Where there is a boss with a strong personality, there is always a faithful helper who follows him in the shadows, ready to serve him.
Willing to do anything for him to enjoy his closeness, the faithful helper of the situation becomes a sort of necessary appendage.
And even more in the kitchen because, as the elderly restaurateurs used to say, “the fires in the kitchen set the heads alight”.
And it is in the kitchen that today's story begins ...
Yes, because among the various cooks, game managers and staff of Chef Ciro (6 people!) There is one different from the others ... dedicated to the simplest jobs and for this reason he is intrigued and attracted by the inspiration of those who judge as the just unreachable teacher.
If you have read the previous stories you have understood that I am talking about the Banga handyman.
Of Bengali origin, he has lived in Italy for a few years and is popular with everyone.
But unfortunately no one is perfect and even Banga has a weakness.
Very weak.
Love Neapolitan songs.
And so far, nothing bad, even if it is a rather unusual fact for an Asian. But so be it.
The problem is another.
Banga is convinced that he is a neo-melodic singer.
Yes, you got it right: neo-melodic singer.
You know Gigi D'Alessio, Nino D'Angelo, Mario Merola?
He is certain, without a doubt, that he is as good as them.
And with the utmost naturalness of those who fear no confrontation, he unlikely Neapolitan in Bengali version:
"O lole mioooo ... is inflonte a teeee"
From morning to evening.
You don't feel it but for us behind the scenes it's a real torment!
There is a rumor that The Queen (as we nickname the Cruise Director) has promised him to perform at an evening on board, but in my opinion it is a vain flattery put out with art.
Who knows ...
Returning to our couple, Ciro and Banga are inseparable, although the former enjoys tormenting the latter based on his moods.
In the previous story I left you with a question mark.
What is the Chef's pastime when he gets nervous?
Here is the answer.
Harassing Banga by forcing him to mirror the kitchen gas knobs.
Warning: do not clean, which is normal.
Mirror polish.
Like Cinderella harassed by her stepmother.
Banga obviously hates doing this service but has such awe of Ciro that he doesn't dare reply.
And so every time a supplier delays, a plate doesn't come out as it should or something simply turns inside out, Banga prepares himself with paper and polish.
And, to the delight of all, on that occasion he stops singing.
Today I'm talking about this couple because thanks to them the dough for the "Captain's Muffin" was born.
And there is a story about it because like all unique things, the pastry was generated by a completely involuntary act.
But let's go step by step.
One morning the Queen, after issuing the service order, calls Ciro in the office.
It is a consultation for an idea, an experiment, an invention to be developed.
The idea of the day is to create a dessert that characterizes the Cruise on the mainland.
In reality there is already a recipe that the director has jealously kept.
It is the recipe of his grandfather, a long-time captain and pastry lover.
With the theatricality typical of those who deliver to the world something that will change its fate, La Queen puts the ancient formula in the hands of Ciro:
“Create a masterpiece worthy of the family tradition”.
And the chef, who loves challenges like Lucignolo the Luna Park, immediately gets to work.
Start tinkering with eggs and flour, gradually adding all the other ingredients.
Blend, knead, taste, adjust, evaluate.
He adds his secret ingredient - which he won't reveal even under torture - and tastes again.
But the result does not fully satisfy him.
The aroma is perfect, but the surprise effect is missing.
Like a young wizard apprentice, Banga does not miss a step of the culinary experiment and from afar, he follows everything with his eyes.
Seeing that Ciro is not yet satisfied with the work, he takes advantage of his momentary absence to approach the dough in a greedy attempt to sink his spoon.
But such is the fear of being caught that, in a hurry, he drops a small ampoule.
And guess where to pour the contents of the ampoule?
Brava.
Right there, in the dough.
Dough that is now irremediably changing color.
And the more Banga fumbles with the spoon to try to fix it before Ciro comes back, the more the nuance expands.
Everyone in the kitchen is afraid of disaster.
Ciro, returning to his workstation, realizes that something has been tampered with.
He glares at Banga, and lingers over the huge blue lake.
A sudden silence falls.
The desperate handyman, already armed with paper and polish, takes cover under the table, fearing far worse punishments.
But, after a very long minute of total silence, with great surprise the chef amazes everyone:
"I *** ia! That's what was missing ... the blue of the sea!"
And in the kitchen you can breathe again.
