Chef Carmelo
The Minstrel Of Sicilian Cooking
4 days in Catania

Sicily
Sicily has a fiery passion about it, a vivacity and spirit that extends from the top of Mount Etna, to the waters that surround the island, to the hearts of its people. Sicily is the melting pot of the world, a great marriage of civilizations and cultures, since it was first inhabited. The island is Asia, Africa, and Europe melded into one spectacular place; it was once home to a Greek colony, a Roman province, an Arab emirate, and a Norman kingdom. Each group left behind traces that weave into a rich tapestry of timeless beauty and eclectic history. Sicily is all at once complex and simple, a land like no other; a world and entity unto itself. Orange and lemon orchards color lush forests, vineyards and ancient olive groves line the rugged lands, and almond orchards and wheat fields embellish the rolling hills.

The Sicilian cuisine is often described as ‘del sole e mare,’ ‘of sun and sea,’ and it's something of a magical symphony, combining elements of Arab and Greek spices with Spanish and French influences, making it the world's tastiest seafood. The people of Sicily are genuine, passionate and friendly. They are always willing to help or stop to have a conversation, and it is not uncommon for visitors and tourists to receive invitations to a local's house for dinner. All who encounter Sicily and all her charm, diversity, and beauty are always reluctant to leave.

Catania
Catania is Sicily’s second most important city (after Palermo), and is dominated by the volcanic presence of Mount Etna, Europe’s highest and most active volcano. Over the years, Catania has been damaged a number of times by lava flows and earthquakes, most notably in 1169 when it was almost completely destroyed by a particularly violent earthquake, after which the city was gradually rebuilt. 1669 and 1693 brought more earthquakes and volcanic activity and even in 2002 the city was covered in dust and ash as Etna erupted again and enthralled the world with her spouting rock and rivers of bright orange lava.

Catania has much to offer visitors, from its grand baroque architecture, Roman amphitheaters, Ursino castle, a solid fortified construction built on the sea front, museums, art galleries, to its Duomo with its beautiful Spanish doorway, its chapel dedicated to Sant’Agata, the city’s patron saint and the funerary stele of Bellini, Catania’s famous composer, and many other important churches and monasteries.

Accommodations
In the heart of historic Catania, your 4 star hotel provides a comfortable, modern base for your Sicilian experience. The original structure dates from the 900s and has been completely renovated to provide all modern amenities. Each double room offers WiFi Internet connection, mini-bar, satellite TV, in-room safe, hair dryer and air conditioning. Each morning wake up to your complementary newspaper to keep up with daily affairs in Italy and around the world.

The hotel has a multilingual staff available 24 hours a day to answer any questions you may have. Parking and laundry services available.

Chef Carmelo’s Cooking Classes
Young Chef Carmelo, recently honorary chef at the MET in New York, will lead you on a tasting tour in his creative cooking style. A minstrel of Sicilian cooking, Chef Carmelo cooks up stories and characters; flavors sing together in every dish he creates.

With Chef Carmelo, cooking is exciting and stimulating, an experience you will never forget. His classes are based on seasonal products and the recipes vary based on the time of year. January and February are dedicated to winter foods and recipes of the Carnavale tradition. March and April bring spring’s first veggies and Easter recipes. May and June are the months to discover the seafood recipes of the Mediterranean such as red tuna. July and August boast fresh summer dishes such as caponata, fish, vegetables, gelato and sorbetto.

Itinerary~
4 days, 3 nights

Day One:
Arrival and Benvenuti

• Arrival and check in at the hotel in downtown Catania
  
• Meet Chef Carmelo for a warm Sicilian benvenuti, welcome, and introduction to your cooking program.
  
• Dinner is free and on your own. Stroll the beautiful Baroque historical center and dine in downtown. Suggestions of trattorie or restaurants provided at the hotel. Start enjoying food and nightlife Sicilian style!
  

Day Two:
Historic Walking Tour & Market and Cooking Class 1

• Breakfast is served at the hotel.
  
• Meet Chef Carmelo for your morning walking tour of the historic center of Catania. Carmelo leads you through the local fish market to discover its hidden culinary treasures. The atmosphere in the market is enchanting with joyful and colorful stalls and shopkeepers, incredible quality of foods and of course, the charm of your chef.
  
• Enjoy a Sicilian brunch with Carmelo at the market and trust him to choose typical Sicilian delights. Drinks not included. Return to the hotel.
  
• In the afternoon, it’s off to the kitchen to learn hands-on with Chef Carmelo. He will lead you through a full menu from appetizer to dessert, always typical Sicilian with the Chef’s creativity stirred in. Menu varies based on seasonal, organic ingredients.
  
• Dinner follows on the foods prepared in class. Wine available at a surcharge.

Day Three:
Sweet Treasure Hunt and Cooking Class 2

• Breakfast is served at the hotel.
  
• Meet your local guide for a guided visit leading you on a culinary treasure hunt in Catania. Discover Catanese cakes, pastries, drinks and caffè. Tour followed by a tasting brunch at tavola calda, try arancini, fried rice balls and a smooth almond granita, flavored ice. Truly a unique food experience! Drinks not included.
  
• Enjoy free time in the afternoon.
  
• Meet Chef Carmelo for your second afternoon cooking class for hands-on learning. Chef Carmelo directs as you slice, sauté and garnish your creations into traditional Sicilian specialties. Learn the influences in Sicilian cooking that blends flavors from all over the world to paint a colorful portrait of this diverse island. Menu varies based on seasonal, organic ingredients.
  
• Farewell dinner follows on the foods prepared in class. Wine available at a surcharge.

Day Four:
Arrivederci and departure

• Breakfast is served at the hotel.
  
• Morning checkout and departure.
  
• Ciao Chef!