Italy Ali: Sono Golosa!

Sono golosa. Loosely translated as “I’m an enthusiastic eater.” Cho introduced me to this term when she noticed I was basically obsessed with anything she ever made. And I recently came across the term in a book I was reading so Marie and I have embraced it as one of our favorite things to do here in Cefalù is… well… mangiare (to eat). And since Sicilians are known for their food we are taking full advantage.

We have some of the most incredible food at our doorstep. For example, the best pasticceria (bakery for pastries) in town just downstairs Pasticceria L’angolo delle Dolcezze,

L'angolo delle Dolcezze - the best in town!

First Sicilian Canoli - a.ma.zing!

One of the many pasticcerie.

... a shop that makes fresh pasta two steps away (we’ve had the spinach-ricotta last week and are trying the gnocchi tonight).

Gnocchi e tagliatelle.

Caserecce, ravioli e gnocchi.

Cooking up our ravioli in our homemade sauce.

Spinach and ricotta ravioli with eggplant.

...a pescheria (fish shop) just 2 blocks away, there’s a panetteria (bread bakery) every few blocks,

Fresh swordfish!

… incredible fresh fruit stands are everywhere but we have our favorite,

Our favorite fruit stand.

Our favorite fruit guy!

… of course we are enjoying our fair share of gelato. I mentioned my dream to open a Gelateria back in Denver to our friend, Carmelo, and he invited us to help him make his next batch! How cool is that?

Carmelo, our dear friend and owner of L'elite - our local hang out.

Marie mixing the gelato before it goes into the mixer.

The finished product! A batch of Fior di Latte.

Although we don't eat out all that often as my budget is basically done and done... we have indulged a few times and been more than happy with the results.

Spaghetti alla vongole (clams)

Eggplant, tomato, swordfish and mint with penne.

Grilled Prawns

We've also been lucky enough to experience some of the best "street food" at this little place below. They have pretty incredible arancine.

da Piero - great Sicilian pizza and arancine.

Marie enjoying her first Sicilian arancini.

There was a huge festival in Cefalù from August 2 – 6^th (more on that later) and part of it was a large bazar set up in the town center filled with booths selling all sorts of delicious candies and nuts!

Marie is taking Italian classes and we’ve met some great people through her school. Last night we went to a "cooking class" which was basically the mother and grandmother of the guy who runs the school showing us some Sicilian recipes outside on a beautiful patio while we all sipped wine and helped out. We met some great people from Spain, Germany and of course Sicily. One of my favorite things about being here is sitting at a table with people from four or five different countries hearing the language drift from Italian to German to French, Spanish and English. I will miss this greatly when I'm back in the US. It was a night of more great food and even better conversation - such an unforgettable experience!