An A.P.E. And An Author: Catie Costa

• Posted on December 9, 2015
• by Jamie Stahl
• in Foodie Interviews
• 2 Comments.

I haven’t gone on many super interesting vacations recently.  Actually, the last time I was out of the country was in 2011.  As much as I love my grandparents, visiting them in Florida isn’t the same kind of vacation as sightseeing around Europe.  In an attempt to travel vicariously through the more exciting lives of others, I jumped at the opportunity to read Love on the Rocks: A Positano Tale.  The novel, written by Catie Costa, tells the fictional story about friends who vacation in Positano, Italy and the drama that follows.  It is based on Catie’s own experiences in Positano, exploring the culture, meeting new people, and of course eating amazing food!   

Although I have been to Italy a few times, I have never visited Positano so, I took Catie’s writing quite seriously.  Without any past experiences to compare it to, I began reading Love on the Rocks somewhat blind.  I had hoped to learn what the city’s appeal was and ultimately feel as though I was being transported to Positano.  Catie’s writing did not disappoint.  The novel immediately pulls you into the city and the lives of the two main characters, Bridget and Kit.  I swear, every time I finished a chapter, I was ready for a slice of pizza! 

Water view in Positano, Italy

While reading Love on the Rocks, I started to gain a better understanding of what a “real” food adventure is.  Yes, I take the subway downtown to get some ice cream, but can I honestly compare that to flying to Italy for gelato?  Okay, maybe I exaggerated that last sentence a bit.  I don’t believe Catie’s sole purpose for visiting Positano was to satisfy a gelato craving.  Nor do I think Catie decided to publish a novel based on a her desire for Italian gelato.  But, I pass absolutely no judgement if these Positano adventures were strictly food based.   

I was given the chance to interview Catie about her novel, Love on the Rock: A Positano Tale.

Positano, Italy

What sparked the idea of turning travel journals into a novel?  

When traveling with my friends, so many dramatic as well as funny things kept happening. I couldn’t have made it all up if I tried!  So, I kept writing. For quite some time, I’d been talking about writing a novel based on my travels. After one of our many Positano trips, my friends finally said, “Start writing! These crazy things wouldn’t keep happening if you weren’t supposed to write this book!” So I did.

When reading the book, Positano is almost portrayed as an additional main character.  How important was it to you to describe the location of Positano?

It was extremely important to me to accurately describe the beauty and realness of Positano. Not only is the description important for people who have never visited, but for people who have been there and/or live there. I wanted those people to say, “Ah, yes, I know exactly what she means.”  I wanted my writing to do such a gorgeous place justice! You are very right to say that Positano is almost portrayed as an additional character. The scenery of the town will always take center stage- from the hundreds of stairs, to the jutting cliffs, and the pastel-tiered buildings. It never gets old.

Food!  Tell me about the food!  What are your restaurant recommendations and/or favorite cuisine or dishes to indulge in when visiting Positano? 

At the bottom of the stairs that lead straight to Spiaggia Grande (the main beach) is Tre Sorelle and across from it on the other side of the stairs is Buca Di Bacco. Tre Sorelle has wonderful seafood dishes, as well as pasta. Make a reservation for dinner. Buca Di  Bacco was always our go-to for a late lunch or afternoon snack (salads, arancini, gelato, etc). Both places are fabulous for people watching as well. Other must try spots are are: Next2- a favorite with the locals and visitors alike, for it’s cool ambience (think Southern Californian vibe) and delectable and creative menu. And down the road is Da Vincenzo, which offers a solid and delicious menu of Southern Italian cuisine. Both are located up on Via Pasitea (a walk up hill).

Are there any foods that don’t live up to their expectation?

I can honestly say that I’ve never had bad food or a bad meal in Positano. I must admit, though, that my friends and I are creatures of habit and stick to our favorite places for dining, but I’ve never been disappointed.

Of course, pizza and gelato are must haves in Italy.  I don’t know too much about the West Coast, but we have some pretty great places here in New York.  Have you found anywhere in the US with comparable pizza and gelato?

Locally, in the San Francisco Bay Area, there are some excellent Italian restaurants- Terun in Palo Alto, Positano in San Carlos, Sapore Italiano in Burlingame, and Trattoria da Vittorio in the West Portal neighborhood of San Francisco. That’s just to name a few. Each of these restaurants is run by Southern Italians. They know what they’re doing when it comes to offering authentic fare.

How is your Italian food cooking ability at home?  Did you learn any important kitchen and food prep skills from your summers in Positano?

I sadly did not pick up any amazing cooking skills in Positano or anywhere in Italy. But I am very adept at reading an Italian menu! Eating in Italy has ruined me in the sense that to a certain extent, I’ve become a food snob. I expect excellent quality not only from any Italian restaurant I go to, but from any eating establishment. I want food made from natural ingredients, sans all the preservatives. I want color and flavor. The next time I am in Italy, though, taking a cooking class is definitely on my bucket list.

In addition to teaching, working on your blog, and sharing your current novel, what goals do you have for yourself within the next three to five years, personally and/or professionally?  

I’d really like to see Love on the Rocks written in screenplay format and shopped to Hollywood. That’s one of my dreams. Right now, I’m in the process of finishing my next novel, so I will be working to get that published in the near future. Then I’ll be working on another travel-based novel (set in Ireland and another in Italy). If the novels are successful, I’d eventually like to just pursue writing, but we’ll see what happens. In the mean time, I’ll keep writing and traveling when possible!

View of Positano, Italy from the water

*If you’d like more information about Catie Costa and her novel, Love on the Rocks: A Positano Tale, you can visit her website at http://www.positanotale.com/. 

Love on the Rocks: A Positano Tale Author, Catie Costa in Positano, Italy

All photos by Catie Costa.

by

by