Advertisement
Published: October 22nd 2017
Edit Blog Post
'Swiss Family Robinson' and us
Taken on our last night at Eurocamping Calvisio beside the vintage yellow VW camper. Geo: 43.6207, 7.1264
For the last full day of our month in Italy, we drove along the picturesque corniche for a few miles to Noli. The literature speaks of it as a fishing village but in reality it is now more of a small, chic resort with fishing boats on the public beach and a pretty tree-lined promenade. Back from the road, the narrow streets are lined with shops, cafes and restaurants clearly aimed at tourists, as well as a number of historic buildings, churches and architectural features from the past.
Since we were beside the sea and it being Friday, we fancied a bit of fish, so we went for it big style. Our research had highlighted the Michelin-starred Il Voscavado as being best in the area, so we found it at the far end of the promenade, high up on the cliff. It is reached from the car park where you alert the reception desk via an intercom, who send the lift to take you half way, then a funicular to the top.
The hotel is a former Bishop's residence and very stylish and elegant, but our purpose was the restaurant which in fine weather is outdoors on a canopied terrace overlooking
the bay. The view was to die for - stunning blue sea, shimmering in the bright sunshine, the odd yacht slinking round the bay, swimmers enjoying the cool, inviting water, meanwhile we were debating on what to have from the menu over a platter of speciality breads.
After making our choices, we were brought a pre-starter appetiser described as onion purée - bit like a cold soup with garnish including small dice of water melon! Unusual, but tasty, especially accompanied by a further selection of savoury bread rolls. David's starter (I declined) seared, crusted tuna with roasted vegetables then arrived, but this was not to my liking - a bit raw in the middle, but I guess they do it in Japan, so why not in Italy!
When the main course arrived, I was a little taken aback by my 'fried fish', having expected a fillet. It turned out to be a selection of bite-sized seafoods (squid, octopus and prawns) cooked in a light batter. Despite my reservations, it was delicious and went down a treat with the white wine David had chosen. His selection of local fish and oven cooked veg was good too.
Desserts ordered (selection of sorbets for him, mini
Il Vescovado, Noli
Taken from our table on the terrace overlooking the bay. rum babas with lavender ice cream for me) we were then brought an appetiser of parfait (a green colour, but cannot recall of what, but it may have been basil) in a strawberry coulis. Again, all first class.
To finish the memorable meal in spectacular surroundings, we ordered coffees, but even they came with 'extras' - piña coladas and mini nutty meringues.
We asked for the bill two and a half hours after first taking our seats, so the experience was very relaxed, aided to some extent by the excellent, friendly waiting staff and the fact that we were one of only two tables that day, but then this not your average place to lunch.
Later that evening, the delightful Swiss contingent invited us along for a farewell drink and a group photo in front of the vintage yellow VW camper. The chat included places visited by them and us, so on their recommendation, we have now added Corsica to our wish list for a possible future tour.
Moving on day did not start particularly well since we awoke to a power cut, so the kettle was boiled on gas for breakfast, but we did have concerns about the state of the battery which
Waiting for the bill at Il Vescovado, Noli
Two and a half hours after sitting down we finished with coffee, piña coladas and meringues! provides power for the caravan's motorised mover, amongst other things, given our confined position in the small pitch. With some difficulty and assistance from a fellow camper, we were hitched and on our way by 9.30 for the 100-mile transfer to Villeneuve Loubet Plage, near Antibes. The roads, being a Saturday, were busy, as were the toll booths on the motorway, but we found La Vielle Ferme with little problem and this will be our 'home' for the next two weeks - our longest stay in one place so far and a chance to relax, unwind and explore this bit of France.
Advertisement
Tot: 0.042s; Tpl: 0.011s; cc: 8; qc: 23; dbt: 0.0235s; 1; m:domysql w:travelblog (10.17.0.13); sld: 1;
; mem: 1.1mb
Ali
non-member comment
Hi U2We are in Costa Del Croydon n helping L&J with their garden. Having a day in Brighton and London and then going to Rye to see Anna (Paul's Cousin). Leaving was a non-event, t--t in charge of Aelfgar didn't even sign my leaving car
d!