Simple Pleasures: A Taste of the Two Sicilies, Found on Aisle Five

A friend made a delightful discovery at her local supermarket: Scialatielli al Limone, a traditional lemon-infused pasta from Campania. Produced by Premiato Pastificio Ferdinando II—artisan pasta makers based in Gragnano, near Naples—it’s quite a joy to find such a regional specialty so close to home.

I was especially taken by the packaging, which features a portrait of His Majesty King Ferdinando II of the Two Sicilies (who, in the 1800s, granted Gragnano’s pasta makers royal status by decree), alongside the Bourbon fleur-de-lis and the iconic unbridled stallion, symbol of Naples. Our simple dinner was elevated, with just the right touch of history.