Sicily!! Why Am I Not There????

My brother, Leonard and nephew, Jasper, left for Sicily yesterday and my mind has been on them sice they boarded their plane. They are traveling with my restaurant group, GRUPPO RISTORATORI ITALIANI , of which I am on the board of, and usually travel with, every year. Not that I mind doing book work (OK, I HATE IT!!), not that I mind being at Jasper's 24/7, for the next two weeks (I really enjoy that part), but I wish I was with Leonard and Jay!! Instead, I am at home, just rolling meatballs and trying to add 2+2, and coming up with 5!!

They will be touring the ruins of Agrigento, sampling vino at Planetta with the owners, traveling to the ancient city of Ragusa, and tasting chocolate, at the oldest chocolate factory, in Modica Antica Dolceria Bonajuto.

Did I tell you they will be visiting my cousin in Gibellina? Enjoying his famous 'gelato & granita' and sitting down to a dish of 'Pasta con Sarde'. How about tasting the famous 'Castelvetrano Black Bread', sipping Sicilian espresso, at my cousin's coffee bar, enjoying pastry and strolling thru the 'Vucciria Mercato', in Palermo. Do I sound envious? Dinner at Ganci Palace, the historical palace where the film 'Il Gattopardo' was shot, and a tour of the 'Florio Marsala Company', in Marsala, Sicily!

How about the day trips to Monreale, Selinunte, and the ancienct town of Ragusa? Olive oil workshops, grand dinners at the famous 'Don Camillo', 'La Scuderra' and 'The Charlston'. They will also be visiting the town of Noto, sampling bakery goods at the oldest shop in Sicily, Caffe Sicilia di Corrado.

I am actually glad they are there now, because I will have plenty of information and more ideas for my Slow Food convivium trip to Sicily, in October. So, until then, I can olny dream about the country side day trips through my family's ancient land, the many dishes of Sicilian pasta and Pesce Spado, Arancini and the Cannoli and Cassata.

Salute Leonardo & Gaspari, Boune Viaggio!!