Cantina Belvedere

Vista Panoramica

Hubby surprised me yesterday by asking if I'd like to go out 

for Sunday lunch. Not one to need asking twice, I knew exactly

where I wanted to dine - Cantina Belvedere, in Castellabate;

we've lived here for 4 years & not gotten round

to eating there yet.

Perched just below the castle, the

views from each of the terraces are stunning

(although yesterday was hazy, so the Amalfi coast

was nothing more than a ghostly silhouette).

We were greeted by our lovely friend Sara

when we arrived - she used to work at 

Bar L'Ancora down in Santa Maria, 

but back in the summer she'd changed jobs.

She beamed her bright smile & led us down

the steps to the main dining terrace, chatting

& finding it hard to believe we'd never

set foot in the place before now.

Bar Terrace

Shown to our table & left to peruse the Menu 

& not inconsiderable Wine List, I didn't know whether

to choose what to eat & drink or click away at the view....

choosing won!

As usual, we chose an Antipasto to share - 

Leucosia is a platter of fresh seafood,

including a Carpaccio of Tuna,

Marinated Anchovies & Octopus,

Gratinated Prawns & Baby Octopus 

on a bed of Lentils

Antipasto 'Leucosia'

I really wanted to try the Lobster & Pumpkin Ravioli,
but it wasn't available, so I decided to go with
the Sea Urchin Eggs & Clams, served with Black Pasta -
the dish did not disappoint

Riccio e Vongole

Hubby opted for Scialatielli Limone,
which came with Mussels & Clams

Scialatielli Limone

Dopo Pranzo

Washed down with an excellent San Matteo Fiano
from Alfonso Rotolo
(read about it here: http://www.alfonsorotolo.it/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=9&Itemid=123),
we agreed that it was one of the best meals we'd had in a while

A Rutino produced San Matteo Fiano

And there HAD to be dolce - Torta al Cioccolato.
Looking a bit messy in this pic; I'm afraid we dived straight in!