While exploring Piano di Sorrento today I came across a villa and adjoining park that was open to the public.  With magnificent views of the gulf of Naples and alas, the home of one of the local museums I had read about and had added to my must-see list:  The Georges Vallet Archaeological Museum.  Named for a well-known archaeologist, this museum occupies the halls of Villa Fondi di Sangro in Piano di Sorrento.  An example of neoclassical architecture, this museum has been open since 1999.  Interestingly enough, this is the first museum in the area that was opened to display the findings of recent excavations that register changes in the local population since prehistoric times. Several halls of artifacts fill the villa and show the findings from excavations carried out in the area of Piano di Sorrento.  Archaic ceramic pieces, sculpture, and even empty tombs are some of items on display. A free-to-the-public and must see if you are in the area.

Switching gears a bit, yesterday in class we made a big batch of pizza dough which we used to make a variety of tasty treats:  pizza, pizzetti (mini-pizzas), calzones, and even focaccia.  A dough lover’s paradise!  We even used a savory short bread dough from earlier in the week and local produce from the stand next door, to make a gorgeous vegetable quiche.  This delicious quiche was studded with spinach, potatoes, braised artichokes, and smoked mozzarella cheese; a wonderful appetizer, breakfast dish, or even vegetarian main course.

With my sister Mary Lauren and our friend Sarah in town today, they will be joining  my classmate and I at Mami Camilla for dinner tonight—along with a bottle of Rosso Montalono wine that they brought me from Florence.  Buon Appetito!

Tagged: cooking school, externship, Italy, Mami Camilla, museum, Sorrento