Amalfi Coast
/The Amalfi Coast and the isle of Capri have the fame and notoriety as playgrounds for the rich and famous. Less well-known or written about are the region, Campania, and the second city largest city, Sorrento (Naples is the largest). Campania, although not as well known as Tuscany or Umbria, has the southern sunshine, friendly people, deep blue seas, red tomatoes, bufala di mozzarella, arancini, and the yellowest of lemons. The region is home to San Marzano tomatoes, limoncello, and endless views of the magnificent coast and sea.
After 3-4 days in Rome, take the train to Sorrento and explore the Amalfi Coast. In October, the crowds have thinned out, but the days are still pleasant with daytime highs in the mid-70s and nights in the mid 60s. Not exactly plunging-in-the water warm, but still very nice.
From your base in Sorrento, you can rent a car to explore the coast, or you can be adventurous and rent a Vespa (only if you are an experienced motorcycle rider). I’ve done both. There are plenty of pull-outs with great views along the coast if the traffic gets too busy. You can also do day trips, or even overnight hops to Capri, a small mountainous island with great views and great seafood. Hey, you’re surrounded by the sea, there is great seafood everywhere.
You’ll find it easy to get an hotel room, an apartment or an Air BnB with great views of Mt. Vesuvius and the coast. Try to avoid the center of Sorrento, since there is a fair amount of scooter traffic and sleeping could be an issue. I speak from experience!
The famous towns coastal towns are built along the sea with steep streets and path leading up the hillsides. Parking is hard to find and premium-priced. Walking the cobbled streets to a hillside hotel or villa is not for the faint of heart or of legs. Pulling a wheeled suitcase is a challenge. I’ve stayed in Sorrento on both of my visits to the area and did day trips along the coast.
After seeing a bit of the town of Amalfi, head up the mountain road to Ravello, where you will escape Amalfi’s restaurants with steep tourist prices. The food and the scenery are worth the trip. Not only is the food home style, but so is the welcome.
The proximity to the sea means there will be an abundance of seafood restaurants along the coast serving Fritto Misto di Mare (Fried Mixed Seafood), Spaghetti alle Vongole (Spaghetti with clams) and Pesce all’acqua Pazza (Fish poached in Crazy Water).
Fresh seafood at the Sorrento marina.
However, don’t miss the chance at any dish featuring the famous San Marzano tomatoes, eggplant and bufala di mozzarella. Put them together and you have Parmigiana di Melanzane (eggplant parmesan). Just as the Southern Italians claim to make the best Eggplant Parmesan in Italy, we at M’tucci’s think we make the best outside of Italy. I’m not able to share the recipe with you, but you’ll have no problem finding several online. We can share a few hints: 1) rid the eggplant of excess moisture by salting the slices and letting them sweat, or by roasting the slices in a hot oven 2) use fresh M’tucci’s mozzarella, but drain it so excess moisture doesn’t make the eggplant soggy 3) a spicy marinara will serve as a counterpoint to the normally mild cheese and eggplant flavor.
Eggplant Parmesan at M’tucci’s Moderno
To really enjoy any city or town, walk the streets, get lost, because you never know what might be waiting around the corner.
Friendly card game at the retired workers club in sorrento
NEWS FROM M’TUCCI’S
M’tucci’s @ Lava Rock Brewing Co.
HAPPY HOUR & NFL Football!
$7 Happy Hour Menu features The Burger, a 10” Margherita or Pepperoni Green Chile Pizza, Charcuterie Boards and Wings for $7, Monday - Friday 3:00 - 6:30. Pair the food with a beer for $10.50 or $11, depending on the beer. Not eating (why not?), then $1 off all pints. The NFL is up and running and you can catch your favorite team on one of our large five screens.
HAPPY HOUR EVERY MONDAY UNTIL THE END OF THE FIRST HALF OF MONDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL!
$5 basket of Wings all day on Sunday
RETURNING BEER - A small batch Brut IPA is now on tap (5.8% ABV and 30 IBU), as is the Vacation Daze Coconut Hazy IPA (5.5% ABV and 30 IBU).
October is Down Syndrome Awareness Month and we are donating to the local Rio Grande Down Syndrome Network - 10% of Tuesday Gross Food Sales and $1 from every pint of Petroglyph Wit will go to the Foundation all month long.
Upcoming Live Music:
11/2: The Gershom Brothers
So great to have Mayor Tim Keller in for lunch this past week. Had a nice chat with Chef/Manager Fred Gallegos, M’tucci’s Founder Katie Gardner and Head Brewer Ram Khalsa.
