top of page
Search

Episode 6: Sicily

Focus cities on Sicily: Palermo and Catania

In Episode 6 of CNN's " Stanley Tucci: Searching for Italy", Stanley gives us a glimpse of one of the most unique travel experiences out there. Hop on board the train that hops on board a boat, ferrying across the Straight of Messina to the magic and mystery of Sicily.


Stanley's visits on the map in blue
  1. Ristorante I Pupi - In the town of Palermo fish is king and creativity has come a long way. Chef Tony Lo Coco takes a traditional dish, spaghetti alla bottarga and elevates it to art. Although fish reigns surpreme, olive oil, as always, is essential for a serving of Sicilian sashimi. Using ingredients used on the island for centuries Sicily connects to the rest of the world with the language of food.

  2. Winery of Arianna Occhipinti - The brilliance of winemaker Arianna Occhipinto is a treat to watch as she talks with Stanley about wine and her creations in her home town of Vittoria.

  3. A visit with a princess - Stanley explores Palermo, a city established in the 8th century BC. He dines with "a real life princess" and is tantalized by her family's take on timballo. If you have not seen The Big Night, make it happen!

  4. Lampedusa. Stanley meets Beppe on the Island of Lampedusa. A lifelong fisherman who, with his family, reminds Stanley of the Sicilian cooking philosophy - Make do with what you've got!! Sardines in salsa verde does just that.

  5. Me Cumpari Turiddu -In the shadow of Mt. Etna, Catania benefits from rich volcanic soil, allowing the area to produce spectacular fruits and vegetables. With that, Chef Loccata creates an exceptional Pasta alla Norma. After eating donkey, yes donkey, owner Roberta Capizzi introduces Stanley to the meaning of cumpari, where the door is always open my friend.


 
More to explore on the map in red

  1. Mercato Vucciria - This market, in the Castellammare quarter of Palermo, is the evolution of the ancient market that was known for fresh fish. Today street food and drinks dominate the very local (think plastic tables) daily scene. This market is best enjoyed for some evening fun! Go the Taverna Azzurra in the evening for drinks and a fun party scene Sicily style!



2. Mercato del Capo - This historical market has developed its tastes and architecture over the last

11 centuries when the Arabs ruled Palermo. Enter near the Palace of Justice into labyrinth

that reflects the different ages of this market. Search out Palermo's classic of street food,

panelle e cazzilli, a combo of chickpea fritters and potato croquettes in a sesame bun.


3. Temple of Segesta - Seek this temple out if you can't resist a beautifully preserved temple

built around 420 BC or you need to take a break from the beaches in and around

the Palermo/Trapani area. Definitely worth the stop while traveling along the E90 on a tour

of Sicily.

4. Tenute Margana - Spot on food a 15 minute drive from the Temple of Segesta. This

rustic, authentic gem up a windy dirt road is worth the bumpy drive. Enjoy the adventure as well

as the food!


5. Valley of the Temples - Absolutely not to be missed. This UNESCO Heritage site, established

by the Greeks in the 4th and 5th century BC, is a location that evokes the sensation of

the grandeur of ancient Greece.

The site is spread out on 5

kilometers so be prepared to walk

in the direct sun and don't forget

your camera. I dare you to try

to capture the magnificence of

this ancient setting.








6. Villa Romana del Casale - A monumental 4th century, ancient Roman villa with spectacular

mosaics. This aristocratic home is a sprawling complex filled with art reflecting the

different activities of the time.


7. Baglio Occhipinti - In the area of Ragusa, check out this lovely location on your visit to Sicily.

Stay in the 17th century farmhouse renovated to engage with the natural surroundings in

harmony and beauty. This place is a destination in itself. Stay at the boutique hotel or stop by

for lunch!

8. COS winery --10 minutes from Baglio Occhipinti. Come by to try the wines from the same

family that owns the boutique hotel. Contact the winery to visit! locanda@cosvittoria.it


9. Mount Etna - Visit on your own or get a guide, but either way this is an all day excursion. To hike

to the summit you will need a guide. On your own drive to the south side of the volcano for

the cable car up (30 Euro round trip) to Rifugio Sapienza. Park, pay for parking and take the

cable car to Bar Funivia. To go up to the Bove Valley, for an additional 18 Euro you can get the

4x4 bus with a guide for a 2 hour tour. For this option tell the guide you want to visit

the Barbagallo craters.

10. Ancient Theater of Taormina - Only located a 15 minute walk from HBO's White Lotus hotel,

San Domenico Palace hotel, you can't miss this fascinating theater with a backdrop of

Mt Etna. (Selfie moment). The Greeks chose this picturesque location in the 3rd century BC

and the Romans renovated in 301 AD.

Enjoy Sicily!





365 views0 comments

Recent Posts

See All

Commentaires


Join our mailing list. Never miss an update

Thanks for submitting!

    © 2023 by Following Stanley.

    bottom of page