MAY 5-10, 2025 -- ROCKROSE Retreat
May
5
to May 10
events, retreat

MAY 5-10, 2025 -- ROCKROSE Retreat

  • le case del principe pantelleria (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

ROCKROSE RETREAT

a 5-night springtime retreat on the island of Pantelleria

5-10 MAY, 2025

PANTELLERIA, SICILY — ITALY

The windswept island of Pantelleria is ruled by its extreme elements. My newest ROCKROSE retreat embraces both faces of this unique place with food/wine explorations featuring the best local ingredients and a bit of introspection in wondrous natural spaces.

  • rockrose [cisto/cistus creticus] is a medicinal plant that has been used therapeutically since ancient times on the rocky coasts of the Mediterranean. It’s been used to treat stress/anxiety; to aid in calming and relaxation, and it was used on Mount Olympus to heal Greek warriors. Rockrose is a “fire-follower” with seeds that can remain dormant for many years then stimulated to sprout by wildfires. Their pink/purple and white flowers speckle the black volcanic landscape of Pantelleria in springtime.

REGISTRATION IS CLOSED

  • Reach out directly to join the waitlist or inquire about planning a similar private program for your group.

WHAT TO EXPECT:

  • communal family meals

  • lazy lunches with island friends 

  • in the fields with our favorite local plant expert

  • hiking in the national park with a guide

  • deep dive into wine, capers, and honey

  • distillation workshop + olfactory experience

  • island accommodations

ACCOMMODATIONS | Le Case del Principe Pantelleria

Le Case del Principe is a group of dammusi houses, tucked away on a private area of the northwest coast. These houses were built in the 1970's by Prince Paolo Sallier de La Tour and his wife Costanza Tasca d’Almerita.

Our carefully selected location is one of the very few places on the entire island where you’ll have direct access down to the sea. Guests will be hosted in shared dammusi houses. There are three large dammusi available and each house has two bedrooms and two bathrooms, a fully equipped kitchen, spacious terrace overlooking the sea, indoor dining room, and outdoor patio with table/chairs/loungers. Each bedroom is set up with bed linens, bath towels and extra blankets.

ABOUT | The Cheeky Chef

Linda Sarris is a food/wine travel consultant and private chef based in Palermo, Sicily. From her sun-lit kitchen studio above the 1,000 year-old Ballarò food market, Linda works as a freelance writer, social media manager, and culinary communications consultant while still traveling regularly for private chef work with clients in the fashion and music industries. Under her brand, The Cheeky Chef, she is self-publishing a Sicilian food/wine ‘zine and designs a series of Mediterranean culinary/lifestyle retreats and travel experiences. Her travel guidebooks, Moon Southern Italy (2022) and Moon Sicily (2024) have been published with Hachette Book Group.

View Event →
MAY 18-24, 2025 -- Vino Volcanico on Mt. Etna
May
18
to May 24
events, retreat

MAY 18-24, 2025 -- Vino Volcanico on Mt. Etna

Vino Volcanico no. 6 | MT. ETNA

a food + natural wine trip with The Cheeky Chef on Sicily’s Mount Etna volcano

18—24 MAY, 2025

MT. ETNA, SICILY — ITALY

Vino Volcanico is back and we’re taking it to another part of the island of Sicily, the winemaking region of Mount Etna. This food/wine retreat is open to all (adult men/women)!

Chef Linda Sarris will lead a small group of guests through the wilderness of Mt. Etna. During the trip, you will be hosted in a gorgeous villa as we taste our way through wines/spirits produced by small artisanal growers. This 6-night retreat includes a fun-filled itinerary visiting friends on the volcano, who just happen to be experts in their fields. We’ll visit several small estates, dine out and have home-cooked family meals at the villa. I’m most excited about spending time at the table over long lunches at private vineyards and cooking for our group at our home-sweet-home for the week. 

I’ve wrangled my urge to over-schedule you with too many plans packed into the trip, so there will be free time to lounge poolside or take advantage of the glitz & glam of having your own private Sicilian villa.

For those who like to have a bit more structure, don’t worry we got it covered. Everything is reserved ahead of time and we have private drivers to help with transportation, but you can rest assured I will take care of everything for you and all meals/bevs/activities will be included. We’ll be sure to leave a little wiggle room in the plans for spontaneous Sicilian surprises.

REGISTRATION IS CLOSED

Reach out directly to join the waitlist or inquire about booking a similar/custom program for your private group.

SAMPLE PROGRAM

All activities/excursions, tastings, and meals listed in the itinerary are included in the cost for this trip. Airfare is NOT included.

  • 6-night accommodations in our private villa

  • Sicilian breakfasts at home

  • A mix of family meals, restaurants, impromptu cookouts

  • Vineyard visits, al fresco lunches + natural wine tastings

  • Volcanic outdoor adventures! 

  • 1 hands-on cooking class

  • Free time poolside with a view of Mt. Etna in our backyard

  • Daily Italian aperitivo drinks/snacks in the late afternoon

  • High-end local transportation with professional English-speaking private drivers for all of our scheduled excursions

  • Round-trip group transfers from the Catania Airport. If you arrive outside of the meet-up time, you will be responsible for the cost of arriving at the villa but we will help organize it for you.

TOP SECRET ACCOMMODATIONS

Once a noble Etnean winery, our glamorous villa has been carefully transformed into an absolute paradise that is both luxurious and full of soul. Its spacious interiors spill out onto extensive terraces which, like the irresistible pool, are all surrounded by manicured Mediterranean gardens.

ABOUT | The Cheeky Chef

Linda Sarris is a food/wine travel consultant and private chef based in Palermo, Sicily. From her sun-lit kitchen studio above the 1,000 year-old Ballarò food market, Linda works as a freelance writer, social media manager, and culinary communications consultant while still traveling regularly for private chef work with clients in the fashion and music industries. Under her brand, The Cheeky Chef, she is self-publishing a Sicilian food/wine ‘zine and designs a series of Mediterranean culinary/lifestyle retreats and travel experiences. Her travel guidebooks, Moon Southern Italy (2022) and Moon Sicily (2024) have been published with Hachette Book Group.

View Event →
JUNE 14 - 21, 2025 - A Cheeky Sicilian Sailing Trip
Jun
14
to Jun 21
travel program, collaboration

JUNE 14 - 21, 2025 - A Cheeky Sicilian Sailing Trip

A CHEEKY SICILIAN SAILING TRIP

with The Cheeky Chef and Stellavision Travel

A Cheeky Sicilian Sailing Trip

JUNE 14 - 21, 2025

Stellavision is headed to sea alongside the Cheeky Chef, Linda Sarris! This tour combines a nautical adventure with cultural and culinary exploration in a hard-to-reach island paradise. Setting sail from Palermo, Sicily we’ll be floating our way through the Aeolians, a group of volcanic islands off the northeast coast of the main Sicilian isola. Picture yourself chasing sunsets by sea, swimming, snorkeling and sunbathing in turquoise waters, complete with a private chef. As we dock at four different islands throughout the week, we’ll hop on land to show you the best spots, enjoy meals by locals and meet some very special island friends.

Ready to come aboard?

ABOUT STELLAVISION

By Women, For Women

#SoloFemaleTravel is an incredible movement we’re proud to participate in. But not having a travel buddy doesn’t mean you have to go it completely alone. Our tours are about connecting like-minded women and creating shared memories. Maybe you’ll come with your sister, partner or friend. Or maybe you’ll come alone and leave with your new BFF. We’re especially excited to highlight the local ladies excelling in all the things we love, you won’t just meet fellow female travelers, you’ll meet le donne italiane we admire.

