How many people know about Villa Capri? Have you eaten there? Do you know who the owners are, their background, the flavors they create?
NO CHEF!
I didn’t think so. It’s a restaurant for ‘locals’. And if you don’t live in ‘the hood’? You probably think it’s just some cheap Italian ‘style’ restaurant… the one’s you went to when you got back from Italy, and spit the food out ….. am I right?
YES CHEF!
And that’s why I am so pleased to tell you that this is the real deal! The pasta, the gnocchi is made on the premises.
But there’s way more to it.
Do you remember Scalini’s on Via de la Valle and how authentic the food was? That my friend, was Chef Antonio Viscito. Any idea who one of the owners is? Chef Antonio, still cooking with authentic flavors from Amalfi. Ever hear of the Hotel Splendido in Portofino?
NO CHEF!
Well that’s probably because you haven’t been to Italy with a lover. (It’s the ideal place to go). Ok. I forgive you for not knowing. But if you did go you would know this food is authentic. And the few complaints I’ve seen about this place being slow to serve? They haven’t been to Italy either. You are supposed to enjoy your time in a restaurant, not be rushed in and out like most places do here in America.
Ever eat at Bella Luna or Paper Moon in the Gaslamp District? Do you know who opened those? Salvatore Ercolano from that little Isle of Capri (pronounced cap-pree). Can you say ‘Two guys from Italy”? lol (Glad they didn’t take that name)!
But that’s just what it is…. a real piece of Europe.
Going to Villa Capri is like coming home…. at least it was for me. The charming ambiance, the Italian dinner plates, homemade dinner bread, the elegant motif…. I just can’t believe it’s in a little strip mall.
Do I rave about Italian Restaurants often? Probably not.
Am I raving about this one?
YES. YES YOU ARE CHEF!
You bet! They’ve got locations in Carmel Valley, Poway and UTC. Check out the Carmel Valley location. And when you go in? Tell them Chef Marian sent you.
Go with time on your hands and friends at your side.
Happy Eating,
Chef Marian