May 19 Catania
We left Cesarò and drove to Catania, and had no problems finding our hotel, now that we had the GPS programmed in English. We had great views of Mt Etna from our hotel windows. After a little exploring we found a place for dinner, where we had one of the best meals of our trip. “Al Carpaccio” was not far from our hotel. When we got there, we had to ring a bell, and the owner opened the door and let us in. Since it was early, 7:15, we were the only ones there and we were treated like VIP’s. I think the owner actually cooked the food, because he disappeared after we ordered and came out with food several times. He only spoke Italian and I loved it.
We loved the warm homemade pieces of focaccia/pizza he brought out instead of a basket of bread. All of us had pasta which was freshly made, pappardelle, gnocchi and penne rigate. The insalata was big enough for two or three people and everything was wonderful. Our meal was so good, and we enjoyed the ambiance so much, that we went back the next night and were not disappointed. The second night, although I had not planned on it, I could not pass up the dessert he had, as it was Sicilian cannoli with pistachios from Bronte. Mmmmmm.
Catania has its seedy areas but the next day we went sightseeing and saw some of the best things there are to see in this large Sicilian city. The Duomo was awesome as well as the Antico Teatro and Parco Bellini.
We walked down Corso Italia and Corso Etna and had some great photo ops. Catania is the second largest city in Sicily with almost 300,000 people and its origin date back to the years BC.
Joe
Ha…you ate gnocchi again! You have been converted!!!
Bonnie D
My Great Grandmother and I “rolled out the noodles” and dumplings and anything made with flour and something. Took me back. Not that hard to make, takes some time to dry but sure tastes nothing like store bought. I think you have tickled my food memories! I may have to roll out some noodles! Your pictures are great and the cathedrals(?) are works of art and incredibly ancient to still be standing. Italy is so amazing and I am so glad you spent some real time there. It has been quite an education for me.