M’tucci’s Moderno
Thanks to all our fans who voted our Servers the Best of Rio Rancho.
Weekend Specials
Pan Seared Rockfish - a lean fish with a mild, sweet flavor accompanied with roasted artichoke, sautéed organic arugula, mashed potatoes, caper lemon butter sauce, and smoked prosciutto powder.
Hand cut of the day - 24oz Porterhouse Steak served with crispy saltwater potatoes, grilled asparagus, and an Italian salsa verde sauce.
NEW FALL HOURS - With the weather turning cold we have decided to launch our new menu! Visit us this weekend so you are the first to try it out!
Live Music
Tonight: Lani Nash @ 8:30
11/7: Kirk Mathews @ 7:00
M’tucci’s Italian
Weekend Specials
Cut of the Day - 24 oz Hand Cut T-Bone, Salt Water Potatoes, Grilled Asparagus and a Balsamic Reduction
Ravioli - Red Chile Goat Ricotta Ravioli, Roasted Butternut Squash, Caramelized Onion, Brown Butter Sage Sauce, Shaved Parmesan, Crispy Prosciutto
Pan Seared Seafood - Barramundi, Garlic Mashed Potatoes, Grilled Artichoke, Lemon Caper Sauce
Braise - House Made Lasagna, Italian Sausage, Ricotta, Fresh Mozzarella, Spinach, Warm Farro Side Salad
October Prix Fixe Menu
10/30/19
1st Course- Smoked Ghoulda Pizza, Balsamic Braised Cipollini Onions, Rosemary
2nd Course- Braised Duck A’l Blood Orange, Potato Puree, Braised Greens
3rd Course- Chocolate Mousse Cake, Graham Cracker, Marshmallow, Chocolate Spider
M’tucci’s Italian Café & Market
Voted Albuquerque’s Best Deli by the Albuquerque Journal’s Readers.
The Café & Market offers amazing pastries in our display case every day and we’re busy planning for the holidays. We carry the same great Italian imports, all of our artisan breads, and a wide variety of imported, domestic, and house made cheese and meat. There is an expanded selection of coffee and pastries. We have charcuterie boards to eat in or take out with wine and beer by the glass. Click here to see our menu.
Don’t feel like cooking tonight, but you want to stay home? Pick up a M’tucci’s Pasta Kit: 1 lb. of House Made Pasta, choice of Bolognese or Carbonara Sauce, House Made Meat and an Italian Cheese for garnish.
October Halloween Chocolates & Cookies!
M’tucci’s Catering
We cater events of all sizes and varieties. Recently, we fed 1,500 guests at The Whiskey Classic at San Cristobal Movie Ranch south of Santa Fe. A portion of the event proceeds went toward a scholarship for students enrolled in Central New Mexico Community College’s beverage and brewing management program. It was a great event with M’tucci’s food, and Managing Partner/Beverage Director Austin Leard leading seminars about M’tucci’s Shrubs and Mixology.
Contact Ivy for your next event, large or small. We can handle it!
Click here to see our catering menu. 505.350.0019 or [email protected]
ONGOING NEWS
M’TUCCI’S AROUND TOWN
Our market items can be purchased at a couple of locations in Albuquerque. We deliver our fresh bread every Tuesday and Friday to Silver Street Market at 2nd and Silver. Choose from Sourdough, Fennel Rye, Wheat, Baguette, Ciabatta, and Raisin Rosemary Focaccia.
Drinking at Bosque in Nob Hill? You can order a M’tucci’s Charcuterie Board while there.
M’TUCCI’S TWENTY-FIVE JOB FAIR
Watch this space for the announcement of our December Job Fair for our new location. We are looking for highly skilled and motivated servers, kitchen workers, bartenders and managers.
SERVICE INDUSTRY NIGHT & DISCOUNTS
Area service industry workers can get a Service Industry card from us by showing proof of employment. With the card you receive 10% off your check every day and 20% off on Sundays from 6:00 - 9:00. Dine in only.
ONLINE ORDERING
Our food is available for delivery with Door Dash or for pick up. Pick up something for the weekend or on your way home from work. The links to ordering are on the Home page.
MTUCCI’S YOUTUBE CHANNEL
Videos about making cocktails and pasta and getting to know the M’tucci’s culture. Click here
See you next Friday - Ciao!
