Pizza Pilgrimage to Pepe in Grani

Like many others, I first learned about Pepe in Grani through the Netflix series Chef’s Table.

Franco Pepe is widely recognized as one of the world’s best pizzaiolos. His restaurant, Pepe in Grani, is located in the quaint historic town of Caiazzo. It is approximately an hour’s drive from Naples or about an hour and a half by train. The restaurant can also arrange a taxi transfer back to Naples upon request.

The restaurant has an inviting atmosphere, with rustic yet charming décor. Pepe in Grani offers three distinct dining areas to suit different preferences and party sizes. The Ordinary Room offers a choice between à la carte and tasting menus. The Hall of Taste is exclusively reserved for guests enjoying the tasting menu, while the Gustarte provides a more spacious and comfortable setting for larger groups of six or more.

Pepe’s pizza dough is handmade and left to rest in traditional wooden boxes. The ingredients are seasonal and locally sourced.

The tasting menus are available for a minimum of two people, and I highly recommend making a reservation in advance to avoid a long wait. You can also indicate any allergies or intolerances when making your booking.

I chose the ESSENZA tasting menu, which included one fried pizza, four slices of assorted pizzas, and one fried dessert. If it’s your first visit, the chef will curate the selection for you. However, if you have specific preferences, you can let the staff know, and they will gladly accommodate your choices.

So, what did I think of the pizza?

I found the pizzas delicious, with unique combinations of flavors that I hadn’t experienced before. The crust, in particular, stood out for its incredibly light and airy texture. Unlike some Neapolitan pizzas, the center wasn’t soggy either. I later learned that only certain ingredients, such as mozzarella, artichokes, and prosciutto cotto, are baked together with the dough, while the remaining ingredients are added after the pizza comes out of the oven.

However, given the high expectations created by the media, I was anticipating a truly mind-blowing experience, which unfortunately didn’t quite happen for me. That said, the pizza was still excellent and unlike anything I had tried before. My advice? Go in with an open mind, leave your expectations at the door, and simply enjoy the culinary journey.

CIRO

Cone with 12-month Grana Padano DOP fondue, rocket pesto, dehydrated Caiazzo black olives.

MARGHERITA SBAGLIATA

Campana DOP Buffalo mozzarella cheese, purée of “Riccio” tomatoes, basil reduction, Evo oil.

SCARPETTA

Campana DOP Buffalo mozzarella, 12-month Grana Padano fondue, uncooked tomato compote, freeze-dried pesto basil, flakes of 24-month Grana Padano DOP cheese

MANGIABUFALO

Fabula buffalo soft cheese, fiordilatte mozzarella cheese, toasted bread with Balsamico Modena IGP vinegar, walnuts, buffalo bresaola, raw frisée, and Evo oil.

SALSICCIA E FRIARIELLI

Fiordilatte cheese, dried Casertano pork sausage, friarielli (broccoli rabe), chili pepper, buffalo ‘stracciata’ cheese, crunchy almonds, garlic EVO oil.

CRISOMMOLA DEL VESUVIO

Slice of fried pizza with lemon peels flavored DOP buffalo ricotta cheese, Vesuvio apricot jam, roasted hazelnuts, Caiazzo dehydrated olives, and fresh mint.

 

Pepe in Grani

Website: https://www.pepeingrani.it/
Telephone: +39 0823 86 27 18
Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday 18:30 p.m. – 00:30 a.m., Sundays 12:30p.m. – 15:50 p.m.
Address: Vicolo S. Giovanni Battista, 3, 81013 Caiazzo CE, Italy

Ditta Riva D’Arno, Florence

 

Located next to the Ponte alla Carraia, this café stands out as an early riser, welcoming guests from 8 am onwards. Among its three other branches in Florence, this particular café stands out with its vibrant, bright-colored mural adorning the walls and floor, infusing the space with vibrant energy.

The cafe offers an extensive selection of coffee and homemade pastries, including both sweet and savory options like croissants, cinnamon rolls, cakes, and more.