Inclusive. Period.

Travel is all about exploring and honoring our different environments and experiences. That is true of Stellavision as well. All self-identifying women are welcome and celebrated here. We have a zero tolerance policy against discrimination of any kind. We firmly believe all bodies are beach bodies (and guess what - Italians do too.) We can debate the best gelato flavour but agreeing with these statements is a precursor to joining a Stellavision Tour.

YOUR PRIVATE CHEF: LINDA SARRIS

Linda Sarris was raised in a big Greek-American family and trained at the French Culinary Institute in New York City. After a few stints in restaurants, she took off to sharpen her culinary skills in her own adventurous way, developing her own Mediterranean style of cooking, working on a farm-to-table wine estate in Sicily, spending summers private-cheffing in Tuscany, and consulting for restaurants in Romania and Colombia!

She is a published author, food/wine travel designer, and private chef with a decade of experience cooking for clients in the music and fashion industries. Part translator, part hostess with the mostess and our local culinary guru, the Cheeky Chef is working side by side with your Stellavision guide to finesse your time at sea. She's known as the Queen of Ballarò and has charmed the hearts of the vendors in her wild neighborhood food market in Palermo. She is a cheeky one (well named for sure) and when you’re on board, you'll find out why…. wink. 

View Event →
OCTOBER 6-11, 2024 - Ladies Trip!
Oct
6
to Oct 11
events, retreat

OCTOBER 6-11, 2024 - Ladies Trip!

  • le case del principe pantelleria (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

SOLD OUT — Vino Volcanico | no. 5

a Ladies-Only wine tasting trip with The Cheeky Chef on the Sicilian island of Pantelleria

foto by Lean Timms <3

OCTOBER 6-11, 2024

ISOLA DI PANTELLERIA, SICILIA - ITALIA

This Ladies-Only Wine Tasting Program is back! Perfect for friends, couples, mamma-daughter duos, sisters, and solo travelers.

Discover “the black pearl of the Mediterranean” during the 5th Ladies-Only, Vino Volcanico wine-lovers trip in Pantelleria. Take a look beyond Mount Etna to a whole other chapter in the history of Sicilian winemaking. Chef Linda Sarris will lead a small group of guests on a whirlwind of flavors from wild mountain herbs and freshly made tuma cheese to seasonal meals featuring capers, wild fennel, and local seafood. Learn about grapes, raisins, extreme agriculture, and Passito di Pantelleria DOC sweet wines, as well as traditional and natural winemaking techniques from the island.

This 5-day adventure includes a fun-filled itinerary with daily excursions and plenty of delicious things to eat and drink. October is an exciting time to be here! Follow the grapes from their volcanic soils and terraced vineyards to the cantinas with our locally-led guided tours and tastings. There will be free time to soak up the magic each night with communal family meal dinners at our dammusi houses overlooking the sea.

SAMPLE PROGRAM | All activities/excursions, tastings, and meals listed in the itinerary are included in the cost for this trip. Airfare is NOT included.

  • 5-night dammusi accommodations at Le Case del Principe Pantelleria

  • Vineyard visits with lunch + wine tastings

  • A visit to a local caper producer

  • 1 restaurant lunch

  • Daily breakfasts

  • A visit to a traditional giardino pantesco lava stone-walled garden

  • Light trek + picnic in Pantelleria’s national park

  • Communal dinners prepared by The Cheeky Chef

  • Relaxing dips in natural hot springs + free time to swim in our private beach cove

  • Round-trip airport transfers from the Pantelleria island airport PNL to the dammusi

  • Local transportation provided for excursions included in the itinerary

ACCOMMODATIONS | Le Case del Principe Pantelleria

Le Case del Principe is a group of dammusi houses, tucked away on a private area of the northwest coast. These houses were built in the 1970's by Prince Paolo Sallier de La Tour and his wife Costanza Tasca d’Almerita.

Our carefully selected location is one of the very few places on the entire island where you’ll have direct access down to the sea. Guests will be hosted in shared dammusi houses. There are three large dammusi available and each house has two bedrooms and two bathrooms, a fully equipped kitchen, spacious terrace overlooking the sea, indoor dining room, and outdoor patio with table/chairs/loungers. Each bedroom is set up with bed linens, bath towels and extra blankets. Linda will provide you with a small welcome package with your program itinerary and basic toiletries.

October 6-11, 2024

I have kept the rates as low as possible for this program. I want it to be full of fun, adventurous women every single year and focused on affordable all-inclusive per day rates for travelers on a budget who still want to have a wonderful experience in Sicily without breaking the bank!

SOLD OUT

ABOUT | The Cheeky Chef

Linda Sarris is a private chef from New York City, now working in Palermo. She started her cooking career with an internship at the Anna Tasca Lanza Cooking School in Sicily right after graduating from The French Culinary Institute. Known best as The Cheeky Chef, she splits her time between cooking for female CEOs in New York, traveling for culinary/wellness retreats, and working as a food/travel consultant here in Sicily. Her travel guidebooks, Moon Southern Italy (2022) and Moon Sicily (2024) were published with the Hachette Book Group in the USA.

“Linda’s programs are a thoughtful, cultural and foodie infused experience that takes you beyond a typical ‘tour.’ She will introduce you to not only an incredible array of ventures every day that you’re with her, but to people and places that she deeply loves and wants to share with you.

The energy that you feel from her program will not only nourish your appetite – but your soul as well. Her programs create a kindred experience. Look no further and plan or join a trip with her. I promise you won’t want to leave in the end but you’ll come back home full of love, wine, laughs and a trip that you won’t ever forget.”
— Alexis | Portland, OR | vino volcanico no.2
“Linda’s Vino Volcanico program was absolutely incredible, truly a dream trip. The experience that you can have on the island of Pantelleria under Linda’s guidance is unsurpassed – the relationship that she has with the locals, with the food, the wine, with the island itself create the most immersive experience. You truly feel a part of the local culture when you are there. She created such an inclusive energy and exposed us to the best foods, the best wines, and the most beautiful landscapes. Cannot recommend highly enough.”
— Jessica | Texas | vino volcanico no.2
“Spending a week on Pantelleria with Cheeky was like being welcomed home by a long lost pal! I was a solo traveller but immediately felt safe as I stepped off the plane & was welcomed by a beautiful lunch of ladies. We ate beautiful food. Swam in the Mediterranean. Explored different parts of beautiful Pantelleria by day & got a real feel for the island & her locals who Linda knows personally & slept to the sound of the ocean each night. It was marvellous fun fuelled by copious amounts of marvellous wine & that lovely sense of just ‘being able to be’ with woman & not having to fuss about with men ”
— Mia | Sunshine Coast, Australia | vino volcanico no.2
“I surprised my husband with a trip to Pantelleria with Linda on the 2021 Vino Volcano tour. We were absolutely thrilled with everything Linda planned for us, and had the absolute time of our lives. Before we even reached Italy, Linda was so helpful with answering any questions I had. Once we got to Pantelleria, we were absolutely stunned by the beautiful black pearl of the mediterranean! The views from our Dammusi were incredible, and we felt very cozy and comfortable in the beautiful Dammuso Antico. Linda planned a great mix of activities and relaxation - it felt different from other vacations, as we were able to use her expansive contacts on the island to truly understand how the locals live, and get a behind-the-scenes tour of gorgeous local vineyards, restaurants, and natural wonders like hot springs and parks. Beyond her planning skills, she’s a fantastic chef - everything she made for our communal dinners was delicious and fresh, and we loved all the little surprises she worked into the trip. We left feeling fulfilled and refreshed. and can’t wait to come back. Thank you Linda!”
— Emily | NYC | vino volcanico no.1
View Event →
MAY 12-19, 2024 Sicily: A Different Italy
May
12
to May 19
events, public, travel program

