Savoring Sicily: A Culinary Journey Through Hills and Coastlines

I ventured to Sicily with visions of flat towns, colorful markets, and well-known sweets like cannolis and lemon cookies. What I discovered were hilly towns, stunning mountainous and volcanic landscapes, and breathtaking Mediterranean views. It’s a community rich in incredible food, featuring seafood, pasta, and veal, alongside artisan cheeses, olive oil, and superb Sicilian wines.

Though Sicily is part of Italy, locals passionately assert that Sicilian food is distinct from Italian food. The island’s cuisine is a tapestry of flavors and techniques introduced over centuries by the Greeks, Romans, French, Spanish, and Arabs. The Greeks planted vineyards and olive groves, weaving culinary traditions that emphasized fresh herbs, olive oil, and local ingredients. Meanwhile, the Arabs brought new irrigation techniques and exotic crops like citrus fruits and spices. Along with Mount Etna’s fertile soil, has formed one of the world's richest and most refined cuisines.


Understanding Courses:  Meals typically begin with appetizers, followed by the first course, then the second course, and conclude with desserts. It's served in this order. If some at the table order only a second course while others order a first course, request that all courses be served simultaneously.

Seafood Revelations: The seafood in Sicily includes octopus, clams, mussels, prawns, and calamari. It's quite different from what we enjoy in Southern Louisiana, but also quite good!

Pasta: I never realized the vast array of pasta choices, with each city showcasing its specialties—Palermo is famous for Pasta con le Sarde, and Cefalù is renowned for its Seafood Pasta. However, my favorite was the renowned Pasta alla Norma, a simple pasta with eggplant.  Another distinctive aspect of Sicilian cuisine is its lighter "red gravy," and pasta that is typically prepared al dente.

Dessert Delights:  Desserts are nearly mandatory. Beyond gelato, choices are abundant, including tiramisu, lemon cookies (my favorite), almond cakes (even at breakfast!), cannolis, and granitas. Everyone loved finishing their dinner with Granita - Sicilian Lemon Ice. And who ever imagined a Gelato Sandwich? Yet, you can find this delightful treat all over the island! 🍦🥪

Drinks:  Wine is the staple, but Sicilian beverages also include bierra (beer), Aperol spritz, and my favorite, the limoncello spritz.

Coperto:  In Italy, the coperto is a per-person charge covering tableware, table linen, and bread, applicable in trattorie, pizzeria, and restaurants where you sit and have a meal, but not if you’re just having an aperitivo or an espresso at a café.

Osteria Or Trattoria:   An Osteria traditionally offers a simpler menu focusing on local wines and snacks, often with a friendly, informal atmosphere. On the other hand, a Trattoria usually serves more substantial meals, often emphasizing hearty Italian fare, in a casual yet more substantial setting compared to an osteria. Both are fantastic for immersing yourself in authentic Italian dining culture! 
No shortage of choices: In every town, you'll find countless charming cafes, from cozy osterias to bustling trattorias, often family-run with incredible food and service, offering both indoor and outdoor dining experiences.

Culinary Highlights by Location:

• Palermo:   Signature dishes include veal rolls and pasta with seafood.
  Dining at Sferracavallo offers fresh octopus salad, fried calamari, and spaghetti with clams right by the water. Sferracavallo! This hidden gem in Palermo is a picturesque fishing village that captures the essence of authentic Sicilian coastal life.z
• Cefalù: A charming spot that offers its unique take on Sicilian cuisine.
  Recommend the Osteria del Duomo- right on the square with fabulous meatballs and 3 doors down is Cathedral Coffee with incredible coconut gelato!  For lunch, we enjoyed a charming cafe on the side street, but don't believe them when they tell you the pizza is for one!  Trust me, you can easily share it!
• Taormina: Cooking, Dining, and Delight:
  Pizza & Pasta Making Class at Porta Messina: This was an absolute blast! We learned the dough recipe, kneaded it to perfection, and while our dough rested, we used pre-risen dough that had been allowed to ferment for a full 36 hours. After selecting our toppings in the kitchen, our creations were swiftly baked in a brick fire oven and ready to savor in mere minutes!
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• Restaurant Recommendations:
  Villa Zuccaro, 1/2 block from the square where we enjoyed HUGE breaded veal cutlets, Pasta alla Norma, and tiramisu.
  Dinner in the Clouds - Chicchirichi featured stunning views and heartfelt hospitality. This family-run restaurant treats you as one of their own. From the wife in the kitchen, the husband managing the front, to their sweet Nonna, showing her eggplant parmigiana recipe, the experience and food were exceptional. Delicious antipasto, fried bread surprises, and two types of pasta paired with good wine and homemade almond liqueur highlighted the evening.
  
• Modica: The Chocolate Haven One of the sweet highlights of my journey was visiting Modica, famed for its unique chocolate. The chocolate here is crafted using ancient Aztec methods brought to Sicily by the Spanish. This technique produces a grainy texture and bold flavors that are unlike traditional chocolates. A chocolate tasting in Modica is a must-do experience, offering a rich insight into Sicily's culinary heritage.
• Another delightful treat awaited in Erice, a captivating medieval town brimming with charming restaurants and shops. The lemon-filled pastry was an absolute must-try! 🍋

• And finally no trip to Sicily would be complete without Cheese and Wine Tastings. During my travels, I indulged in cheese tastings that showcased Sicily's artisan creations—each bite revealing a story of tradition and passion. Our unforgettable wine tasting at Agriturismo Limoneto included a lovely meal paired with a variety of Sicilian wines, tapas, and the savory caponata, a traditional Sicilian eggplant dish full of vibrant flavors. 
  
• Just a couple of notes:  you won't find salt & pepper on your table and must ask for it. The breakfast buffet in every hotel was consistently delightful, featuring hot items like eggs, bacon, and sausage, alongside a wide selection of croissants and breads with fresh fruit. What stood out were the "desserts"—options like chocolate cake, apple pie, apricot tart, and pound cake. And of course, tea, coffee, or cappuccino (upon request) to accompany your meal.

Where we stayed which were all PERFECT locations: Palermo - Grand Hotel et Des Palmes, Cefalu- Le Calette, and the Hotel Villa Diodoro in Taormina. 

Sicily Tips
#1  Be prepared to walk! Including steep inclines
With each step, you'll uncover layers of history and culture, one delicious bite at a time! 🌋🌊🍷🍝
#2 Have Euro coins for tips, gelato, and for the markets
#3 A few Italian words go a long way:
Buongirno (Good Morning),  Grazie (Thank You), Per favore (Please), Si/No (Yes/No), Ciao (Hello)