Browsing by Category: Sicily

Yesterday during a tragically brief stop in Palermo, I met my friend Conchita at Il Chiosco delle Cremolose for refreshing treat. (more…)

For me, nothing says summer like a bit of boiled veal muzzle or cow nuckle spritzed with lemon. These southern Italian specialties (look for them in the markets of Palermo and Naples) are diced up to order and served as a refreshing snack. Yesterday, I spied some as I strolled through Borgo Vecchio in Palermo, though you can also find it in the Capo, Vucciria, and Ballaro’ markets; look for them in Pignasecca and Forcella in Naples. Who needs gelato?

One of the many dishes in Italy I cannot go without is caponata, a sort of sweet and sour eggplant concoction of Arab origin that has been made in Sicily in one form or another for the better part of 1000 years. (more…)

Palermo is loaded with stalls, bakeries and rustic osterie where street food on-the-go or a simple sit-down meal can be had for cheap. (more…)

Opened just 9 months ago, Mastrarua has already become a culinary landmark on Syracuse’s island of Ortigya. It is owned and operated by a family-kids Melina and Andrea at the front of the house, mom in the kitchen. The entire staff is friendly and hospitable, characteristics honed in the B&B business (they also own a B&B next door). The interior design is contemporary with the occasional exposed masonry wall as a reminder that the restaurants location is a centuries-old building. (more…)