To market, to market! Spent part of our day yesterday wandering in the Capo market area of Palermo, browsing spice shops, marveling at the variety of fresh fish, picking up some salted capers and saffron, and generally enjoying people enjoying life.
This city is very vibrant and as we stepped out of our wonderfully quiet hotel you quickly become awash in the sights and sounds of downtown Palermo, men standing on the street for their morning conversations, hands waving wildly for emphasis, Vespa scooters whizzing by like the wasps they are named for; the scooter impression of the day was on one of the main streets, two men crunched together on a scooter, leading a horse by its halter on a brisk pace down the thoroughfare. Too bad I didn't have my camera ready for that!
The Oh-My_God moment of the day: Caponata (a traditional Sicilian sweet and sour appetizer predominantly made with eggplant) made with artichoke hearts instead. This was absolutely mouth-watering in combination with a tangy tomato sauce, capers, olives and celery. YUM. We cocktailed our way around the city a bit in the evening, where happy hour nets you significant antipasto buffet items and a drink such as a Negroni for a paltry 5 Euros.
Late last night we walked up a flight of stairs to a pizza place, and got to share a table for two on a tiny balcony hanging over the street. We watched the world go by as we enjoyed green salad and a tomato and mozzarella and basil salad and a pizza loaded with mushrooms, arugula, and more cheeses. Ahhhh…
Today it's back to the airport to pick up a rental car and start our drive to Ragusa, in southeast Sicily. We plan to stop at Enna for lunch, a city that is the highest provincial capital in Sicily…and the weather is crystal clear so the views should be spectacular.
So jealous!!! have fun—Check out Ragusa Ibla- loved it- Great Slow food cheese store there. not sure if you are eating at any of the biggies– but the DUOMO is there.
http://www.ristoranteduomo.it/ I haven’t been yet!!