MAY 12-19, 2024 Sicily: A Different Italy

photo: Katie June Burton for Snack Sicily

Sicily: A Different Italy

with Peggy Markel and Linda Sarris

May 12 — 19, 2024

PALERMO, REGALEALI, VITTORIA, MODICA, ORTIGIA

2 rooms still available

“Strong and elemental, Sicily retains an unconquered character and romantic spirit, and you can taste it in her food. Greek ruins dot the landscape. Arabian eggplants, lemons, saffron and nutmeg thrive in rich volcanic soil. Local artisans hand-make chocolates and cheeses. Sicilian dishes draw on history but abound with independent ideas and innovative interpretations that stand apart from the cuisine of mainland Italy.”

I would like to introduce you to my good friend Chef Linda Sarris who I have invited to join me again. Her love of Sicily is as deep as mine and her knowledge increases daily by living in Palermo over the Ballarò market.

Together, we will coil our way across this dramatic region from Palermo’s rowdy ancient markets, through the lesser-known entroterra, to Baroque Modica and the picturesque historic center of Siracusa on the island of Ortigia. We’ll take walks through the countryside, taste noble wines from famous vineyards, enter private kitchens, gentle olive groves and gardens bursting with flavor.

As we cross the island, Sicily reveals her secrets to us.

REGISTRATION IS OPEN

Double: $6,800 per person

Single supplement: + $1,137

additional info online

Peggy Markel’s Culinary Adventures

WHO WE ARE

Peggy Markel’s Culinary Adventures delivers personalized, educational, hands-on travel experiences that feed the soul. With a perpetual curiosity and reverence for the rich tapestry created by food and culture, Peggy Markel has designed and directed carefully hand-crafted food and culture trips around the world for 25 years. She is a pioneer not only in culinary travel, but was instrumental in bringing Slow Food to America and championing the farm to table movement as early as 1993.

WHAT WE DO

With each handcrafted experience, Peggy creates a container that allows her guests to relax immediately and drop beneath the surface. Good choices, deep relationships and loyalty have their benefits. It’s like traveling with a friend of a friend: someone you don’t know, but you feel like you do.

All of our trips are food-focused. Each itinerary is designed for immersion. But it’s not all about food. It’s about the art of living. We are the real deal and consider your experience and care paramount. Programs are built on long-term relationships, handpicked properties and carefully crafted itineraries.

The Cheeky Chef: Linda Sarris

WHO SHE IS

Linda Sarris was raised in a big Greek-American family with a Chef grandfather and a fisherman Dad. After studying at the French Culinary Institute and working a few stints in restaurant kitchens, Linda took off to sharpen her culinary skills in her own adventurous way - by working on a farm-to-table cooking school and wine estate in Sicily, spending two summers private-cheffing in Tuscany, consulting for restaurants in Romania and Colombia, and traveling for songwriting camps in Italy and France.

WHAT SHE DOES

Linda is a food/wine travel consultant and private chef based in Palermo. From her sun-lit studio kitchen above the 1,000-year-old Ballarò market, she works as a freelance writer and culinary communications consultant; while still traveling regularly for private chef work with clients in the fashion/music industries. Known best as The Cheeky Chef, Linda curates a series of culinary retreats, personalized travel itineraries, private sailing adventures, and chef-led market tours/tastings in Palermo. She is currently writing her second travel book with the Hachette Book Group and will be self-publishing an ingredient-focused mini’zine shortly after.

View Event →
MAY 5 — 10, 2024
May
5
to May 10
events, retreat

MAY 5 — 10, 2024

SOLD OUT — Vino Volcanico | ETNA

a food + natural wine trip with The Cheeky Chef on Sicily’s Mount Etna volcano

MAY 5 — 10, 2024

MT. ETNA, SICILY — ITALY

Vino Volcanico is back and we’re taking it to another part of the island of Sicily, the winemaking region of Mount Etna. This food/wine retreat is open to all!

SOLD OUT

Chef Linda Sarris will lead a small group of guests through the wilderness of Mt. Etna. During the trip, you will be hosted in a gorgeous villa as we taste our way through wines/spirits produced by small artisanal growers. This 5-night retreat includes a fun-filled itinerary visiting friends on the volcano, who just happen to be experts in their fields. We’ll visit several small estates, dine out at restaurants alternated with home-cooked family meals at the villa. I’m most excited about spending time at the table over long lunches at private vineyards and cooking for our group at our home-sweet-home for the week. 

I’ve wrangled my urge to over-schedule you with too many plans packed into the trip, so there will be free time to lounge poolside or take advantage of the glitz & glam of having your own private villa. For those who like to have a bit more structure, don’t worry we got it covered. Everything is reserved ahead of time and we have private drivers to help with transportation, but you can rest assured I will take care of everything for you and all meals/bevs/activities will be included. We’ll  be sure to leave a little wiggle room in the plans for spontaneous Sicilian surprises.

MAY 5 — 10, 2024

Vino Volcanico no. 4 on Mount Etna (Sicily, Italy)

SAMPLE PROGRAM

All activities/excursions, tastings, and meals listed in the itinerary are included in the cost for this trip. Airfare is NOT included.

  • 5-night accommodations in our private villa

  • Daily breakfasts

  • A mix of family meals, restaurants, impromptu cookouts

  • Vineyard visits with lunch + wine tastings

  • Volcanic outdoor adventures! 

  • A hands-on cooking class

  • Free time poolside 

  • Italian aperitivo drinks/snacks

  • Local transportation with English-speaking drivers for all itinerary excursions

  • Group transfers from the Catania Airport. If you arrive outside of the meet-up time, you will be responsible for the cost of arriving at the villa but we will help organize it for you.

TOP SECRET ACCOMMODATIONS

Once a noble Etnean winery, our glamorous villa has been carefully transformed into an absolute paradise that is both luxurious and full of soul. Its spacious interiors spill out onto extensive terraces which, like the irresistible pool, are all surrounded by manicured Mediterranean gardens.

ABOUT | The Cheeky Chef

Linda Sarris is a food/wine travel consultant and private chef based in Palermo, Sicily. From her sun-lit kitchen studio above the 1,000 year-old Ballarò food market, Linda works as a freelance writer, social media manager, and culinary communications consultant while still traveling regularly for private chef work with clients in the fashion and music industries. Under her brand, The Cheeky Chef, she is self-publishing a Sicilian food/wine ‘zine and designs a series of Mediterranean culinary/lifestyle retreats and travel experiences. Her first book, Moon Southern Italy, was published in 2022 with Hachette Book Group. The second book, Moon Sicily, will be released in March 2024.

View Event →
OCTOBER 9-14, 2023 - Ladies Trip!
Oct
9
to Oct 14
events, retreat

OCTOBER 9-14, 2023 - Ladies Trip!

