Surviving Grad School on a Slow Cooker: Mexican Chili

When the temp drops, I crave cozy food. Chili was a family favorite growing up, so I always equate it with comfort.

Now that school has hit the point in the semester where all structure to my life has gone awry, I wanted something that would require minimal effort, produce maximum flavor, and be a healthy alternative. Enter the slow cooker and skinnytaste.

Skinnytaste has an entire section dedicated to the slow cooker, and I plan to try them all.

The Chicken Taco Chili Ingredients were calling my name.

I should make a confession. I am really not a good cook. Like really. But this was so so so easy. I bought what she told me, threw it into the pot, let it cook 6 hours, and had lunch and dinner for the entire week.

I went through variations. Sometimes I ate it just as chili, sometimes as a Mexican dip for some tortilla chips.

Other times, I served it over rice, or I rolled up all the above ingredients in a burrito - with avocado of course!

How would you serve it up???

Naples Guide to Gelato

On Friday, I gave you a guide to pizza in Naples, but I wanted to also highlight the other love of my Italian-life: Gelato. To make sure you make the most of your gelato consumption in Naples, here is a little guide.

How can you tell if certain gelato is top-notch? Here are a few hints:

1. If it is labeled as “Produzione propia” or “produzione artigianale,” it means the gelato is made on site or handmade.

2. If the gelato comes in a prepared plastic tin, there is a chance the gelato is not top quality because it may be mass produced.

3. The gelato should have natural colors: banana should be brown, pistacchio should be grey, lemon should be white, etc.

4. Gelato flavors should correspond with the seasons. For example, during the summer, gelato flavors should be summer fruits (berries, plums, melons, apricots, peaches)

5. Great gelato typically comes from shops that solely specialize in making gelato. There are a few exceptions though (see Chalet da Ciro, Gran Bar Riviera, Gran Caffe Gambrinus, and Remy Gelo).

Here are some of the most popular options in Naples:

1. Bilancione Gelateria

Via Posillipo , 238

The favorite of the Consulate staff, Bilancione is a gelateria to remember.  Located in Posillipo, this gelateria gives a great view of the Bay of Naples.  It is a small but very busy shop with over 20 flavors to choose from.  A must is the “bacio” cone— a frozen cone covered with chocolate and hazelnuts.

2. Casa Infante

Via Toledo

This gelateria is right across from the Galleria Umberto on Via Toledo.  It’s the perfect place to go when out shopping to stop and have refreshing, creamy gelato.  Not only is it a favorite of visitors to Naples, but locals appreciate its originality and fresh quality as well.  It is always busy but worth the wait— a squirt of chocolate is added to the bottom of every cone free of charge!

3. Chalet da Ciro

Via Caracciolo

Founded in 1952, the art of gelato making and Neapolitan coffee has been passed down for two generations at this seafront gelateria.  A mixture of ingredients are tested daily  to make the most original recipes for creating delicious gelato, pastries, and coffee.  The gelateria works with restaurant Ciro a Mergellina, located next door, to create an enjoyable environment with great food in Posillipo. We would make a weekly trip here for "Gelato Giovadi" or "Ice Cream Thursdays".... and yes...that is something we made up to justify work day excursions for ice cream.

4. Fantasia Gelati

Via Francesco Cilea, 80

Rated as one of the favorites by test subjects, this gelateria draws in shoppers on Via Toledo with its colorful sign and window displays.  Prices are very reasonable due to the large amount of gelato that is given for each serving.  The specialty?  Fruit year around!

5. Gelateria della Scimmia

Piazzetta Nilo, 4

Heralded as the second oldest gelateria in Napoli.  It sets the standards high for its competition.  Prices are set accordingly, across the city,  to match this famous shop.  All the ingredients are of the  highest quality but the prices are very reasonable.  The creaminess of each flavor is due to the deliciously perfect  combination of milk, eggs, sugar, and whip cream.

6. Gelateria Otranto

Vico Vetriera, 12

This gelateria has provided excellent gelato since 1975 on the hills of Vomero.  It is notorious for using natural ingredients and having fair prices.  The recipe for this savory gelato has been kept secret in the Otranto family for almost 40 years.  But the longevity of the shop does not stop them from acquiring the best machines on the market to make delicious homemade gelato.

