Consuming Capri

Nick here, while Becca is more of the regaler of family fun and the updater of our infamous exploits, we are HUGE foodies and after hearing so many horror stories about disappointing dinners, I decided to take disappointment out of the equation. How does one do that, you must be asking. RESEARCH. Twenty minutes of your time spent on the absolutely essential Chowhound.com will assure you find a delectable meal in your price range. Chowhound is user-driven and contains none of the high falutin' drivel found in your typical NY Times or Frommers review.
With introductions out of the way, I must tell you about our best dining experience on the isle of Capri. Marie, Ian, Rebecca and I ate in a gorgeous restaurant set in an Italian lemon grove on Marina Grande called Da Paolino. Reservations are absolutely essential as we ate on a Wednesday night and it was packed. Beautiful setting and a really beautiful crowd. From what I read on Chowhound, it is not uncommon to see a celebrity or two, if that's really your bag. It certainly is Becca's. Sadly, we didn't see any celebs but the service there was something to be celebrated indeed. European service, if you haven't already discovered, is very hands off. In fact sometimes one is left wondering if restaurants in Europe even employ waiters. This couldn't be farther from the truth at Da Paolino. All of the waiters are highly knowledgable and highly attentive older gentlemen who will not hesitate to point you in the right direction concerning food and wine. Our waiter suggested we all try the antipasta buffet (we normally HATE buffets) and Marie, Ian and Rebecca all took his advice and returned to the table in minutes will all kinds of mouthwatering delights like eggplant quiche, marinated mushrooms and peppers, buffalo mozzarella, the list (unlike my memory) is endless.
I was truly vexed over my entree decision and once again our handy waiter (name of course forgotten) came to the rescue. I wasn't sure if I wanted the veal or the lamb chop. The waiter shook his head, looked me square in the eye and said, "Definitely the vitello, signore." And of course, the man was right. All of the entrees were incredible, especially Becca's pasta with zucchini flowers. The selection of vino was wide ranging, organized by region (as all lists should be) and included choices from France, Italy, South America, Africa, and the States. We started with a Sicilian wine we know and love called Planeta Segreta and later indulged in a Montepulciano from the North. They were both incredible.
Any dining experience can easily be soured by a less than savory dessert. Da Paolino did not disappoint. They have a desert buffet that is absoultely immense. Chocolates and fruits generally pervade and at this point the wine had already started to fog our collective memory of the specifics. What I will never forget is the best limoncello I have had anywhere in my life. Of course it is homemade and of course it was breathtakingly delicious. We had two more rounds. Surprised? Overall, I would say that Da Paolino is the third best restaurant I've eaten at in Italy. Intrigued to know the other two? You'll have to tune in for our next installment.

Ciao for now,

Nick

This is Becca enjoying a sampler from the dessert buffet at Da Paolino.