I ordered a flat white, Margarita focaccia, and ham and cheese croissant. While the ambiance may impress, the coffee leaves something to be desired, bearing a disappointing sour aftertaste. On a brighter note, the margarita focaccia and croissant with ham and cheese fare well, complemented by friendly service.

 

Ditta Riva D’Arno

Website: https://www.menudittaartigianale.com/
Telephone: +39 0553874550
Opening hours: 8:00 a.m. – 19:00 p.m. Daily
Address: Via Lungarno Soderini 7R – Firenze, IT

Starting the Day with an Authentic Arabic Breakfast at Café Arabia

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Cafe Arabia offers a diverse selection of breakfast options, including Arabic-style dishes alongside Western classics like pancakes and toast. The ambiance is cozy, exuding an Arabesque charm and a homely atmosphere, adorned with Moroccan-style lanterns and wall art.

There was a Filipino waitress who was incredibly friendly and approachable. She was always attentive to our needs, consistently wore a smile, and engaged in light-hearted conversations with us.

Since it was my first time visiting the UAE, I couldn’t resist sampling the Arabic breakfast and a side of falafel. The delightful Arabic breakfast array features an assortment of Arabic cheeses and spreads, including Labneh, feta cheese, Kaymak, Foul Medames, and molasses with tahini, etc. The falafel, boasting a crisp exterior and fluffy interior, was well-seasoned and smooth.

All the dishes were freshly prepared and delicious!

 

Cafe Arabia

Website: https://linktr.ee/cafearabia
Telephone: +97126439699
Opening hours:

Mon, Wed, Thurs, Friday – 8:00 a.m. – 22:00 p.m.  / Tuesdays – 8:00 a.m. – 21:00 p.m.
Sat & Sun – 9:00 a.m. – 22:00 p.m.

Address: Villa No. 637, 15th Street, Airport Rd، Opposite Al Mushrif Children’s Park – Abu Dhabi – United Arab Emirates

A Must-Try Schiacciata Sandwich at All’Antico Vinaio, Florence

All’Antico Vinaio is an institution in Florence known for its amazing schiacciata sandwiches. It is one of the city’s premier street foods and is an absolute must-try for anyone exploring the city.

During my visit in the off-peak season, I was fortunate to find a manageable line. To expedite the process, the staff cleverly encouraged customers to scan a QR code for the menu, which helped keep things moving smoothly.

Observing the sandwich being prepared right in front of me was quite satisfying. I opted for the Vegetariana 3 (featuring Gorgonzola, courgettes, sun-dried tomatoes, and rocket leaves) and the La Numero 1 (roast suckling pig, cream of onion, and roast potato cream), which cost € 16 each. I was treated to generous portions brimming with fresh, good-quality ingredients. The succulent roast suckling pig paired beautifully with the sweet onion cream, further elevating the experience.

This sandwich definitely ranks among the most exceptional and unforgettable I’ve ever tasted.

All’Antico Vinaio

Website: https://www.allanticovinaio.com/
Opening hours: Daily 10:00 a.m. – 22:00 p.m.

Main branch
Via dei Neri, 65r, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy

Piazza San Marco branch
Via Ricasoli, 121r, 50121 Firenze FI, Italy

One of Kyoto’s Most Scenic Michelin-Starred Restaurants: Hiramatsu Kodaiji

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Hiramatsu Kodaiji, a one-Michelin-star Japanese-French restaurant, sits atop a hill in the historic district of Higashimaya in a tranquil surrounding, away from the busy Nineizaka shopping street below.

When we arrived at the entrance, we were warmly greeted by staff and escorted inside. There, we were greeted by a hostess in the lobby and escorted to the 4th floor, where the restaurant is located.

I reserved a terrace seat in advance. If the weather is good, I highly recommend it. It offers a view of the Yasaka Pagoda and the beautiful Kyoto scenery.

The waiters were cordial and attentive and provided impeccable service, but they had limited English proficiency. They tried their best to communicate, using a translating app at times. I appreciate the effort.

