Guest Speaker, Rosa Malignaggi, Rosa’s Kitchen, Sicily
Rosa gave her talk about her cooking tours of her homeland, Sicily. The talk gave us a picture of the food preparation and culture of Sicily. In Sicily, people eat all day. Rosa has been conducting these culinary tours for 10 years, pre Covid, and is aiming to resume them in 2023. The purpose of the tours is to create experiences of a personal journey through Sicily. The motto of the tours is ‘The food, the people, the journey’
The tour starts on the East coast, where the family of Rosa’s husband, Michael, live. In the village of Ferla, which has around 500 residents, the tour proceeds through the valley and orange grove. There is a lovely lunch with authentic Sicilian food, all very welcoming. Eat for the next 3 days. Wander the village and min with Michael’s relatives, experience every day life. Wander through the piazzas, have coffee, food from the region. Share a meal in the country house of Michael’s relatives.
Then to Ortigia, explore the picturesque alley ways, spectacular architecture, food store palace, with a beautiful selection of locally grown olives. There was a meal led by Rosa, with the emphasis on colours. The produce was a real banquet. To Catonia, with its outstanding fish market. Catonia is the 2nd largest fishing area in Sicily. It is a very ancient but enchanting Fish Market, with fishmongers shouting about their produce, a walk back in time. Then via the centre of the island, towards the West, which is where Rosa’s family live. Stay at a magnificent winery, Baglio de Pionetto Winery, Santo Christini Gela. The accommodation has a lovely swimming pool. The group has a research tour under a 300 year old oak tree, with wine and cheese tasting. This is mid tour, a lovely experience, and the ambience, food and wine provokes romance. There is a cooking class for the special local Sicilian gnocchi.
Then to Palermo, with the large food markets. Wander through at own pace. Cook with the Duchess Nicoletta. Food tours of the Palace.
On to Calatafini, which is the region where Rosa’s parents were born. Tour goes through the footsteps of Rosa’s family. Share a meal with Rosa’s relatives. Visit the Greek temple.
Scapello, with interesting rock formations coming out of the sea. No cars, just foot traffic. Breakfast on the terrace overlooking the sea. Optional activities include sailing on the Tyrrhenean Sea.
The tours were $7,200 per person before the shut down, $500 – 600 single supplement including all meals, accommodation and land transport. Tours have a maximum of 14.
Rosa is obviously passionate about Sicily and gave an exciting picture of the island and the food.