  • le case del principe pantelleria (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Vino Volcanico | no. 3

a Ladies-Only winetasting trip with The Cheeky Chef on the Sicilian island of Pantelleria

SOLD OUT

foto by Lean Timms <3

OCTOBER 9-14, 2023

ISOLA DI PANTELLERIA, SICILIA - ITALIA

The Ladies-Only Wine Tasting Program is back! Perfect for friends, couples, mamma-daughter duos, sisters, and solo travelers.

Discover “the black pearl of the Mediterranean” during the 3rd annual Ladies-Only, Vino Volcanico wine-lovers trip to Pantelleria. Take a look beyond Mount Etna to a whole other chapter in the history of Sicilian winemaking. Chef Linda Sarris will lead a small group of guests on a whirlwind of flavors from wild mountain herbs and freshly made tuma cheese to seasonal meals featuring capers, wild fennel, and local seafood. Learn about grapes, raisins, extreme agriculture, and Passito di Pantelleria DOC sweet wines, as well as traditional and natural winemaking techniques from the island.

This 5-day adventure includes a fun-filled itinerary with daily excursions and plenty of delicious things to eat and drink. October is an exciting time to be here! Follow the grapes from their volcanic soils and terraced vineyards to the cantinas with our locally-led guided tours and tastings. There will be free time to soak up the magic each night with communal family meal dinners at our dammusi houses overlooking the sea.

SAMPLE PROGRAM

All activities/excursions, tastings, and meals listed in the itinerary are included in the cost for this trip. Airfare is NOT included.

  • 5-night dammusi accommodations at Le Case del Principe Pantelleria

  • Vineyard visits with lunch + wine tastings

  • A visit to a local caper producer

  • 1 restaurant lunch

  • Daily breakfasts

  • A visit to a traditional giardino pantesco lava stone-walled garden

  • Light hike + picnic in Pantelleria’s national park

  • Communal dinners prepared by The Cheeky Chef

  • Relaxing dips in natural hot springs + free time to swim in our semi-private beach cove

  • Round-trip airport transfers from the Pantelleria island airport PNL to the dammusi houses

  • Local transportation provided for excursions included in the itinerary

ACCOMMODATIONS | Le Case del Principe Pantelleria

Le Case del Principe is a group of dammusi houses, tucked away on a private area of the northwest coast. These houses were built in the 1970's by Prince Paolo Sallier de La Tour and his wife Costanza Tasca d’Almerita.

Our carefully selected location is one of the very few places on the entire island where you’ll have direct access down to the sea. Guests will be hosted in shared dammusi houses. There are three large dammusi available and each house has two bedrooms and two bathrooms, a fully equipped kitchen, spacious terrace overlooking the sea, indoor dining room, and outdoor patio with table/chairs/loungers. Each bedroom is set up with bed linens, bath towels and extra blankets. Linda will provide you with a small welcome package with your program itinerary and basic toiletries.

OCTOBER 9-14, 2023 — SOLD OUT

If you would like to join the waitlist, please send a request to: thecheekychef@gmail.com

ABOUT | The Cheeky Chef

Linda Sarris is a private chef from New York City, now working in Palermo. She started her cooking career with an internship at the Anna Tasca Lanza Cooking School in Sicily right after graduating from The French Culinary Institute. Known best as The Cheeky Chef, she splits her time between cooking for female CEOs in New York, traveling for culinary/wellness retreats, and working as a food/travel consultant here in Sicily. Linda’s first book was published in April 2022 with the Hachette Book Group in the USA and the second book is currently in the works.

“Linda’s programs are a thoughtful, cultural and foodie infused experience that takes you beyond a typical ‘tour.’ She will introduce you to not only an incredible array of ventures every day that you’re with her, but to people and places that she deeply loves and wants to share with you.

The energy that you feel from her program will not only nourish your appetite – but your soul as well. Her programs create a kindred experience. Look no further and plan or join a trip with her. I promise you won’t want to leave in the end but you’ll come back home full of love, wine, laughs and a trip that you won’t ever forget.”
— Alexis | Portland, OR | vino volcanico no.2
“Linda’s Vino Volcanico program was absolutely incredible, truly a dream trip. The experience that you can have on the island of Pantelleria under Linda’s guidance is unsurpassed – the relationship that she has with the locals, with the food, the wine, with the island itself create the most immersive experience. You truly feel a part of the local culture when you are there. She created such an inclusive energy and exposed us to the best foods, the best wines, and the most beautiful landscapes. Cannot recommend highly enough.”
— Jessica | Texas | vino volcanico no.2
“Spending a week on Pantelleria with Cheeky was like being welcomed home by a long lost pal! I was a solo traveller but immediately felt safe as I stepped off the plane & was welcomed by a beautiful lunch of ladies. We ate beautiful food. Swam in the Mediterranean. Explored different parts of beautiful Pantelleria by day & got a real feel for the island & her locals who Linda knows personally & slept to the sound of the ocean each night. It was marvellous fun fuelled by copious amounts of marvellous wine & that lovely sense of just ‘being able to be’ with woman & not having to fuss about with men ”
— Mia | Sunshine Coast, Australia | vino volcanico no.2
“I surprised my husband with a trip to Pantelleria with Linda on the 2021 Vino Volcano tour. We were absolutely thrilled with everything Linda planned for us, and had the absolute time of our lives. Before we even reached Italy, Linda was so helpful with answering any questions I had. Once we got to Pantelleria, we were absolutely stunned by the beautiful black pearl of the mediterranean! The views from our Dammusi were incredible, and we felt very cozy and comfortable in the beautiful Dammuso Antico. Linda planned a great mix of activities and relaxation - it felt different from other vacations, as we were able to use her expansive contacts on the island to truly understand how the locals live, and get a behind-the-scenes tour of gorgeous local vineyards, restaurants, and natural wonders like hot springs and parks. Beyond her planning skills, she’s a fantastic chef - everything she made for our communal dinners was delicious and fresh, and we loved all the little surprises she worked into the trip. We left feeling fulfilled and refreshed. and can’t wait to come back. Thank you Linda!”
— Emily | NYC | vino volcanico no.1
View Event →
SEPTEMBER 23-30, 2023
Sep
23
to Sep 30

SEPTEMBER 23-30, 2023

A Cheeky Sicilian Sailing Trip

Stellavision Travel is headed to sea alongside The Cheeky Chef!

This tour combines a nautical adventure on TWO beautiful catamarans with culinary decadence in a hard-to-reach island paradise: the Aeolian islands.

Dive into the sea as soon as you wake up, island hop to a new destination each day, dine under the stars, wander through the small port towns, and feast on local specialties. It's the dolce vita... Sicilian-style.​​​​​​​​

We’ve curated a range of both classic and creative experiences to offer a unique and immersive Sicilian island showcase. From culture to food, swimming, sunning and sightseeing, you’ll experience it all - and always with a chic twist. On this trip expect plenty of dips in the water and chilling time as we sail between the Aeolian islands. 

Setting sail from Palermo, Sicily we’ll be floating our way through the Aeolians, a group of volcanic islands off the northeast coast of the main Sicilian isola. Picture yourself chasing sunsets by sea, swimming, snorkeling and sunbathing in turquoise waters, complete with a private chef. As we dock at five different islands throughout the week, we’ll hop on land to show you the best spots, enjoy meals by locals and Michelin-starred chefs and meet some very special island friends. Ready to come aboard?

REGISTRATION IS OPEN ✨

This tour is for female-identifying travellers and non-binary folks who feel comfortable in female spaces.

