Sunday, April 7, 2019

Sicily the Beautiful

View from the Hotel Ambassciatore Rooftop 
Although Sicily is a part of Italy, it is a world away; a melting pot of food and culture, it really is a crossroads of the Mediterranean.  I am hosting a wine and food tour with my friend Phillis Carey  If any of you know us, you know we are in this for the fun, sharing this incredible island with our students, family and friends.  We aren't wearing tiaras or crazy t-shirts, but we are eating and drinking some fabulous fare.  
Our group of 16 arrived on Friday into Palermo, the capital of Sicily.  It was rainy and cold, but that didn't stop our crew from getting the most out of walking tour of the city highlights. 

Our intrepid group took off and saw the major sites, including some beautiful churches.  There are many churches in Palermo, some with flooring that dates back to the Arabian conquest of the country.


Arabic influence in the church architecture






Ancient Arabic floor

Cathedral of St. Rosalia





The opera house; if you recognize this, it's because a death scene from Godfather 3 was filmed here

After about 3 miles, we were ready for dinner.  Our dinner was at a great place where pizza is a specialty, but other items on the menu are awesome.  Click here to find out more. 
Fried mozzarella with olive pesto and tomatoes

Classic street food, arrancini

My fave:  grilled zucchini stuffed with bread crumbs, cheese, tomato, pine nuts, and raisins, Mama Mia!

Pizza with artichokes, mushrooms and prosciutto

Bottom to top:  Ragusano cheese, eggplant parmigiana, caponata
What a great day, touring the city and ending with a great meal.  That is Sicily (and Italy)  so many foods to try and places to see.  Our tour continues on Sunday when we head to Marsala and the salt pans, ending up in Menfi at La ForrestiereCiao for now.














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