Thomas Nutten, Lamoraga

Proprietor Thomas Nütten’s passion for the laid-back vibe, sumptuous food and superlative wines of Spain served as inspiration for creating Lamoraga, among Naples most beautifully designed restaurants where contemporary Iberian culture is celebrated nightly through music, décor, good energy and of course, cuisine! 

During Foodie Camp, attendees will learn the intricacies of preparing the Andalusia region’s most renowned dish, paella. While its recipe has evolved over centuries with myriad interpretations and ingredients, paella’s role as a traditional family dinner is rooted in authentic Spanish heritage. 

Quite fitting, as Tom discovered the original Lamoraga (translation: a relaxing group beachside barbecue) restaurant during travels abroad with his family.

Taking a cue from his NFL legacy as a Super Bowl-winning pro with the Rams, Tom acknowledges, “Paella’s whole game is in the preparation so you’re not muddling around with ingredients.” 

On a difficulty level, he shares that it’s a 3 on a scale of 1 to 4 - but it’s really about getting the prep work done correctly, noting “It’s our best-seller and people love it. It’s one of those universal comfort foods, but once you have everything assembled, it’s a one-dish deal, which makes it easy for cooking (and cleaning up!) at home.” 

While Lamoraga’s paella incorporates luxurious ingredients from top purveyors, Tom believes that knowing where you can easily find locally available ingredients is more important for home cooks. On that note, he’ll dish where he shops in Naples when making this dish for his family and friends.