICAN NEW YORKERS 
 
ADVENTURES of THE TABLE







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POLPETTINE

A FAVORITE CICHETTI






The SINATRA COOKBOOK



SINATRA SAUCE

The COOKBOOK