Amici Miei- My Mentors
This is the 11th in the series of my mentors and it’s impossible to give each person their own page. I just returned from a 12 day Sicily Tour, my last, and I am a little nostalgic about it. It really does take a village. I first went to Sicily in 2007 to do research on offering tours. My first tour was based in Palermo. Little by little I built my connections and expanded to both sides of the Island. Thanks to these people, who shared there recipes with me.
I wanted to buy a place in Sicily. It combines several of my favorite countries into one. Sicily was occupied by so many other populations, each leaving a little something: Greece, Spanish, and Arab rulers especially left signs and flavors in the cuisine: saffron and cinnamon, sorbet and chocolate, couscous and marzipan.
Here are some people who have helped me go deeper into the cuisine.
I spent a lot of time in Menfi, staying at the Foresteria or at Da Vittorio.
I was just informed that Vittorio passed away. I am so glad we spent time there just last week.
When I say I am becoming Italian one recipe at a time, it will take more than a lifetime, as Italian cuisine really doesn’t exist. Regional Italian cooking is the reality. A recipe will change from kitchen to kitchen, but regional dishes often don’t leave the region.
I have collected recipes everywhere I have gone these past 40 years. I adore taking classes and learning, and my bookshelves are full of regional cookbooks. The best way to do this is to visit the region, taste the food, and then look for recipes.
It’s hard to imagine flavors—the essential ingredients change.
Over the years, I have created culinary tours in many regions of Italy. I first research, meet up with locals, visit bakeries and trattorias, visit the markets, and get a feel for what makes them unique. I like to find artisan shops and incredible art.
This month, I will share some of my favorite people from around Italy!
I have always found that the people you meet make your experience memorable.
"The best way to thank a mentor is to pay it forward, by becoming a mentor yourself."
I have so many people here who have shared their wisdom with me. I hope to never stop learning.