Topsy-turvy Carnevale in Sicily

Today is the final day of Carnevale! My cousin Francesca was in Sciacca this past weekend and took this photo. Sciacca boasts one of the leading celebrations in Sicily and Italy. Locals will tell you it’s been presented for centuries. Carnevale is the last hurrah before the planting season and before Lent, when many traditionally…

Sunset Pairing

Today, during our private family heritage tour, it was a day of food and wine. A hands-on cooking class in the morning, then a winery tour and tasting with dinner pairing this evening. The wines were so varied and complex… A straight Nero d’Avola that was smokey with cherry overtones; a fruity Grillo, and a…

Bottarga Nights 

The town of Sciacca in southern Sicily is renowned for their anchiovies, sardines, fresh fish, and fish products. This weekend, they are celebrating their successes with the 3rd annual Azzurro Fest. The Azzurro Fest is a chef-guided food festival with cooking demonstrations, street food tastings, music performances by Italian pop stars, and a “village” of…