Lifestyle

Dreaming In Italian

Yes, there’s always that association to La Cosa Nostra when the topic of Sicily comes up. But there is so much more to this island, particularly the city of Palermo and the incredible gastronomy just waiting to be discovered.
Text by Francesca Cruz | May 14, 2018 | Lifestyle

It has cobblestone streets, happy Italians strolling the streets with endearing catcalls, fresh produce, fantastic fish markets, the smell of olive oil in the air and the Mediterranean Sea at your beck and call. Head to the Osteria Del Principe for some of the best pizza and pasta you’ll be blessed to devour. Take a stroll down Via Dei Biscottari, where they used to make the pastries for the king, and savor a cannoli — a Sicilian original — at one of the botteghes (old bakeries.) If you’re feeling a bit more adventurous, join a foodie tour of the city. One of the very best is run by Connie Costa; she’ll take you from cooking with a duchess in a palazzo to indulging in street fare as you cozy up to a stand with a bowl of panelle (fried chick pea fritters). Now let’s not forget this is an island, so pack your swimwear and towel at all times. An itinerary must is to stop for some gelato en route to Mondello Beach. Sprinkled with colorful umbrellas and embellished by a talcum-white beach, this is the meeting spot for the who’s who in Palermo. And yes, throw in a Cosa Nostra or two (wink, wink). Your dessert will consist in taking a dip in the beautiful blues of the Mediterranean Sea with one very happy and full belly; ConnieCosta.com; VisitPalermo.it.