Nestled in the foothills of the Berkshire Mountains, Sherman, CT, offers picturesque landscapes of rolling hills and farmland.
With its quintessential New England charm, the town features historic homes, stone walls, and well-preserved architecture. Sherman’s vibrant artistic community attracts painters, writers, and musicians seeking a tranquil retreat.
Complementing its serene environment are quaint shops and locally owned restaurants catering to both residents and visitors.
Among Sherman’s culinary gems is Limoncello Trattoria Napoletana, a haven of cozy ambiance and flavorful cuisine.
At the helm of Limoncello is Chef Giovanni Iardazio, who often personally greets guests, adding warmth and authenticity to the dining experience.
Born and raised in Naples, Chef Giovanni brings over 30 years of culinary expertise, honed in the bustling streets of his hometown and across Italy and Europe.
His dedication to tradition and innovation ensures that every dish at Limoncello is both authentic and unforgettable.
The menu showcases creative renditions of classic Neapolitan dishes, such as:
- Melanzane Rollatini – Sliced eggplant stuffed with seasoned ricotta cheese, spinach, and mozzarella, topped with marinara sauce.
- Paccheri Limoncello – Fresh paccheri pasta served with eggplant pesto, cherry tomatoes, and burrata cheese.
- Pasta alla Forma – Fresh pasta coated in a 24-month-aged Parmigiano Reggiano wheel, topped with white truffle-infused honey and black truffles.
In celebration of Valentine’s Day, I sat down with Chef Giovanni to explore how Limoncello transforms into a romantic retreat for couples seeking a culinary escape. We delved into the role of vegetables in his plant-based creations and how they evoke the essence of amore in Neapolitan cuisine.
Chef Giovanni, Naples is often associated with passion and romance. How do you infuse those qualities into the dining experience at Limoncello Trattoria Napoletana?
My love for cooking began at the age of 15, inspired by my mother, who taught me the true meaning of love and passion in the culinary world. I thank her every day for passing down these values, which are at the heart of this restaurant.
This passion is infused into every aspect of the dining experience, from the authentic recipes and fresh ingredients to the warm and welcoming atmosphere.
At Limoncello Trattoria Napoletana, we strive to bring the romance of Napoli to life, ensuring that every dish and every moment feels like a heartfelt celebration of love.
What are the vegetables that evoke “amore” in Neapolitan cuisine?
Some of the most important vegetables in Neapolitan cuisine include rapini (broccoli rabe), melanzane (eggplant), and asparagi (asparagus). These ingredients are staples in many beloved dishes, embodying the essence of simplicity and freshness that defines Neapolitan cooking.
Rapini adds a bold, slightly bitter flavor to pasta and side dishes, while melanzane is the star of comforting classics like melanzane alla parmigiana.
Asparagi, with their tender and delicate taste, are often used in risottos and frittatas, adding a touch of elegance to the table. Each of these vegetables tells a story of tradition and passion, making them symbols of amore in the kitchen.
What special dishes or flavors will you feature on Limoncello’s Valentine’s Day menu to evoke feelings of love and warmth for your diners?
For Valentine’s Day, our menu will feature dishes designed to evoke love and warmth. For example, one of our special antipasti will be a delightful crema di asparagi (cream of asparagus) paired with formaggio feta (feta cheese) and served over toasted bread for a Neapolitan twist on bruschetta.
For one of our primi piatti, guests can enjoy Rotoli di Melanzane con Ricotta e Spinaci (rolled eggplant with ricotta and spinach), a dish that beautifully balances rich flavors with a light and elegant presentation.
These dishes, along with our other Valentine’s Day specials, will celebrate the romance of Napoli and create an unforgettable dining experience for our guests.
What dishes would you recommend to a couple—one vegetarian, the other not—for a memorable dining experience at Limoncello?
For the vegetarian guest, I would suggest:
- Insalata di Rucola Fresca (fresh arugula salad), a light and refreshing option featuring crisp arugula balanced with vibrant flavors.
- Sacchetti di Formaggio con Pera, Gorgonzola e Salsa Cremosa al Tartufo (cheese sacchetti with pear, gorgonzola, and truffle cream sauce), offering a luxurious combination of sweet and savory flavors.
- Melanzane Parmigiana (eggplant parmesan), a classic Neapolitan dish crafted with tender layers of eggplant, fresh tomato sauce, and melted mozzarella.
For the non-vegetarian guest:
- Burrata e Prosciutto di Parma con Verdure Grigliate (burrata and Prosciutto di Parma with grilled vegetables), showcasing creamy burrata paired with the savory richness of prosciutto.
- Gnocchi con Zucchini e Speck (gnocchi with zucchini and smoked prosciutto), combining pillowy gnocchi with the bold flavor of speck.
- Pollo Parmigiana (chicken parmesan), featuring tender chicken cutlets baked with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella.
Together, these dishes provide a harmonious dining experience, celebrating the romance of Napoli and the joy of sharing a meal.
How do you incorporate fresh, local ingredients to craft dishes that reflect Napoli’s essence while resonating with modern diners seeking heartfelt, sustainable dining experiences?
In Napoli, we have a centuries-old tradition of eating sustainably. Whether you are a home chef or an executive chef, sourcing food from local farmers and fishermen is simply a way of life.
In Italy, organic foods are the rule, not the exception, and this philosophy guides every dish we create at Limoncello Trattoria Napoletana.
By using fresh, locally sourced ingredients, we honor the rich culinary heritage of Napoli while offering a heartfelt and sustainable dining experience that resonates with modern diners.
Limoncello Trattoria Napoletana is more than just a restaurant—it’s a gathering place where lovers, friends, and family experience the warmth and hospitality that Napoli is renowned for.
Whether you’re looking for a casual meal or celebrating a special occasion, Limoncello invites you to relax, unwind, and savor the flavors of Naples.
Find out more at Limoncello’s website.