Only 4 more spots available… is one of them yours?

photo credit: Stellavision

View Event →
OCTOBER 10-15, 2022 - Ladies Trip!
Oct
10
to Oct 15
events, retreat

OCTOBER 10-15, 2022 - Ladies Trip!

  • le case del principe pantelleria (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Vino Volcanico | no. 2

a Sicilian wine week with The Cheeky Chef on the island of Pantelleria

— SOLD OUT—

ISOLA DI PANTELLERIA, SICILIA - ITALIA

Launching my first all-female trip!

Perfect for friends, couples, mamma-daughter duos, sisters, and solo travelers!

Discover “the black pearl” of the Mediterranean on our Vino Volcanico wine-lovers trip to Pantelleria. Take a look beyond Mount Etna to a whole other chapter in the history of Sicilian winemaking!

Chef Linda Sarris will lead our small group of guests on a whirlwind of flavors from wild mountain herbs and freshly made tuma cheese to seasonal meals featuring capers, wild fennel, and local seafood. Learn about the world of passito as well as traditional and natural winemaking techniques from the island.

Our 5-day adventure will include family meals together and daily excursions around the island. Follow the grapes from their volcanic soils and terraced vineyards to the cantina with our professional guided tours and tastings. There will be plenty of time to soak up the magic each night with relaxing dinners together at our dammusi houses overlooking the sea!

SAMPLE PROGRAM | all activities/excursions, tastings, and meals listed in the itinerary are included in the cost for this trip. Airfare is NOT included.

  • 5-night dammusi accommodations at Le Case del Principe Pantelleria

  • local transportation provided for excursions included in the itinerary

  • 3 vineyard visits with lunch + tastings

  • visit to a local caper producer

  • 1 restaurant lunch

  • daily breakfasts

  • visit to a traditional giardino pantesco lava stone walled garden

  • light hike and picnic in Pantelleria’s national park mountains

  • communal dinners prepared by The Cheeky Chef

  • relaxing dip in the island’s natural hot springs + free time to swim in our semi-private beach cove, weather permitting

  • round-trip airport transfers from the Pantelleria island airport PNL to the dammusi houses

ACCOMMODATIONS | Le Case del Principe Pantelleria

Le Case del Principe are tucked away on a private area of the northwest coast, only 6km from the town center and 3km from the island's airport. These houses were built in the 1970's by Prince Paolo Sallier de La Tour and his wife Costanza, who created this little oasis of peace and relaxation in the place they loved. Our location is one of the only on the entire island where you have direct access down to the sea, just outside of your doorstep.

We have seven traditional stone "dammusi", each far enough from the others to ensure its own privacy and silence. Each of our dammusi rental homes are fully equipped with a kitchen and a large terrace overlooking the sea. Our houses are simply furnished with a tasteful island style to make your stay as comfortable and welcoming as possible. Every house has a spacious terrace equipped with a dining table, chairs and deck-chairs, an outdoor shower and a barbecue.

Upon arrival, guests will be welcomed with a basket of fresh fruit and a bottle of our family wine (Sallier de La Tour – Tasca d’Almerita). Every bedroom is set up with bed linens and bath towels.

SOLD OUT | Send a request for the waitlist or updates for the next Vino Volcanico program | thecheekychef@gmail.com

ABOUT | The Cheeky Chef

Linda Sarris is a private chef from New York City, now working in Palermo. She started her cooking career with an internship at the Anna Tasca Lanza Cooking School in Sicily right after graduating from The French Culinary Institute. Known best as The Cheeky Chef, she splits her time between cooking for female CEOs in New York, traveling for culinary/wellness retreats, and working as a food/travel consultant here in Sicily. Linda’s first book was published in April 2022 with the Hachette Book Group in the USA and the second book is currently in the works.

“I surprised my husband with a trip to Pantelleria with Linda on the 2021 Vino Volcano tour. We were absolutely thrilled with everything Linda planned for us, and had the absolute time of our lives. Before we even reached Italy, Linda was so helpful with answering any questions I had. Once we got to Pantelleria, we were absolutely stunned by the beautiful black pearl of the mediterranean! The views from our Dammusi were incredible, and we felt very cozy and comfortable in the beautiful Dammuso Antico. Linda planned a great mix of activities and relaxation - it felt different from other vacations, as we were able to use her expansive contacts on the island to truly understand how the locals live, and get a behind-the-scenes tour of gorgeous local vineyards, restaurants, and natural wonders like hot springs and parks. Beyond her planning skills, she’s a fantastic chef - everything she made for our communal dinners was delicious and fresh, and we loved all the little surprises she worked into the trip. We left feeling fulfilled and refreshed. and can’t wait to come back. Thank you Linda!”
— Emily | NYC
View Event →
JULY 16-23, 2022
Jul
16
to Jul 23
travel program

JULY 16-23, 2022

  • Capo d'Orlando Italy (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

CHEEKY CHARTER: SAILBOAT ADVENTURE IN THE AEOLIAN ISLANDS, SICILY

16-23 JULY, 2022  | ISOLE EOLIE, SICILIA, ITALIA

— SOLD OUT—

  • 7 nights on-board

  • professional skipper + private chef

  • sailboat travel

  • port fees

  • dinghy tender boat + gasoline

  • sheets/towels + end of week cleaning

  • activities programming for the week to enjoy the best of the islands

cheekycharter_stromboli.jpeg

DESTINATIONS 

We will be sailing around the Aeolian Islands off of the northeast coast of Sicily, not far from Mount Etna. Lipari, Panarea, Salina, Vulcano, Stromboli, Filicudi and Alicudi are a chain of Mediterranean islands that boast some of the best swimming, fresh seafood, and night life in Sicily. We will try to hit at least 4 islands during this weeklong adventure. Weather and wind are always factors when you plan a sailing trip. Our well-seasoned captain knows this area like the back of his hand. We’ll follow his lead to plan the best route, and might make some changes to the itinerary to make sure we have time for a few stops among the islands, dinners and drinks off of the boat, and relaxing mornings/afternoons catching some sun and enjoying “la dolce vita” aboard our own private barca a vela. 


FOOD/BEVS 

Sicily is world-famous for it’s incredible food and wine culture, but we are taking you off the beaten path to a very special volcanic oasis between Persephone’s island and Italy’s main boot. Menus will feature freshly-caught seafood, light pasta dishes with seasonal vegetables, natural and volcanic wines, and exceptional desserts like cannoli and granita!

Chef Linda Sarris has organized this adventure and will be onboard along with a certified sailboat captain here in Italy. Linda will pair wines and keep the cheeky cocktails flowing through the week while she prepares family meals aboard when we are at sea. Please notify us in advance of any food allergies and aversions.

WHAT TO BRING 

Sandals, sneakers, comfortable shoes, water shoes if you have them, bathing suits, beach towels, sunscreen, sunglasses, bug spray, layered clothing (sweatshirts, long sleeves, flannels for cool nights and windy days), seasickness pills/patches, casual clothes for sailing days, one or two nicer outfits for dinners out on the islands, flip flops, boots, books/guitars/watercolors.

BOOKING 

Contact THECHEEKYCHEF@gmail.com for booking details. 

We accept cash euros, direct bank transfers, VENMO in $USD according to up-to-date exchange rates, and credit card payments with a 5% processing fee.

A 50% non-refundable deposit is required to confirm bookings. Final balance due 2 months before check-in.

