2016 ITALY Vico Equesne 50 - Dinner Bell with Two Stars

There was a 40-min drive back to Villa Ketty. We had a short time to clean up and change into dinner attire. I could not believe how swollen my feet and ankles were. I've never had this problem before or since. I attribute it to walking on uneven stoney pavement for much of the day. Guess, I did not have the right shoes. What a relief to take my ankle bracelet off.

As we waited for our group to gather, we enjoyed this lovely sunset on the Bay of Naples.

We had a 15-minute drive on windy roads down to our restaurant by the sea. Our dinner res was 19:25 at Torre del Saracino (tower of the Saracens), a two-star Michelin restaurant. Our host was Vittoria Aiello and our Chef was Gennaro Esposito.

The structure was a wide tower built in medieval times. Thirteen-hundred years ago it was used as a sighting tower to spot enemies invading by sea.

Vivacious Vittoria led us into the cave-like seating area, where we enjoyed wine and antipasti.  Decor was modern mixed with ancient. Lighting was dramatic and romantic. It felt like sitting in your own living room--a huge coffee table surrounded by varied style chairs.

We had four or five appetizers and two wine pairings here. The sommelier demonstrated how to properly hold and pour from a wine bottle. First were dips and bread, and meaty tidbits.

Arancini (deep fried mozzarella stuffed rice balls). One of my all time favorites. Wish I had taken a photo with the ball split open and its wonderful gooey insides oozing out.

I don't remember this one, but pretty.

Then we were led up narrow tower steps to our private dining room. We had an L-shaped table with a view of night skies over the sea and city lights.

I think this meal served more courses than any other on either Italian trip. The aromatics of each dish were unique and wonderful. There were at least three more wines served. And I loved the interesting plates chosen to complement each food.

I'm guessing on some of these, but check out the photos. A variety of breads to start. Aren't the little mushroom breads cute?

Soup.

Soft boiled egg over veggies.

Veggie stack salad.

Cheese soup? Mix it yourself.

Fish dish.

Pork, maybe, in rich sauce. Most courses served with a wonderful sauce.

Risotto. Another fave on my list.

This was called "broken candles." 

Ravioli.

Seared white fish.

After the entrees, chef Gennaro introduced himself. What a happy guy! It is apparent he loves his job, especially the tasting part.

We received fresh napkins and then the desserts (yes, with an "s") started arriving. You can guess for yourself what these combos are. They also served apple tea, if you were wined out.

Then the desert finale. A very unique serving arrangement. These clear glass balls were about a foot in diameter and divotted with cubby holes for each delight. It was called the ball of fortune.

After that leisurely and lovely meal, we headed out into the night by way of a peek at the wine cellar.

It was cool and dark, horizon lit by the city lights of Naples across the bay. We got home at 00:15. Yikes!