TBTAM Does Italy – Part Last. Three Memorable Meals in Maratea

Il giardino di Epicuro

Il Giardino Di Epicuro is a family-owned restaurant in Massa de Maritea that serves food made from ingredients that, for the most part, the owners grow themselves. They also cure their own meats.

Fernando calls the restaurant “the Philosopher”. If so, the philosophy seems to be that of Horatius, whose famous quotation adorns the walls. (Translation – “Eat, drink…there is nothing else beyond that.)

The night we eat at the Philosopher is a quiet one, so the owner himself takes our orders, or rather tells us what to order, in a gruff but lovable way that adds to the ambiance of this find of a restaurant.

Best part of the meal? Hands down, the Chickpea noodles. I have to learn to make this…

Other highlights? Gnocci with truffles

the homemade grappa

and standing outside onto the vine covered patio looking at the moon while the kids play in the garden.

Ristorante Vincenzo a Mare
Located in Port Maratea, Ristorante Vincenzo a Mare has a lovely, vine-covered porch overlooking the port. Fernando tells us he chose it, “so we can look at Fabrizio’s boat”. He and Fabrizio have reason to be proud of that boat. They brought her back to life with a new motor in a two-day long adventure that at one point had them stranded on the sea a windless hot afternoon with no sunscreen.

The menu at Vincenzo a Mare is handwritten, a charming touch that only added to the ambiance of a wonderful meal. The food is fresh and delicious, especially the snapper up there, which though bony, is exceedingly flavorful and well-spiced.

But the best part of the meal? The lesson Fernando gives us in Italian table manners. Here, I’ll let him show you, as he explains how to do Scarpetta or “The little shoe”.

Double click on arrow to view video.

Beach Party Maratea

For our last night in Maratea, Fernando has the perfect dinner suggestion, this time a beach party. Fabrizio, Emily and I take the boat into the Porta for pizza as the setting sun shines through gathering evening clouds.

Fernando supplies the beer, and Diego brings his ipod and speakers. By the time we arrive with the pizza, it is growing dark, and the fire is blazing.

Party may not be the best word for what we are doing, for we don’t really drink much, and the families talk softly as we listen to the music and watch the Sea. I take a brief dip at the water’s edge, and come back to find everyone starting to fall asleep. Time to put out the fire and head back to our hotel.

There is no more perfect a way to end a perfect vacation.