8. Gran Bar Riviera

Riviera di Chiaia, 181

One of the few gelaterie to be open 24/7 and it is close to the Consulate on Piazza Amedeo.  While most local gelaterie are smaller and dedicated to making solely gelato, this gelateria has two large rooms for ordering gelato, pastries, and café.  It also has an outside seating area where you can enjoy one of the highly recommended tarts or gelato while watching the Napolitani go about their daily business.

6. Gran Caffé Gambrinus

Via Chiaia, 1

The most famous café in all of Naples, Gambrinus has provided delicious desserts and coffee since 1860.  It is the most expensive gelateria on this list but quite worth the cost.  It has the perfect view of Via Toledo, Galleria Umberto, the San Carlo theater, Palazzo Reale, and Piazza del Plebiscito.  Writers like Oscar Wilde and Ernest Hemmingway have found sanctuary under its roof.  Its history, architecture, location, and food make it an absolute must for visitors to Naples.

9. Polo Nord

Via Pietro Colletta 41/43

Near the famous Da Michele pizzeria in the Historical Center, Polo Nord is the oldest gelateria in Naples.  It is very convenient for those visiting Spaccanapoli and the Duomo especially during hot summer days when gelato is a must.  For chocolate lovers, try their specialty, ChocoPerugia, that is made of 70% rich dark chocolate.

10. Remy Gelo

Via F. Galiani, 29

This gelateria is located in the Mercatino delle Torretta, two blocks from the Consulate.  All the gelato is gluten-free, does not have eggs, and contains vegetable fiber pro-biotic nutrients.  There are many flavors to choose from that are all creamy and rich.  If lactose intolerant, Remy Gelo offers soy gelato and sorbet. Being right across the street from my apartment, it's safe to say we got well acquainted. 

 

*** Another recommendation: Most Italians like to cap off their lunches with an espresso, and I am always on board for a mid-day caffeine jolt, but in the hot summer months my go to caffeinated afternoon treat was cafe del nonno. Essentially coffee ice cream. So essentially heaven. 

Cafe Gramsci, which I mentioned here, had my favorite cafe del nonno in town.

What is your favorite gelato flavor??

Thanks for visiting my little blog!

Living in Naples: Restaurants

Yesterday's pizza post got my mouth watering and got me reminiscing about my time in Italy. Specifically, eating in Italy. Eating in Naples is an event in itself.  There are countless pizzerias, trattorias, and ristorantes, and most serve amazing food.  Meals can take hours, are served in courses, and are the preferred choice of socializing among the Napoletani. Many believe that pizza is the best in Naples (you can find my post about pizza here), but here are some non-pizza options:

Neighborhood Shoutouts

Villa Comunale/Riviera di Chiaia 

There are several snack bar restaurants located inside the Villa Comunale (the large park separating the Mergellina and Partenope areas of town.  You will also find many restaurants, salumarias, bars, and gelaterias along the Riviera di Chiaia (the street behind the park).  The streets above Riviera di Chiaia towards Piazza Amedeo are filled with small, enjoyable restaurants and pubs.  There are also some ethnic restaurants in this area, which can provide a change from Italian restaurants.

Borgo Marinaio/Santa Lucia

This area is very lively at night, filled with people taking the nightly passeggiata along the water or eating at the many restaurants.  Borgo Marinaio, alongside the Castel D’Ovo, features bars, seafood restaurants, and pizzerias.  The prices tend to be a bit higher, but the atmosphere makes up for it.  Borgo Santa Lucia begins at Borgo Marinaio and ends near Piazza Plebiscito.  The area features restaurants and pubs as well.

 

Budget Friendly Options

Gramsci Cafe Ristopub

We went here every single day for breakfast. I have never had a better cornetto con creama in my life. I tried many this summer, but none came close. They also have amazing lunch. Great salads, great pasta, great risotto. There is really something for everyone on the menu. They have great indoor and outdoor seating - and free wifi! You have to be doing something right if Italians keep coming back to you every day.

pssstt.... they also have amazing desert which we'll chat about another time

Da Torino

Via s. Teresa a Chiaia, corner Via S. Pasquale.

