If you have seen any of the Godfather films you have seen Sicily. But only a small part of of this beautiful island on the toe of Southern Italy.
Here is a little trip to Sicily, through wine, food and films.
Sicily is more than an island! Discover Sicily and discover the world. The world's first multicultural society, Sicily is Italy's (and Europe's) most historically cosmopolitan region, having been ruled by Asians, Africans and Europeans. Sicily is black and white and a million shades of gray.
An all time favorite film set in Sicily is Cinema Paradiso, If you love movies, it's impossible not to appreciate Cinem
a Paradiso, Giuseppe Tornatore's heartwarming, nostalgic look at one man's love affair with film, and the story of a very special friendship.
Another very enjoyable film by the same director, is The Star Maker, a bitter sweet story with a sad ending but wonderful nonetheless.
He also made the wonder film Malena that touches the heart very sweetly.
Other great Sicilian films include The Leopard by Italian director Luchino Visconti who delivers one of his most ambitious works with this sprawling historical drama. Based on the acclaimed novel by Giuseppe Tomasi di Lampedusa, set in Sicily during the 1800s.
And Il Postino another film you will love to see or see again. More Films set in Sicily are here.
Sicily, thanks to the effort of some very ambitious young wine makers, has become a source of world class wines. Producers like Colosi, Firriato, Planeta and Regaleali are creating great wines that you must try.
Some favorites include Colosi Bianco and Rosso Sicily $ 8.99; Planeta La Segreta Bianco and Rosso Sicily $14.99; Firriato Chiaramonte Nero D'avola Sicily, $ 14.99; Spadina Nero D' Avola, 14.99. I have tasted all these wines and they are all great. At a more expensive level you can try Planeta Chardonnay, you'll never go back to California after trying this. Or Firriato Harmonium Nero D Avelo. All these wines are available in New Jersey.
My absolute favorite in a white Scilian Wine is Donnafugata, Anthillia, 
Which the Roman Sommelier Daniela Scrobogna, dedicated with these words "The power of truth, of being in the right, is an impulsive energy that engulfs and surrounds you in a magical and special glow. Truth is a matter of just dealing, of concrete facts, aimed not at mere gain but also at melding friendship with work and the quality of life. That is the sensation you receive when you know and understand their wines. They enfold you in a sincere and warm embrace. Such is Anthìlia, immediate, authentic, elegant and, at the same time, brimming with its own personality. The varieties from which it is made are absolutely native so that the wine is identified with the splendid Sicilian landscape, blending the yellow of the sun with the green of the countryside, white flowers with ripe fruit. Once it is swallowed, we are engulfed in intriguing jazz rhythms; it molds and clings to our sentiments…and never leaves us. "
Influenced by the many people and cultures that have inhabited Sicily, the cuisine is without compare.
The mainstays of Sicilian cuisine are the huge variety of deliciously fresh fish available, and the home-grown citrus fruits, capers, olives and dessert of sponge cake, ricotta, chocolate and candied fruit. Other local favourites include: pasta con le sarde (pasta with sardines), braciole alla Siciliana (marinated pork chops) and zuppa di pesce which contains bream, squid and shellfish. And for the vegetable-lovers Caponata consists of fried aubergine with a sweet and sour sauce of tomato, pine nuts, celery, olives and capers. Last but not least, the ice cream - which is possibly the best in Italy! Cottages of Italy
Here are two great food sites that feature cuisine of Sicily. In Mama's Kitchen and Virtual Italy.
Enjoy your Trip To Sicily, and please send comments of your experience.
Things to do, places to see, with food and booze
A far as food you forgot the COUSCOUS...this is a real specialty of Sicily. In the town of San Vito Lo Capo, north west of the island by the sea, there is an annual feast, the couscous festival. It is in September every year just to give a few numbers...100.000 visitors, 10,000 tickets sold, 5,000 liters of Sicilian wine, 10 national and satellite tv crews, 30 types of cooking, 40,000 portions of sicilian cakes, 200 liters of extra virgin olive oil!
Another one is the Red Tuna...Sicily has probsably the best tuna in the world coming by its waters.
One more is the Swordfish (pesce spada), again one of the best quality can be found in the waters of this island.
As far as dessert i would mention the "cassata siciliana" and the famous CANNOLI!
I could write for hours about Sicily....it is one of my passions.
Posted by: Aldo Caronia | 07/12/2008 at 19:28