Description
This book depicts one of the most vibrant street cultures in the
world. The typical foods found in back alleys and open markets
simultaneously provide history lessons. History and geography are key
ingredients to every dish in Sicily. Ignoring the history is like ignoring
the seasoning—you might as well not even try. Geography matters. The
street food changes from cities less than one hour from each other.
Vivid descriptions of the towns and their specialties go hand in hand
with what is being eaten, creating a sensational experience for you.
Sicilian street food culture is unlike anything the world because
Sicilian cuisine is not Italian. The consumption of pasta may be
equivalent, but Sicilians have had their food impacted by the Greeks,
Arabs, Spanish, and Italians. This has resulted in layers of flavoring
that typically use salty and sweet together, sharp acidity, and spices
attributed to North Africa.
Culturally, Sicilians do everything outside because the climate
permits it. People leave their houses in the morning and don’t return
until late at night. It’s a social culture, and more often than not, at least
one meal per day will consist of street food. It can be a pastry from a
pasticceria on the way to work in Messina or grilled intestine in Palermo
for lunch. Oysters are shucked in open markets in Siracusa, and horse
sandwiches are the late-night bite of choice for Catania. The street food
scene integrates seamlessly into everyday life.
The writing turns into a love letter to Sicily at points. Even knowing
the island as well as I thought I did, I never saw it in the light that I did
on that trip. Exposing some of the best kept secrets and everyday rituals
side by side, it is an all encompassing how-to guide for anyone who
wants to experience one of the most ingrained parts of Sicilian lifestyle.
I wrote this book in a personal matter. I shared childhood memories
and recent experiences. It’s written in the form of a travel journal
because an objective and formal guide would not give the book the soul
it deserves. I want readers to feel connected to me. I want to be there
with you and take you on a delicious adventure through Sicily.
We will smell the jasmine that hangs heavy in the air of Taormina
at midnight. On a volcano, we will learn the difference between lardo
and fat. For focaccia, we will go to the tallest town and eat it with
unparalleled views. For memory’s sake, I’ll show you the port towns of
the Palermo province. There, we can hang around the boats and get
cheap sardines.
Welcome, to Sicilian Streats.