"Banga! This time I'll send you to San Remo"
This is how “Il Muffin del Capitano” was born: a fortunate fusion between the recipe of the cruise director's grandfather, Ciro's secret ingredient and… a favorable manufacturing hitch.
The "Captain's Muffin" is soft, with a special and incredibly blue taste, enriched by a delicious white grain, which symbolizes the foam of the sea.
And when you eat it, with each bite you will relive this fun adventure as a protagonist.
That's why we like to tell stories.
Because each of them contains the truth of the little things.
And the little things done with love, as the poet claims, have the air of nothing but give peace.
I'll wait for you next time;)
The writer on board.
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Video testimonials
Do as they do: people who have been satisfied in your situation
We had a good time as a family at Hotel Giulia and overall we felt comfortable.
The hotel is very close to the beach, there is a public beach available also.The staff is very nice and they speak Engl...Read more
Betymare22
I recommend Hotel Giulia
We had a good time as a family at Hotel Giulia and overall we felt comfortable.
The hotel is very close to the beach, there is a public beach available also.The staff is very nice and they speak English very well.
Hotel Giulia is a spectacular gem on the sea in Lido di Camaiore . Cristiana, the owner will greet guests daily during breakfast and dinners. Staff is kind, accommodating and professional. Hotel is su...Read more
Jyagar
Spectacular hotel!
Hotel Giulia is a spectacular gem on the sea in Lido di Camaiore . Cristiana, the owner will greet guests daily during breakfast and dinners. Staff is kind, accommodating and professional. Hotel is superb location with sea view, great food, beautiful rooms, free bike use, and amazing nightly shows. We will be back next year!
Tranquil clean and cool room by the beach. Fresh and delicious breakfast on outdoors terrace. We come back here often, always checking this hotel availability first. Our kids love it as did our parent...Read more
VBJHannover
Oasis by the beach
Tranquil clean and cool room by the beach. Fresh and delicious breakfast on outdoors terrace. We come back here often, always checking this hotel availability first. Our kids love it as did our parents. Also Glutenfree friendly.
he Hotel Giulia is not particularly fancy, but we loved our time there. First and foremost, the staff is absolutely terrific. Warm and helpful in every way, they provided a first-class experience. Our...Read more
Familyfoodie1
Nice 3-star hotel in great location with fantastic staff
he Hotel Giulia is not particularly fancy, but we loved our time there. First and foremost, the staff is absolutely terrific. Warm and helpful in every way, they provided a first-class experience. Our room was simple but super functional with great air conditioning, water pressure, an ample refrigerator and a comfortable bed. The location is great, right across the street from the boardwalk and beach, and walking distance to some very good restaurants. Very nice (free) bicycles were available to guests and we took a great 5-mile ride up to Forte Di Marmi on the bike path. A very good continental breakfast was included.
Staff is very helpful and Polite. At any time you get help. Great sieht to the See. Good Cooperation with Beach Lido. A lot of fun around. No Need to take the car. In the same Time very good Position ...Read more
marioscire
Fully friendly and clean hotel
Staff is very helpful and Polite. At any time you get help. Great sieht to the See. Good Cooperation with Beach Lido. A lot of fun around. No Need to take the car. In the same Time very good Position for Trips to Cinqueterre, Lucca and other destinations.
Fantastic seafront hotel, rooms modern and clean. All staff friendly and accommodating. We visit Camoire every year, first time staying at this hotel. Signora and all the staff were so attentive. Cant...Read more
mialodge
Fantastic modern seafront hotel
Fantastic seafront hotel, rooms modern and clean. All staff friendly and accommodating. We visit Camoire every year, first time staying at this hotel. Signora and all the staff were so attentive. Cant wait to go back next year.
mialodge - Family holiday
31-08-2018
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"1 night stay in Maj 2016"
Spent 1 night in this friendly, clean and elegant hotel in double room. The room was enough for 2 adults. Bathroom with shower was very clean. The location in front of the beach is just remarkable. Th...
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"I recommend Hotel Giulia"
I recommend Hotel Giulia
"Spectacular hotel!"
Spectacular hotel!
"Oasis by the beach"
Oasis by the beach
"Nice 3-star hotel in great location with fantastic staff"
Nice 3-star hotel in great location with fantastic staff
"Fully friendly and clean hotel"
Fully friendly and clean hotel
"Fantastic modern seafront hotel"
Fantastic modern seafront hotel