We were in Italy in mid-2019 and visiting the island of Ischia was high on our list of destinations. Off the coast near Naples, Ischia was traded by Augustus for Capri in 6 AD and this compact, mountainous island has been home to invasions, battles, volcanic eruptions and earthquakes.
Today it is the go to spot for food, indigenous wines and stunning coastlines.
Sadly we did not make it there (yet), but on the weekend before Christmas 2019 we strolled into the next best thing in, who would have thought, Mt Hawthorn.>
Walking into Ischia on Beaufort Street was reminiscent of many of the Trattorias we loved in Sorrento and on the Amalfi coast. A big, bright room built for eating and entertaining.
And the room is a testament to its namesake with images and murals of the island everywhere. There are also brilliant, enthralling videos playing discretely on TV's showing this fabulous island.
A massive pizza oven inhabits the corner of a bustling and wonderfully aromatic kitchen. And there are empty pizza boxes stacked to the ceiling, a sign of an approaching busy Saturday night.
The greeting was cheerful and friendly and as we were seated we were two of only a dozen or so other diners but when we left the place was empty.
The Uber Blonde had browsed the menu before we jumped in the car and said just one word - Falanghina. Sold!
One of our best Italian white wine discoveries, Falanghina is a grape native to, and grown only in, the Campania region near Naples. This ancient white variety has a deep straw colour and a long fresh palate.
We ordered a bottle, as you do.
Sadly it's not a wine you will find in any bottle shop in Australia.
Wine in hand we checked out the menu - simple, rustic, Naples inspired offerings.
We settled on the Polpettes, Greek Salad (I know right), Garlic Bread and the Whiting filets.
The food was with us in less than ten minutes, the place was almost empty by now, and it was superb. The Beef and Pork polpettes were succulent, soft and delicious in a smart and sharp sugo (main picture).
The lightly crumbed, juicy Whiting strips were a joy. And the Greek salad was was stripped back and delicious.
This is an outstanding but simple dining experience and if you have ever eaten in Italy go to Ischia. Now!
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