The Isle of Capri, Italy, situated in the Bay of Napoli, is probably most noted for the Grotta Azzurra, (Blue Grotto) a sea cave that is filled with a brilliant blue light. I was lucky enough to visit this magical place before it became the tourist attraction it is today.
If you climb the long and steep Phoenician Steps, that connect the town of Capri to the village of Anacapri, hundreds of feet above the Mediterranean, you will discover Villa San Michele.
After you catch your breath, walk through the magnificent gardens adorned with numerous relics, look at the panoramic view of the town of Capri below, the Sorrentine Peninsula and Mount Vesuvius … it will take your breath away!
The other claim to fame of this charming island is the Caprese salad. The ingredients are few but, are of the finest quality. This classic salad consists of the freshest, juiciest, sun-ripened tomatoes overlapped with fresh mozzarella di bufala, torn basil leaves and a fruity, robust extra virgin olive oil and then seasoned with a bit of salt from the sea. This is the original Insalata Caprese. You may also enjoy the Blood Orange Citrus Caprese.
Ingredients:
- Tomatoes (the absolute best the season has to offer)
- Fresh mozzarella
- Extra-virgin olive oil (Robust)
- Sea salt
- Balsamic vinegar
- Fresh basil leaves, torn
- Slice the tomatoes and the mozzarella and then arrange on a serving platter by overlapping alternate slices of each.
- Generously drizzle with olive oil and then sprinkle with flakes of sea salt.
- Garnish with aged balsamic and basil.
