The Determination of a Proper Pie
Naples is famous for several reasons. My not-so-noteworthy list includes, the Camorra, tailoring and of course pizza. The latter being arguably the most important to many Italians. If you’ve ever visited Naples and didn’t try the pizza, well sorry, but you’ve done your best at wasting a trip. As cliché as it may sound, a visit to Naples is not complete without a sample of what many consider the world’s best pizza. This being said, it’s easy to fill your stomach with good pizza from any one of the snack shacks around town, but by Napoli standards, this is mediocre at best.
Insert Gino Sorbillo’s. Since 1935 Sorbillo’s has been dishing out pies and staying in constant contention for the popular vote of who makes the best pizza in Naples. A title cherished by many, but earned by few. Fitting the character of the city, Sorbillo’s is parked in an ally that’s less than inviting, however all anxiety is quickly curbed by the well dressed crowd who’s ready and willing to invest the 45 minutes it takes to get into the local haunt.
Once seated, there’s no messing around, pizza, beer, pop (yeah, not soda) are all you’ll find on the menu. As with anywhere local, the waitresses typically don’t feel like dealing with a tourist’s indecisiveness (a.k.a. bullshit), so practice your Italian in line and be ready to order, quickly. In a moment of panic, I yelled out something with fresh tomatoes and prosciutto. I realize this rigmarole sounds intense, but don’t fret, all the hard work is over and pays dividends in the end.
It’s safe to say the motto at Sorbillo’s is, do what you do and do it well. Not buying into the hype, my initial skepticism was blown away at what came out of the kitchen, sat on the table, and quickly made its way into my stomach. Similar to those from the area, region or country, I couldn’t pin-point what makes this pizza better, it just is. Everything that had been built-up, debated and defended all came to fruition with the first bite. An entire pie later (And just to put things in context, never in my life have I eaten an entire pie by alone. Just sayin.), I apologized for my earlier doubt.
Store Report: Red Wing Amsterdam
Red Wing Shoes has a storied past, and it’s one I appreciate. Founded on the edges of the Mississippi in 1905, it’s safe to say they’ve made their fair share of shoes. From the U.S. Military to iron beams the world over, Red Wing has and always will be a name synonymous with a well made product. This fact came to life last year when I was invited to Red Wing Minnesota for a visit to their factory for a first hand look at what goes into every pair of boots; furthering my appreciation.
During a recent stop in Amsterdam, I caught up with the folks leading the charge on the European front for Red Wing and paid a visit to their port-side showroom along with the new-ish Dutch outpost. With several other traditional American brands setting up shop in the area, Red Wing’s presence makes perfect sense. It’s no secret that they’ve come out swinging over the last few years making a move eastward inevitable.
The Amsterdam Store sits comfortably in the Jordaan neighborhood, where it does a great job of capturing the identity of the storied American shoe maker. Throughout the store, splashes of Americana are mixed in with some of the favorites on the American luggage circuit (Duluth, Filson, etc.) and of course all the latest footwear offerings. One thing that Red Wing does better than most is know who they are and where their from. This is clear, stateside or abroad.
If you’re in the area pay a visit to Red Wing Amsterdam Store, and what the hell, pick up a pair of boots, too. [Red Wing]
Trip Report: 24-Hours in Holland
After a couple years of being away, I recently made my way back to Holland and paid a visit to the Dutch capital. Mixing one part business with two parts friends, it was great to be back in what is probably my favorite European city. I stayed just outside the ring of death (the area just next to Centraal Station) and enjoyed all things involving canals, bikes, friends and food in a city that never gets old. More to follow.
The Birth of the Olympic Class
The Titanic at her final port call, Cork Harbor, Ireland, April 1912. Today marks 100 years since storied vessel’s fatal sinking.
Kickin Around Town
100 Years in Bloom
By now the cherry blossoms that have become a fixture of the Washington D.C. landscape are all but gone. Just as they were when I paid Washington a visit last week. Ordinarily I could care less about the blossom, but this year marks the centennial of their arrival in Washington.
In 1912, Japan donated the blossoms to be planted in and around D.C. as a sign of friendship. For the last 100 years they’ve become an icon throughout the city and a festival has grown on their behalf. Although I happened to be in Washington for different reasons, I felt a visit was necessary, unfortunately old man winter check out early as did the city staple.
Branded by Bertone
Yes, I still have more content from Italy. Shockingly, a lot more, but I’ll be sure to get back to America sometime soon, but for the time being I’ll keep the engine running.
Towards the beginning of my whirlwind tour the fine folks at DRIVEN sent me to the Italian/French border to visit Bertone. For those unfamiliar, Bertone is probably one of the most respected designers in the automotive industry and have been in business nearly as long as cars have been on the road.
Pop over to DRIVEN to read the full scoop on Bertone as well as the rest of the site. It doesn’t disappoint.