The restaurant offers a Prix Fixe menu for lunch and dinner at three price ranges: 5,000 to 12,000 yen for lunch and 15,000 to 25,000 yen for dinner.

I opted for the 7,500. (A 10% tax and 10% service charge are not included in the price.)

The food was delicious, and I enjoyed the dining experience. Continue reading “One of Kyoto’s Most Scenic Michelin-Starred Restaurants: Hiramatsu Kodaiji” →

FEEKA coffee roasters

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Feeka is located in the heart of KL in a converted townhouse in Changkat Bukit Bintang. The decor is industrial rustic-themed, with a cozy patio filled with lush greenery. There was a good mix of locals and expats. The staff was polite and attentive.

The cafe has an all-day breakfast menu and some mains and pasta. Daily baked pastries such as croissants, donuts, and muffins are available. The coffee menu has a good list of coffee. You have the usual flat white and espresso, filtered coffee, cold brews, specialty coffee, and interesting coffee creations, such as coco vanilla and sticky bun lattes.

I ordered the Brulee french toast and Feeka’s breakfast.

Brulee french toast (23 ringgit) vanilla custard, orange mascarpone, fresh strawberries, orange lime jam

I loved the presentation of the dish. The bread was light and soft. The flavors were nice – sweetness from the syrup, creaminess from the mascarpone, citrusy orange, and tangy lime.

Feeka’s breakfast (34 ringgit) salted beef, potato croquet, roasted tomatoes, sauteed mushrooms, sourdough toast, and two eggs any style.

The sourdough bread had a nice crust and a slightly dense texture. The greens gave a bit of freshness and crunch. However, the salted beef was chewy and tough, and the potato croquet was cold.

Overall, the presentations were beautiful, and the service was good, but the flavors were mediocre.

 

FEEKA coffee roasters

Website: https://www.instagram.com/feekacoffeeroasters/?hl=en

Opening hours: Daily 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.

Telephone: +60321104599

Address: 19, Jln Mesui, Bukit Bintang, 50200 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

 

South Indian Breakfast at Little India, Kuala Lumpur

 

My brother and I were looking for a place to have Dosa for breakfast and came across this Vegetarian South Indian restaurant in Brickfields—MTR 1924. This vegetarian restaurant was founded in 1924 in Bengaluru, India, hence the name. We visited on Friday morning, a work day, so the restaurant was quite empty.
The restaurant had a simple interior and was orderly and clean. Prices here are a little higher than the average Malaysian Indian breakfast. After trying the food, I knew why the prices were more expensive—good quality ingredients, and you could taste them in the food. The waiter was friendly, and the service was fast.

MTR serves quintessential South Indian dishes such as Idli, Dosa, and Vada.We ordered a plain dosa (11.28 ringgit) , rava dosa (13.63 ringgit), and an uddin vada (5.17 ringgit). Each dish came with lentil sambar and green chutney. The vada (fried lentil doughnut) was one of the best I’ve had in a long time. It was soft and fluffy with a thin, crispy outer crust. The plain Dosa was thicker than usual and, therefore, quite filling. The Rava dosa was thin, crispy, and aromatic. I’ve never had Dosa served with a side of ghee, I was hesitant at first, worried that it might make my Dosa taste oily, but instead, it elevated the flavor of the Dosa, giving it a subtle buttery taste.

If you are in the area, I recommend visiting this restaurant. I would love to go back and try other signature dishes, such as rava idli and masala dosa.

 

MTR 1924

Website: https://www.mtr1924malaysia.com/

Opening hours: Weekdays – 8:00 a.m. to 15:30 p.m. &  17:00 p.m. to 22:30 p.m.  Weekends – 8:00 a.m. – 22:30 p.m.

