Some 'foody' friends have said that Italian Food is multidimensional... comments stating lack of variability is more a reflection on the commentator than the state of Italian cuisine. Last night we were taken to a Catania restaurant to open my mind to the range of gastronomic delights that can be presented on the Sicilian table. We stood in Catania's piazza surrounded by the tourist restaurants that usually benefit from our trade... but not tonight. The iPad was pulled from the bag... and a thorough search conducted of Catania restaurants. Eventually, the prize revealed itself... a small family restaurants located two blocks away from the piazza... then turn up a small side street... a couple of small umbrellas and tables on the sidewalk... sharing space with the passing traffic... all signs of authenticity looked good.
We stepped inside to another world. Immediately, the aroma said that you were in for a treat. To get to our table, we walked past the antipasto selection set out buffet style... the colour... textures... aromas... plenty of variety here. Upon being seated, the menu did not convey anything special... not unlike the menus down on the tourist strip. The explanation of the menu did not heighten our expectations... everything was excellent... make your own choice. We couldn't resist trying the antipasto on show near the front door. Each of us ordered our dish... ready for the show to begin. Conversation ceased the moment each of us tasted parts of the antipasto... the mind could not compute the taste sensation and talk at the same time. The usual ingredients of eggplant, roasted capsicum, mushrooms, pastry, egg bindings, potato.... nothing unusual with the ingredients... except for the added component of flavour... probably reflecting freshness... but flavour is the most rare of cooking ingredients. The antipasto was the climax of the meal... the main course played different games with our senses... offering less intense flavours... but broadening the spectrum to include the meats and spice sauces. The kids had dessert... those who realised how special the first courses had been... did not want to pollute the senses with sugar.
We've all had great meals... why take up your time telling you about our good experience??? primarily to give proper emphasis to an important part of the Italian touring experience. So, forget about sweet and sour pork... you will not find a plate of such delicacies in Sicily. Forget about Thai laksa... Italians love food... but have so many varieties within their own genre they don't have time to explore foreign tastes. Perhaps 80% of your dining will be done on the tourist strip... where you will have a selection of pasta and pizza at reasonable prices. But once in a while take the trouble to find the family restaurants off the tourist strip to enjoy dishes that Italians have spent millenniums perfecting. You won't be disappointed.
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