Yesterday, Mary Lauren and I spend the afternoon in Sorrento.  After a light colazione (breakfast) of fresh fruit, yogurt, and cappucinni, followed by my Italian language class with my teacher, Ester, we walked the three miles from Piano di Sorrento into Sorrento proper.  Such an enjoyable walk down la Corsa d’Italia (the main street running through town) as we strolled past shop windows, outdoor cafes, and herds of scooters buzzing in and out of traffic.

In my mind, our lunch destination was already set.  Ever since I arrive in Italy almost two weeks ago, I have had my eye on the Fauno Bar in the main square of Sorrento. Just what you would picture in your mind when you envision a European café—a multitude of tables covered in bright yellow tablecloths, filled with both tourists and locals alike, all enjoying an early afternoon aperitif or espresso, and a light lunch.  The occasional city dog weaving in and out of the tables, almost as fast as the bow tie-clad waiters clutching their tablets to anxiously take your order.

A voyeur’s paradise—city tour buses, gelato-eating pedestrians, and pairs of Italian friends walking arm-in-arm down the street, smiling and laughing as the discuss the events of their day.  How lucky am I to be an onlooker to these everyday scenes—and even luckier am I to be enjoying this time doing so with my Sister.  ‘Qualcosa di beve’? (‘Something to drink?’) we are asked. Well we don’t mind if we do.

Mary Lauren with her glass of crisp white wine and me, with a gin and lemon soda, perused the extensive menu of local delights.  We finally settled in on an antipasto of Avocado e Gamberi (Avocado and Shrimp), an insalata mista for Mary Lauren followed by the Lemon Risotto with Lobster, and for me, the insalata with seared tuna, anchovies, eggs, tomatoes, olives and a curry vinaigrette. So fresh, so perfect.

A stroll around the square after lunch led us to some unique shops where I purchased a Sorrento puzzle for my mother-in-law and a 1950’s black-and-white print of a Campari advertisement for our bar at home.  And then came the jewelry store.  The store’s name is Bimonte (www.bimontesorrento.com)—owned by a cordial and talented local jeweler who creates his own settings and uses mainly stones from the region; specializing coral as well as cameos.  Mary Lauren had her eyes on a gorgeous sapphire and diamond rind set in white gold, while I zeroed in on a coral ring carved into the shape of a rose.  Classic pieces that we will both remember buying, and will certainly be wearing, for years to come.

We then discovered the Marina Grande area of the city. A quiet, picturesque area of the city down by the bay, filled with fancy hotels, waterside restaurants, and local homes.  Here we were introduced to an adorable gatto (cat) curiously hunting for a lizard, as well as unbelievable views of Mount Vesuvius, local fisherman, and colorful boats galore.  My first thought as we were leaving this unbelievable area was that this was a place not only to bring my charcoal and drawing pad this weekend, but the first place I will be taking Scott when he returns to Italy in June.

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