Book excerpt: “A love letter to the history, traditions and culinaria of one of the richest and most complex regions of Italy.” —Stanley Tucci In other places, it might seem trite or cliché to say that love is an essential component of cooking, food, and dining. But in the shadow of a still-fuming Vesuvio, the love of everyday life is palpable in Naples: that passion for life is the spirit that guides Neapolitan cuisine. You can taste it in everything. In this tantalizing tour of the culture and cuisine of Napoli, Marlena Spieler reveals the tastes, sights, and sounds of the city and surrounding area (including its islands) in gorgeous detail. Using her own experiences and conversations with others, both tourists and residents alike, she offers us the rich history of this unique culture and cuisine. “Part travel guide, part cook's memoir, this charming little book delivers a true taste of a quirky, elusive city.” —Barbara Fairchild, former editor-in-chief of Bon Appetit “This book ought to come with bread, to sop up the extra goodness sloshing over the sides.” —Clark Wolf, author of American Cheeses, restaurant consultant, food writer “Traipsing through the foodways of Naples with the legendary Marlena Spieler is pure joy.” —Tia Keenan, author of The Art of the Cheese Plate and cheese columnist for The Wall Street Journal “Marvelous to read and a joy to cook from.” —Julia della Croce, Italian food expert and James Beard award winning author of Italian Home Cooking “[Spieler’s] enthusiasm and knowledge will likely inspire travelers to Italy to add a stop on their trip.” ―Publishers Weekly