Thought I would put together a slideshow/collage of various delicious foods I ate while in Italy (either at the retreat or in Vernazza, Taormina, or with my Sicilian relatives). I don't always take enough photos of food, but this time I took more than usual. The food at the retreat [...]
Below are some conversations that took place with my 85 year old Uncle Charlie (aka 'ziu Lillu, Calogero, Mr. Lee-who-lived-in-England-for-40-years running a fish and chip shop with his wife and family, dog lover, cook extraordinaire, raiser of chickens, collector of hats, fast driver, self proclaimed black sheep of the family, [...]
(slide show of Grotte at the end..) I grew up listening to my mom and dad tell stories about their hometown, Grotte, Sicily. When I was 10 years old, I went to Grotte for the first time ever. Their stories came to life. I saw firsthand what my dad had [...]
I owe Chef Massimiliano an entire blog devoted to his fabulous cooking. Not only is he a chef specializing in seafood dishes, but he is also an excellent baker. I had to pass through the kitchen to get to my room and I always stopped to chat with him. I [...]
What would Italy be like without cats? When I was little, I was amazed that everyone in Grotte had a cat and that they were all named Ciccia. Yes, Ciccia used to be the most common name for a cat and happens to be one of the variations on the [...]