— 3 cabins x2 guests available —

cheekycharter_barca.jpeg


PRICING

  • €2850 per cabin (2 guests per cabin)

  • Max 6 guests in double-room accommodations

  • Flights, island excursions, alcohol, and on-shore meals are not included. 

  • Gratuity not included.

  • Check-in/out: Capo d’Orlando

  • Guests will be responsible for their own travel to/from the checkin/out port (by way of Palermo PMO airport)

CONTACT

Linda Sarris | www.lindasarris.com | thecheekychef@gmail.com

ABOUT

Linda Sarris is a private chef from New York City, now working in Palermo. She started her cooking career with an internship at the Anna Tasca Lanza Cooking School in Sicily right after graduating from The French Culinary Institute. Known best as The Cheeky Chef, she splits her time between cooking for female CEOs in New York and working as a food/travel consultant here in Sicily. Her first book will be published in April 2022.

View Event →
MAY 24, 2022
May
24
10:00 AM10:00

MAY 24, 2022

MAY 18-28, 2022 RADICI SICILIANE GATHERING

I will be hosting a half-day in Palermo during this 11 day program with Radici Siciliane.

Check out all of their seasonal gatherings online and via Instagram.

Learn more about this gathering: www.radicisiciliane.com/may-gatherings

11 days with Radici Siciliane

Single room: $4700

Registration Closes: April 1, 2022

“We are holding one Ancestral Gathering in May.

These gatherings, or pilgrimages, are based on ancestral arts, connection, community, re-weaving and re-claiming our roots — with the guidance of multigenerational Sicilian artists and makers.

We don’t do carbon copy or cookie cutter. We don’t “tours”.

We facilitate experiences that may shift in the moment. There is always a sense of wonder and spontaneity, even within the program. This is Sicily. We trust the magic and the flow.

Our May gatherings are traditional ancestral gatherings where we get to be part of Sicilian culture and life— from food reverence to ancestral veneration to being awestruck by the people. We will get brought to our knees by nature—from the form and shape of ancient buildings to the wild expression of the sensuality and passion of the land. We will be enchanted by cheese. We will be held by a volcano.

Our days are spent in adventure and connection on the island. We eat large meals together. We enjoy both land + sea.

We don’t run wild around the island trying to take everything in, try to cover the entire ground—instead we move with rhythm of our hearts and those that hold us. We go slow, even when we go too fast on the mountain road.

We fully integrate in Sicilian culture and people. And on off days we rest, anchor in our bodies, and do ancestral healing work. ”
— RADICI SICILIANE

MAY 24: Palermo + Tarantella

We venture to Palermo for a private street food tour with Linda Sarris of Cheeky Chef, and then we’ll attend a special workshop around ancient dance and music of the tarantella. This workshop involves movement, singing and instruments. It’s a deep and healing tradition. After this, we have free time in Palermo for dinner. Breakfast and lunch included.

View Event →
MAY 15-22, 2022
May
15
to May 22
events, public, travel program

MAY 15-22, 2022

photo: Katie June Burton for Snack Sicily

photo: Katie June Burton for Snack Sicily

Sicily: A Different Italy

May 15-22, 2022

— SOLD OUT—

PALERMO > REGALEALI > RAGUSA > MODICA > NOTO > ORTIGIA

with Peggy Markel and Linda Sarris

“Strong and elemental, Sicily retains an unconquered character and romantic spirit, and you can taste it in her food. Greek ruins dot the landscape. Arabian eggplants, lemons, saffron and nutmeg thrive in rich volcanic soil. Local artisans hand-make chocolates and cheeses. Sicilian dishes draw on history but abound with independent ideas and innovative interpretations that stand apart from the cuisine of mainland Italy.”

I would like to introduce you to my good friend Chef Linda Sarris who I met at Regaleali some years ago. Her love of Sicily is as deep as mine and her knowledge increases daily by living in Palermo over the Ballarò market. She has an infectious smile, like she might be up to something.

I have invited Linda to join me this time as we coil our way across this dramatic region from Palermo’s rowdy ancient food markets, through the lesser-known entroterra, home to noble wine estates, ending in coastal fishing villages. We’ll make a pilgrimage to Modica for hand-produced chocolates and Noto for the world’s best gelato. We’ll take walks through the countryside, taste wine from famous vineyards, enter private kitchens, gentle olive groves and gardens bursting with flavor. As we cross the island, Sicily reveals her secrets to us.

BOOKING:

Double: $5,683 per person | Single supplement: $995

additional info online

f5c6e260-ee2f-44f6-a89c-b02234702251.jpg

Peggy Markel’s Culinary Adventures

WHO WE ARE

Peggy Markel’s Culinary Adventures delivers personalized, educational, hands-on travel experiences that feed the soul. With a perpetual curiosity and reverence for the rich tapestry created by food and culture, Peggy Markel has designed and directed carefully hand-crafted food and culture trips around the world for 25 years. She is a pioneer not only in culinary travel, but was instrumental in bringing Slow Food to America and championing the farm to table movement as early as 1993.

WHAT WE DO

With each handcrafted experience, Peggy creates a container that allows her guests to relax immediately and drop beneath the surface. Good choices, deep relationships and loyalty have their benefits. It’s like traveling with a friend of a friend: someone you don’t know, but you feel like you do.

All of our trips are food-focused. Each itinerary is designed for immersion. But it’s not all about food. It’s about the art of living. We are the real deal and consider your experience and care paramount. Programs are built on long-term relationships, handpicked properties and carefully crafted itineraries.

IMG_0431.jpg

The Cheeky Chef: Linda Sarris

WHO SHE IS

Linda Sarris was raised in a big Greek-American family with a Chef grandfather and a fisherman Dad. After studying at the French Culinary Institute and working a few stints in restaurant kitchens, Linda took off to sharpen her culinary skills in her own adventurous way - by working on a farm-to-table cooking school and wine estate in Sicily, spending two summers private-cheffing in Tuscany, consulting for restaurants in Romania and Colombia, and traveling for songwriting camps in Italy and France.

WHAT SHE DOES

Linda is a food/wine travel consultant and private chef based in Palermo. From her sun-lit studio kitchen above the 1,000-year-old Ballarò market, she works as a freelance writer and culinary communications consultant; while still traveling regularly for private chef work with clients in the fashion/music industries. Known best as The Cheeky Chef, Linda curates a series of culinary retreats, personalized travel itineraries, private sailing adventures, and chef-led market tours/tastings in Palermo. She is currently writing her first travel book with Hachette Book Group and will be self-publishing an ingredient-focused mini’zine this winter.

View Event →
MAY 10-13, 2022
May
13
9:30 AM09:30

MAY 10-13, 2022

A Deeper Look-See at the Island of Pantelleria

May 10-13, 2022 with Peggy Markel + Linda Sarris

— SOLD OUT—

“Inspiration: Stone dammusi houses. Black volcanic swimming holes. Mountain oregano. Natural hot springs and saunas. Passito wine. Venus’ mirror lake. Caper plants growing from every crevice. Wild fennel plucked from the side of the road. Vintage FIAT Panda cars. Stargazing. Africa meets Europe. National park hiking trails. Soft goat’s milk tuma straight from the cheesemaker. Wide open sea views from our private terraces. The Punta Spadillo lighthouse as our nightlight.”

It’s not often that you have the chance to visit a remote island with an insider. People who live there and people who visit there need each other to appreciate what’s at hand. At times, locals don’t know how to see deeper into what they look at everyday. Neither do we, no matter where we live. It can often take a fresh perspective to remind us of what we have in front us that we take for granted.