You will get change back from 20 euros for two courses, wine and water.  Closed Sunday night and Monday.

La Tavernetta

Just off Piazzeta Orefici

Open for lunch only, Mon. – Sat. Approximately €12 for two courses, wine, and water.

Sandwich Shop

Riviera di Chiaia 46.  

Very large sandwiches for under 5 euros.

La Palumella

Via Piedigrotta

This is a great restaurant that is a favorite of my consulate friends.  The old man who owns it is very nice and is almost always willing to sit and talk with you about Naples and the United States.  Make sure to ask for the antipasti misti because many believe that is the best part of the dining experience there.

Anima e Cozze

Via Caracciolo 

A new restaurant that makes traditional Neapolitan cuisine.  It is less then a 5 minute walk from the piazza republicca.  The food and the atmosphere there are wonderful and the price is reasonable. 

Totò Sapore

Viale Gramsci

Outdoor dining under the trees.

Bar Nuovo

Riviera di Chiaia

A good option for lunch.  Serves different dishes every day at low prices.

La Corona

Via Piedigrotta

Another good lunch option, this rosticceria is also close to piazza della republica and serves pizza, pasta, and meat dishes.

Non-Italian mentions...

One thing my Italian friends find funny is that when American discuss where they want to go for dinner, the conversation is focused on cuisine (do we want Thai? Chinese? Mexican?) whereas they are more concerned with what atmosphere they are in the mood for. This was a decent fix for when my taste buds we craving something not containing marinara.  

Zorba’s Taverna Greca

5 Grad. Amedep

A great place to go hang out and get some different food after work.  The pitas are very good, and you can even get a bottle of Greek wine to complement the food.

Acquario

Via S. Maria della Neve

A Chinese restaurant. 

Mc Dowell’s

Riviera di Chiaia

For when you are craving some American food that is not McDonalds.

What is your favorite Italian meal?

Thanks for stopping by!

Naples Guide to Pizza

I have took my job in Naples very seriously. I am not taking about the one that occupied my time 8-5, but the job of searching for the best pizza in the world. Here is what I have learned...

The "True Pizza" of Naples a.k.a. “La Vera Pizza” of Naples has a few basic golden rules:

- It can only be cooked in wood burning brick ovens. 
- The crust has to be soft and light, that’s why the dough is made the day before it’s used,   
   allowing the yeast to rise for at least 10/15 hours.

-     - The pizzaiolo (“pizza maker”) must be a real maestro, the dough stretching technique is 

         essential and you need at least 2/3 years of apprenticeship to become a pizzaiolo. 

       - The pizzerias that make the traditional pizza “verace” are members of the Pizza   

         Napoletana Association.

A good hint while walking around Naples is that these pizzas will say “La Vera Pizza” somewhere on the signage. You can use this list as a map of suggestions to find some of the best pizza in Naples. 

1. Da Michele

Via Sersale, 13  Tel +390815539204.

If you read "Eat, Pray, Love," you're already acquainted with Da Michele. You must be willing to wait in long lines, but this is generally considered to be the best people in Naples. They only serve two types, pizza margherita and pizza marinara, but its worth the wait. I went with a group of friends my last week in the city, and I fell in love. Like I wanted to run out into the streets signing and tattoo "AMO DA MICHELE" across my chest. Kidding.... kind of. I give them 10 slices out of 10.

2. Il Pizzaiolo del Presidente

Via Tribunali, 120/121  Tel. +39081210903

Nestled in the heart of the Centro Storico, Signore Ernesto Cacialli has been a pizzaiolo since he was seven! Ernesto invited Former President Bill Clinton to taste his creations back in 1994. Since then, the pizzeria has been named in his honor. I give them 7 slices out of 10.