Telephone: +60 322 764924

Address: 69, Jalan Thambipillay, Brickfields, 50470 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Get an early start to your day at Kissa Kishin

 

Choshoku Kishin, a popular Japanese breakfast restaurant in Gion, opened a cafe at Maana Kiyomizu, a boutique hotel. The cafe is conveniently located near numerous ancient heritage sites, such as the Chishaku-in and Rengeō-in temples.

Kissa Kishin serves breakfast and brunch dishes incorporating Japanese ingredients. It is one of the few cafes in Kyoto that opens early, at 7:30 a.m.

The staff were friendly, and they have English menus. The menu comprises 5 plates (Kissa Kishin Kyoto “Signature Breakfast,” Weekly special Sandwiches & Soup, Homemade Granola, Kishin’s Koji Bread with homemade jam, and Grilled Omusubi with Japanese-style soup. There are also additional dishes ( seasonal fruits, fried potato ..etc.), a variety of drinks, and cakes. Gluten-free and Vegan options are available.

I got Kissa Kishin’s signature breakfast, which consists of green pea soup, koji bread, and an omelet with pickled onions and plum sauce served with roasted seasonal vegetables and a salad with crispy shirasu (baby sardines). The Omelet was soft and fluffy. The plum sauce added a bit of acidity and sweetness, while the bonito flakes added a smoky umami note. The koji bread was my favorite, fluffy yet chewy with subtle nutty undertones. Everything was delicious.

Kissa Kishin is a great place to start off the morning.

Kissa Kishin

Website: https://www.kishin.world/kissa , https://www.instagram.com/kishin.kissa/?hl=en

Telephone: +819099580615

Opening hours: 7:30 a.m. – 16:00 p.m., Closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays

Address: Japan, 〒605-0932 Kyoto, Higashiyama Ward, Myohoin Maekawacho, 427-18 MAANA KIYOMIZU

IOLITE COFFEE ROASTERS

 

Iolite Coffee Roasters is a sweet little cafe located in Ikesucho 池須町. The cafe’s interior design is clean and contemporary, with high ceilings wooden beams, and lots of natural light. Their specialty coffee beans are available for purchase, and samples are available at the entrance for taste.

The staff was welcoming, attentive, and spoke English. An English menu with descriptions and taste profiles of their specialty coffee is available.

We ordered the hand-drip house blend, flat white, butter toast, and a hot dog. The coffee and food were delicious.

Flat white  580 yen

House blend  570 yen

Butter toast  330 yen

Hot dog with pickled carrots  800 yen

 

IOLITE COFFEE ROASTERS

Website: https://www.iolite-coffee.com/ , https://www.instagram.com/iolite.coffeeroasters/?hl=en

Telephone: +81752318989

Opening hours:

 Weekdays (Monday, Thursday, Friday) 11:30a.m – 18:00p.m.

Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays 9:00a.m.- 18:00 a.m.

Address: 422 Ikesucho, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto, 604-8216, Japan

Yoshinokuzu Sakura 吉野葛佐久良

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Sakura is a Yoshino Kuzu specialty store. The owner is the 6th generation of a kimono shop founded in 1873.

Various Kuzu confectionaries are sold at the front of the store with a sweet old lady behind the counter. At the cafe, you can savor handmade Kuzu desserts and tea while enjoying the view of the garden and relaxing in a serene and homey setting with soothing instrumental Japanese music playing in the background.

The waitress didn’t speak much English, but there was an English menu.

We ordered the Kuzumochi with kinako and kuramitsu (black sugar syrup) and Matcha with red bean Kuzumochi.

The Kuzumochi was soft and chewy, beautifully complemented by the kinako and syrup. The slightly bitter and earthy matcha perfectly balanced the red bean Kuzumochi.

I will definitely revisit this cafe.

 

Sakura 吉野葛佐久良

Website: https://www.instagram.com/yoshinokuzusakura/ http://www.nizuka.com/yoshinokuzu.htm

Telephone: 0120-26-0887

Opening hours: 10:00 a.m. – 17:00 p.m., closed on Wednesdays and Thursdays

Address: 2 Takamikadocho, Nara, 630-8336, Japan