On this trip Linda Sarris and Peggy Markel have created a new short program to introduce you to the wonders and flavors of the island of Pantelleria. Pantelleria is like the wild west of Sicily. It’s a windswept island that has had to adapt to elemental conditions. The domed houses, called Dammusi, with a rooftop holding trough to collect rainwater. Moorish influence has left its mark. Olive tree branches are weighted down with rocks tied to ropes. Round, circular, dry-stone lava rock gardens are built to protect a single fruit tree. Cactus paddles are used to protect young tomato plants while they hold tight to every drop of precious humidity. Every island in the Med has its particular glory ~ and Pantelleria is no exception.

“Having a deeper look-see” is Peggy’s way of bringing attention to the brilliance of our experience. We can allow ourselves to respond to the essence of this place by really looking, observing how it feels, how the food tastes and connects with the environment we are in. This will tell us about the history, the culture, the present moment.

We can write about it, photograph it, or just generally absorb it from a place of heightened awareness. Nothing in the itinerary changes, just our way of seeing it.

For this program we will be hosted in the traditional dammusi houses of Le Case del Principe, in the district Kattibuale on the north coast, only a stone’s throw from the mystical Specchio di Venere crater lake and one of the very few places on the island with direct access down to the sea. Always keeping with the strong personal connections Peggy has built over the years, these private homes are owned by Ariane Sallier de La Tour of the Tasca d’Almerita family — who we visit in Regaleali on the Sicily: A Different Italy program in May and the Capofaro resort on the Sicily + the Aeolians program on the island of Salina each September. Guests will be accommodated in two-bedroom houses, each with a living room space, two private bathrooms, a fully-equipped kitchen and a large terrace overlooking the sea.

On this 3-night Look-See program, we’ll dive right into the small but mighty world of Pantelleria’s local wine, food, and culture while tapping into our creativity and consciousness while wandering through the wildflower-covered natural wonders.

May 10-13, 2022

A Deeper Look-See at the Island of Pantelleria

BOOKING | Register via email | $1,750 per person

View Event →
OCT 16-21, 2021
Oct
16
to Oct 21
events, retreat

OCT 16-21, 2021

  • le case del principe pantelleria (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Vino Volcanico

a Sicilian wine week with The Cheeky Chef on the island of Pantelleria

Case_del_Principe_Pantelleria_03.jpg
IMG_8898.jpg
P1000682.JPG
IMG_8902.jpg

VINO VOLCANICO

a Sicilian wine week with The Cheeky Chef on the island of Pantelleria


— SOLD OUT —

ISOLA DI PANTELLERIA, SICILY - ITALY

Discover “the black pearl” of the Mediterranean on our Vino Volcanico wine-lovers trip to Pantelleria. Take a look beyond Mount Etna to a whole other chapter in the history of Sicilian winemaking!

Chef Linda Sarris will lead our small group of guests on a whirlwind of flavors from wild mountain herbs and freshly made tuma cheese to seasonal meals featuring capers, wild fennel, and local seafood. Learn about the world of passito as well as traditional and natural winemaking techniques from the island.

Our 5-day adventure will include family meals together and daily excursions around the island. Follow the grapes from their volcanic soils and terraced vineyards to the cantina with our professional guided tours and tastings. There will be plenty of time to soak up the magic each night with relaxing dinners together at our dammusi houses overlooking the sea!

SAMPLE PROGRAM | all activities/excursions, tastings, and meals listed in the itinerary are included in the cost for this trip. Airfare is NOT included.

  • 5-night dammusi accommodations at Le Case del Principe Pantelleria

  • local transportation provided for excursions included in the itinerary

  • 3 vineyard visits with lunch + tastings

  • visit to a local caper producer

  • 1 restaurant lunch

  • daily breakfasts

  • visit to a traditional giardino pantesco lava stone walled garden

  • light hike and picnic in Pantelleria’s national park mountains

  • communal dinners prepared by The Cheeky Chef

  • relaxing dip in the island’s natural hot springs + free time to swim in our semi-private beach cove, weather permitting

  • round-trip airport transfers from the Pantelleria island airport PNL to the dammusi houses

ACCOMMODATIONS | Le Case del Principe Pantelleria

Le Case del Principe are tucked away on a private area of the northwest coast, only 6km from the town center and 3km from the island's airport. These houses were built in the 1970's by Prince Paolo Sallier de La Tour and his wife Costanza, who created this little oasis of peace and relaxation in the place they loved. Our location is one of the only on the entire island where you have direct access down to the sea, just outside of your doorstep.

We have seven traditional stone "dammusi", each far enough from the others to ensure its own privacy and silence. Each of our dammusi rental homes are fully equipped with a kitchen and a large terrace overlooking the sea. Our houses are simply furnished with a tasteful island style to make your stay as comfortable and welcoming as possible. Every house has a spacious terrace equipped with a dining table, chairs and deck-chairs, an outdoor shower and a barbecue.

Upon arrival, guests will be welcomed with a basket of fresh fruit and a bottle of our family wine (Sallier de La Tour – Tasca d’Almerita). Every bedroom is set up with bed linens and bath towels.

PRICING

Solo Travelers:

€950 — private bedroom and bathroom in a shared two-bedroom dammuso

€1300 — a private dammuso house all to yourself

Couples or Friends:

€800/person — double bedroom and private bathroom in a shared two-bedroom dammuso

€1200/person — a private dammuso house for two

Send a request for registration | thecheekychef@gmail.com

Case_del_Principe_Pantelleria_01.jpg
CasadelPrincipeIMG_2113 1.jpg
CasadelPrincipeIMG_1137 1.jpg
NABUMBO_Pantelleria-94.jpg

ABOUT | The Cheeky Chef

Linda Sarris is a private chef from New York City, now working in Palermo. She started her cooking career with an internship at the Anna Tasca Lanza Cooking School in Sicily right after graduating from The French Culinary Institute. Known best as The Cheeky Chef, she splits her time between cooking for female CEOs in New York, traveling for culinary/wellness retreats, and working as a food/travel consultant here in Sicily. Her newest project SNACK Sicily is an ingredient-focused guide to eating + drinking your way through Sicily like a local. Volume 1 of SNACK will be published in 2021. www.snacksicily.com

portrait by Katie June Burton | www.katiejuneburton.com

portrait by Katie June Burton | www.katiejuneburton.com

View Event →
SEPTEMBER 30 - OCTOBER 5, 2019
Sep
30
to Oct 5

SEPTEMBER 30 - OCTOBER 5, 2019

2019 Case Vecchie Breadcamp

Join Fabrizia Lanza and Linda Sarris for a one week immersion into the world of Sicilian grains.

#casevecchiebreadcamp is part of an ongoing series of Anna Tasca Lanza Cooking School workshops in partnership with SNACK Sicily.

After a successful launch of Breadcamp in 2018, we are excited to announce a second workshop in autumn 2019. Join Fabrizia Lanza and Linda Sarris for a one week immersion into the world of Sicilian grains. We invite you to join our wheat revolution during this week of sticky fingers, crusty bread and local wine. The workshop will include accommodations for 5 nights, all of your meals, local culinary excursions and bread baking sessions using the wood-fired oven. We will introduce you to Sicilian varieties of wheat as we focus on traditional recipes and sourdough techniques using lievito madre.

Read more about our 2018 Case Vecchie Breadcamp in The Financial Times!

All levels are welcome!