3. Brandi

Salita S.Anna di Palazzo, 1- 2

Tel +39081416928

Located near the Chiaia neighborhood and near Piazza Plebiscito, this pizzeria is where the “pizza margherita” was invented. Raffaele Esposito worked at Brandi (established in 1780) and in 1889 he was asked to bake three different kinds of pizza for the visit of King Umberto I and Queen Margherita of Savoy. The Queen’s favorite had the colors of the Italian flag: basil for green, mozzarella for white, and tomatoes for red. It was given the name pizza margherita in her honor, and this has become the basis of pizza everywhere. This place was neat for the history factor, but for the price I was underwhelmed.... I gave it 8 out of 10 slices.

4. Di Matteo

Via dei Tribunali, 94 

Tel +39081455262

Founded in 1936 by Salvatore Di Matteo, today it is run by Raffaele Marigliano, who 50 years ago created an amazing pizza con alici e cicinielli (anchovies and newborn very very little fish, not produced any more). Here you cannot miss the pizza fritta, a deep fried pizza with ricotta cheese, provola cheese, tomato sauce and sugna (lard). Heaven on earth! 8 slices out of 10.

5. Pizzeria Trianon da Ciro

Via P. Colletta, 46

Tel: +39.081.5539426

This pizzeria, established in 1923, stretches up three stories. Here you can find exquisite (made fresh daily) buffalo milk mozzarella as a topping as well as the full range of pizza toppings you normally expect. This was a favorite when I have people come visit. 7 slices out of 10.

6. Sorbillo

Via Tribunali, 32

Tel. +39081.446643

This is another pizza “temple” in the “centro storico” of Naples; run today by daughter Anna Sorbillo, a member of the 21st generation pizza making family. Sorbillo can also deliver to your home or hotel (in historic center of Naples) and you can order on line. If you don't find this tech-savvy-ness impressive now, after an hour in Naples you will. 9 Slices out of 10.

7. Da Ettore

Via S. Lucia, 56

Tel +39081 7640498

Right on the waterfront facing Castel dell’Ovo sits this pizzeria on the elegant Santa Lucia boulevard (where politicians, actors and tourists frequent), and the pizza here is truly excellent.  But apart from pizza, they also excel in the “frittura all’italiana”, a sinfully delicious mix of deep fried aubergines (eggplant), zucchini, mozzarella, arancini (rice croquettes), cauliflower, potato croquettes, and zeppulelle con alghe. 7 Slices out of 10.

8. Lombardi

Via Foria, 12

Tel +39081456220

Close to the fantastic archeological museum of Naples (Museo Archeologico Nazionale), Pizzeria Lombardi was founded in the turn of the century by Enrico Lombardi who sold pizza in Brazil before setting up his pizzeria in Naples. Nowadays it is run by his grandsons Nando and Gigi. Their specialty is pizza with smoked provola cheese. 8 slices out of 10.

9. Antica Pizzeria Port’Alba

Via Port’Alba, 18

Tel +390814421061

This is the oldest pizzeria in Naples and Italy. Founded in 1738 as seller of street food, it became a real pizzeria in 1830. Vincenzo Luciano is the 5th generation to run the business. 8 slices out of 10.

10. La Notizia

Via Caravaggio, 53-55

Tel +390817142155

Named after the movie (the owner Enzo Coccia loves “Citizen Kane”), this pizzeria opens for dinners only, allowing time for the yeast to create the perfect dough. A real treat is the pizza bianca – without tomatoes – with scarola salad, aubergines (eggplant) and provola cheese. It is not located in a touristy neighborhood, but it is absolutely worth going to the upper part of the town to reach it. Authentic Napoli. 8 slices out of 10.

11. Restaurant Napoli 1820

Viale Antonio Gramsci, 11/d

A personal favortie, check out this restaurant nearby Piazza delle Repubblica for a delicious lunch or dinner. We frequented 1820 almost weekly, and I still have dreams about it now that I'm home. 10 slices out of 10.

In case you were wondering.... no..... there is no rating below 7. There is NO SUCH THING as bad pizza in Naples.

A couple other FYI's for you to keep in mind....

- Italians in general order one pizza per person. Splitting is frowned upon. Taking left-overs home is also frowned upon.

- The pizza will come out uncut, and you will typically cut off little pieces to eat at a time. 

- Finally, pizza is typically only served with beer in Italy. Its the only time when vino is not a preferred Italian drink.