Rustic Lunch In Sicily, But Not Only

Lunch at Aldo’s featuring agave bud salad, raw pistachios and almonds, sheep’s milk cheeses, marinated olives and artichoke hearts, emerald-colored caper and herb pesto smeared on crusty bread, sun-dried tomatoes, fresh orange and fennel or tomato salad, depending on the season… and all garnished with vibrant edible flowers that Aldo grew on his property. Sweet,…

Our Hearts Are Warmed

We stopped for lunch at one of my “homes” in Sicily, Case di Latomie, where my dear friend Sebastiano Chiofalo of GelsominoImports.com hosted us among the olive trees. Sicilian hospitality continues to amaze me and warm my heart.  Thank you to chef Francesco Gallo for a remarkable lunch!  From left to right, Jennifer Bowen, Nola Bee, Allison…

Pastella: Another Dream from Palermo’s Menu

A snippet from the article I wrote for Dream of Italy‘s April issue about Palermo and its street food… Pastelle, pictured, are deep-fried, hand-held dreams. Vegetables such as broccoli, carduna, artichoke hearts, eggplant, and squash are coated with a thick flour-and-water batter, while sardines are lightly battered. One could compare them with Japanese tempura, yet with…