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The weather today in Sorrento started and ended on a high note, with the warmest temperatures (high 60s) we've experienced since our arrival at the beginning of April. It was a beautiful day to be outside (for a change), and for Dee to place sheets and other laundry outside on the balcony of our apartment to dry (there is a washing machine, but no dryer). We had no firm plans for the day, other than to go out for lunch, so we lounged around until noon.
Late in the morning, Dee received a text message from a friend of ours, Cindy Pinizzotto (from Port Orange, Florida), with a recommendation for a restaurant she, her husband and son had enjoyed during their visit to Sorrento five years ago, the Tavern Allegra. We were not familiar with the place, but after some internet research learned it had a pretty impressive reputation, so we pulled-up a Google map, pinpointed its location, and decided to give it a try for lunch today.
The tavern turned out to be located in an alley off the ancient Via Santa Maria della Pieta, the tiny street that predates Christ by several centuries, that runs between Piazza
Posing with Giuseppe Apreda
Co-founder and owner of Tavern Allegra, Via Santa Maria della Pieta, 30.Tasso and the Duomo. We had strolled along long this street a couple times during our stay, and had even eaten at another trattoria (the Chantecler) located along it. But we had never noticed the rather nondescript sign pointing the way to Tavern Allegra, which sits about 100 feet back in an alley, well back from the street.
When we reached the entrance to the tavern, you might have thought Dee and I were long, lost relatives! We received a warm and friendly greeting from Giuseppe, who turned out to be the owner, and we decided to sit at one of the outside tables. Now, during our stay in Sorrento, we have encountered some owners, managers or headwaiters who have been good at "romancing the stone", so to speak, in terms of their cheerful and patronizing attitude toward guests. However, as we would soon discover, Giuseppe clearly deserves the undisputed title of "King of the Romancers".
After scanning the exquisite menu presented to us, I talked Dee into trying the tenderloin steak with green peppercorn sauce (she was somewhat reluctant, given two disappointing steaks at other places). It turned out to be excellent, served with the freshest green
salad imaginable. I decided on a plate of fried anchovies with a side order of potatoes soaked in olive oil and rosemary. We each had a glass of wine, and enjoyed the delicious bread with olive oil while waiting for our meals to be served.
Shortly after we began to devour our meals, a party of four Brazilians seated themselves at the table next to ours. Giuseppe soon worked his magic upon them as well, even conversing with them in Portuguese! Apparently these people (two brothers, their elderly father, and a daughter-in-law) had just arrived in Sorrento to celebrate the 80th birthday of the father, who had been born and raised in southern Italy before emigrating to Brazil.
Sadly, after we had licked our plates and wine glasses clean, we had no room for dessert. But by the time Giuseppe brought us two shot glasses of complimentary limoncello, we were joining in toasts to the 80-year-old father's birthday, while chatting with one of the brothers who spoke very good English. While paying the tab for lunch, Giuseppe posed with us for a photo, requesting that we send him a copy via email. He also suggested we make a
reservation for dinner at the tavern during our stay, as his 88-year-old father entertains diners with traditional Italian songs; we'll have to do so after we return from our trip to St.-Jean-Cap-Ferrat (near Nice, France).
After leaving the tavern, we meandered our way to Piazza Tasso, where the action was fairly tame. As usual, however, the terrace at the Bar Fauno was packed with hungry or thirsty patrons. On our way back along Corso Italia, Dee tried without success to find some skin care products at the cosmetics store selling Este Lauder products, and then I spotted (and purchased) a lightweight, windbreaker-type jacket at one of the apparel shops further down the street. We sat at our usual spot next to the cathedral, watching people (mostly tourists), and gave some thought to having late-afternoon drinks at the English Inn, but decided instead to head home after a brief stop at the grocery store.
Dee's Comments: Up early to do a load of sheets and hang them on the balcony, while the sun was out in all its glory. We decided to go out for lunch at a place recommended by our friend Cindy Pinizzotto, back in Florida;
and what a hidden gem it turned out to be! I ordered steak for the third time on our trip, and boy-oh-boy, the third time was the charm, as it was cooked perfectly.
The owner of the Tavern Allegra was quite the charming and entertaining character, and we need to go back for the evening of live entertainment when our German friends arrive later this month. While enjoying our lunch, we met a lovely family from Brazil who were celebrating the 80th birthday of their father.
Can't wait to see what tomorrow will bring...have to get ready for our departure on Sunday to Nice and the French Riveria!
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Jeni
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The photo looks like Giuseppe was romancing Dee in the photo and made Mitch look like he was photobombing! What a charming place and the food looked great. I can’t wait to see when you go back for dinner with his father providing the entertainment. Hope you have a great day today. 😘