We swap city life for the hilltop town of Taormina in Sicily to soak up the last of the season’s sun. George Ruskin takes us on a tour of this elegant destination’s best culinary spots. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Hello and welcome to Food Neighborhoods on Monocle Radio.
I'm Chia Rimela, and once again we visit the places locals love for their food and drink.
This week, we are escaping the graze of city life for the last of the season's sun.
Nestled on a hilltop with views of the striking Mount Etna Sista Harmina, this elegant city on the east coast of Sicily is filled with culinary gems, from authentic trattorias to contemporary wine bars.
And, of course, somewhere to tuck into traditional arancine.
Here, Monaco's George Ruskin tours the best spots.
Take a listen.
Sicilians live to eat.
You only have to hear some of the local idioms to understand just how many revolve around food.
Siliciano la salda, for example, referring to someone who licks the sardine, is how a Sicilian describes their arch nemesis.
Mangiarno con la salvieta, or eating with napkins, describes something they have really enjoyed.
And my personal favourite, non ni mancho chia cheri.
A pun on a delicious local pastry means I don't eat, gossip or engage in tittle tattle.
It is therefore no surprise that a visit to this island paradise is a feast for the senses.
Taste.
Most importantly, the clifftop town of Taormina, perched high above the Ionian Sea, is the perfect place to sample the Sicilian obsession with food.
Sicilians begin their day with a sweet breakfast, and in Taormina, there's no better place than Bambar.
This cafe is fast, famous for its granita, an icy Sicilian specialty somewhere between a slushy and a sorbet.
The locals swear by the almond flavor, but if you ask me, you should try the lemon.
A frosty granita served with a warm, soft brioche is as close to heaven as breakfast gets.