The Legend of Italian Sports Cars
Ciao Amici (hello friends), With summer upon us and everyone driving around in their convertibles with the tops down, it is not surprising that I received a question about Italian Sports Cars, and the lack of them, in recent years. If cruising fashionably around and driving fast is your thing, just remember Enzo Ferrari’s famous saying, “What’s behind you doesn’t matter”. Pedalo a Metalo (pedal to the metal), FIAT: Fix It Again, Tony QUESTION: Dear Mr. Italy, Whatever happened to all the Fiat and Alfa Romeo cars that were running around in the USA in the old days? In Italy, they pack so much style into
All Roads to Rome
Ciao Amici (hello friends), It is said that “all roads lead to Rome”…but before you go, you better make a stop at Ask Mr. Italy. Italians know how to live “la dolce vita” (the sweet life) and it is my goal to help you make the most out of your Italian journey. Here on my website you will find helpful tips on all you travel needs, plus find useful information on the culture, cuisine, art, and lifestyle of Italy and the Italian people. Alla salute, Question: If I only can get away for four or five days to Italy and this will be my
Ask Mr. Italy Archive
Christian Pèpe & The Family Tradition Seated in a high chair with marinara smudges settled into the creases of his youthful smile, a young Christian Pèpe was introduced to the family business, Pèpe International, when he was a sprout. As he grew, he could be found in the back of the family bakery dusted in flour, awaiting his turn at the counter. When that time finally came, the 11-year-old could barely peer over the counter as he assisted customers. Son of Rich Pèpe, proprietor of Pèpe International, Christian has cleaned the proverbial powder from his face and is preparing to take
Cooking Like a True Italian: Your Favorite Recipes
The Jackie O. Legend has it that Jackie O. ordered Penne alla Vodka whenever she visited Italian restaurants in America and in Europe, helping make it all the rage in fashion-conscious circles by the mid 70’s. Pepe’s version is to poach large prawns in the heated vodka sauce, then serve over penne and garnish with crispy chopped pancetta and peas creating his famous "JFK". Pepe's Hobo Stew The delicious stew packed with various items is sure to surprise and excite anyone. Learn how to cook this old-fashioned dish just right, with an extra pinch of Italian flair. The Truth behind Spaghetti and Meatballs Q. Could
Christian Pèpe & The Family Tradition
by Andrea Stuart
Seated in a high chair with marinara smudges settled into the creases of his youthful smile, a young Christian Pèpe was introduced to the family business, Pèpe International, when he was a sprout. As he grew, he could be found in the back of the family bakery dusted in flour, awaiting his turn at the counter. When that time finally came, the 11-year-old could barely peer over the counter as he assisted customers. Son of Rich Pèpe, proprietor of Pèpe International, Christian has cleaned
Through the Roof
Review By Ulia Zettie Rich Pèpe gives Carmel more bustle, housemade breads and Italian flavor with new Vesuvio. On Fire: The incendiary theme at Vesuvio carries from the name to the rooftop firepits (above) to the fire-roasted artichokes and pizzas (inset) to the bar/ lounge’s flammable feature. Vesuvio, named after Italy’s Mount Vesuvius, erupted three months ago in the old Piatti Ristorante space at Junipero and Sixth in Carmel. As the volcano responsible for burying the town of Pompeii and a symbol of
Two More Golden Pine Cone Awards
The Pèpe family would like to thank the readers of the Carmel Pine Cone for voting our restaurants among the the best on the Monterey Peninsula yet again! Little Napoli wins "Best Italian Restaurant" for the third year in a row, and Vesuvio wins "Best New Restaurant".
Concours Weekend Prix Fixe Menu at Vesuvio!
Every year Concours Week on the Monterey Peninsula just gets bigger and better. And to celebrate, we’re offering this Prix Fixe menu Friday-Sunday at Vesuvio on the Concorso weekend. Prix-fixe menu $45.00 ANTIPASTI chef pèpe’s assortment of appetizers served family-style arancini di riso prosciutto & melone garlic-tomato bruschetta PRIMI roasted red pepper soup white bean & vegetable soup charred beef filet mignon carpaccio parmesan polenta & braised lamb “tamale” spicy house-made spicy sausage, peppers “agrodolce” mozzarella alla “burrata”, heirloom tomatoes insalata insalata “riccardo” heirloom iceberg wedge, tomato, pancetta, blue cheese “amalfitano” romaine, prawns, avocado, gorgonzola & caesar insalata “di gorgonzola” mixed greens, gorgonzola, tomato, candied walnuts SECONDI
Featured in Essential Travel Magazine
The Carmel By The Sea Bakery As posted in Essential Travel The bakery in Carmel is famous for its pastries and brownies - which never disappoint. The ET Magazine staff went in with the intention of trying one brownie and rolled out of there after a breakfast burrito, a Chealsea-bun typed pastry and a giant chocolate chip cookie
How did you cool off in Summer?
Tell us your summer story about how you and your friends would get wet. Hose? Beach? Squirt guns? Local pool? Leave a comment below telling your favorite story and receive a $10 gift card for Little Napoli or Vesuvio!