Join Fabrizia Lanza at the Anna Tasca Lanza Cooking School from September 30-October 5, 2019 for our second Breadcamp: an annual workshop curated by snacksicily.

Breadcamp.jpeg

SIGN UP

Please email info@annatascalanza.com to join us for 2019 Case Vecchie Breadcamp.

Single Room: €2,475 | Double Room: €4,375

Pricing includes accommodation at Case Vecchie or one of the nearby family cottages, and all indicated lessons, meals, wine and excursions. Airfare and transportation to and from Case Vecchie are not included in the price. Please request transportation arrangements at the time of booking if you would like us to book a car to and from the estate.

ATL.png

ABOUT US

Fabrizia Lanza owns the Anna Tasca Lanza Cooking School founded by her mother on the Tasca wine estate in central Sicily. With her experience as an art curator in the north of Italy, Fabrizia's creative eye and entrepreneurial spirit breathe new life into the farm at Case Vecchie. She has written two books, produced a short documentary about Sicilian food traditions, and started Cook the Farm - a wonderful 10-week intensive program for students interested in connecting the dots between food and farming.

Linda Sarris is a private chef from New York City, now working in Palermo. She started her cooking career with an internship at Case Vecchie right after graduating from culinary school. Known best as The Cheeky Chef, she splits her time between cooking for female CEOs in New York and working as a food/travel consultant here in Sicily. Her newest project SNACK Sicily is an ingredient-focused guide to eating + drinking your way through Sicily like a local.

SAMPLE PROGRAM

Monday, September 30th

3:00 to 5:00 pm: Arrive and settle into accommodations.

7:30 pm: Introductions and aperitivo in the courtyard at Case Vecchie followed by dinner.

Tuesday, October 1st

9:00 am: Breakfast at Case Vecchie

10:30 am: Baking Sicilian style focaccia and Palermitan sfincione.

1:00 pm: Lunch at Case Vecchie followed by time to rest, relax and enjoy the gardens.

5:30 pm: In the kitchen for scaccia from Ragusa and Modica followed by dinner around the table.

Wednesday, October 2nd

7:45 am: Off to the shepherd for fresh ricotta making and a picnic breakfast with the cheesemaker.

12:30 pm: Sicilian cheese tasting and a light lunch at Case Vecchie.

5:30 pm: Working with sourdough starters.

7:30 pm: Aperitivo followed by dinner.

Thursday, October 3rd

9:00 am: Breakfast at Case Vecchie

10:30 am: Sourdough techniques and ancient grains.

1:00 pm: Lunch at Case Vecchie.

3:30 pm: Afternoon visit to the local flour mill followed by bread baking in the wood-fired oven.

7:30 pm: Aperitivo followed by dinner at Case Vecchie.

Friday, October 4th

9:00 am: Breakfast at Case Vecchie.

1:00 pm: Barbecue lunch in the courtyard

5:00 pm: Pizza party! A farewell wood-oven pizza night.

Saturday, October 5th

9:00 am: Breakfast at Case Vecchie and goodbyes.

10:00 am: Check out.

breadcamp.jpg
View Event →
JUNE 15–22, 2019
Jun
15
to Jun 22

JUNE 15–22, 2019

Sailing and Savoring the Gulf of Naples

PROCIDA, CAPRI, ISCHIA, VENTOTENE AND AMALFI COAST

Amalfi, the oldest Maritime Republic in Italy, ascends from a history as rich and dramatic as the coastal cliffs behind it. We invite you to sail the ancient Mediterranean trade routes with us, to encounter this breathtaking region from the sea.

We’ll meander from cove to harbor on a private catamaran and sample the local luxuries of each port. Simple, fresh dishes are drawn from specialized agricultural traditions. Lemon groves flourish above each village. Surrounded by the sea, we focus on fish and folklore. We settle with ease into our captain’s expert handling of water and wind. Bring a book for the quiet times. Play in the kitchen when we have something to teach you. Sprawl on the sun-bleached deck or dive into the sea as we anchor at each cove. Explore the islands on foot. Soak up local wisdom and our captain’s sea-faring stories. Suddenly: a sense of harmony. The relaxation is deep.

Double Occupancy: $4,997 per person | Register online | info@peggymarkel.com

View Event →
MAY 26-31, 2019
May
26
to May 31

MAY 26-31, 2019

#CHEEKYCHARTER

Join us on a Sicilian food + sailing adventure to the Egadi Islands.

We will be sailing around the Egadi Islands off the west coast of Sicily, near Trapani. Weather and wind are always factors when you plan a sailing trip. Our well-seasoned captain knows this area like the back of his hand. We’ll follow his lead to plan the best route, and might make some changes to the itinerary to make sure we have time for a few stops among the islands, dinners and drinks off of the boat, and relaxing mornings/afternoons catching some sun and enjoying “la dolce vita” aboard our own private barca vela.

photo by Katie June Burton for @snacksicily

photo by Katie June Burton for @snacksicily

FOOD/BEVS

Sicily is world-famous for its incredible food and wine culture, but we are taking you off the beaten path to a very special island oasis. Menus will feature freshly-caught seafood, light pasta dishes with seasonal vegetables, natural and volcanic Sicilian wines, and exceptional desserts like granita! Chef Linda Sarris has organized this adventure and will be onboard along with her dear friend Alessandro, a certified sailboat captain here in Italy. Linda will pair wines and keep the cheeky cocktails flowing through the week while she prepares family meals aboard when we are at sea.

PHOTO-2018-12-14-20-19-03.jpg

ITINERARY

5/26 Sunday - sail from Trapani to Favignana 

5/27 Monday - Levanzo

5/28 Tuesday - Marettimo

5/29 Wednesday - Lo Zingaro nature reserve

5/30 Thursday - sail back to Favignana 

5/31 Friday - disembark in Trapani

BOOKING

Contact THECHEEKYCHEF@gmail.com for booking details.

View Event →
APRIL 24-28, 2019
Apr
24
to Apr 28

APRIL 24-28, 2019

ESSENCE + PERFUME WORKSHOP

24 April - 28 April, 2019

photo by: Studio Forward

photo by: Studio Forward

We invite all those who love beauty and nature with the desire to enjoy a new sensory experience. This workshop will be led in Italian with English translations depending on the guests’ needs. The Sicilian island of Pantelleria is reachable by plane from Palermo and Trapani with two daily flights operated by Danish Air Transport. The ferries depart from the port of Trapani at 11PM.

WHAT’S INCLUDED:
Accommodations from April 24-28 in our dammusi guest houses, daily breakfast, picnic lunches with typical local products, dinners featuring a tasting of seasonal dishes and wines from the family estate, an evening dedicated to the preparation of couscous, transportation during the workshop, and the possibility to remain in the houses until 2 May.

PRICING: €600/person

SIGN UP: info@lecasedelprincipe.com
Ariane +39 338 7484553
Registration ends March 31st

image3 (1).jpeg
workshop_pant.jpg
View Event →
APRIL 3, 2019
Apr
3
6:00 PM18:00

APRIL 3, 2019

#SICILYINROME

A series of Sicilian food and wine events hosted in Rome by Casa Mia Tours with Chef Linda Sarris.

Sicilian cooking lesson in Prati

Celebrate Sicilian cuisine with Casa Mia without even leaving Rome. Thanks to the many cultures who have called this island their home, Sicily's layered food history is filled with ingredients and cooking techniques that you don't see in other parts of Italy. In the kitchen, Chef Linda Sarris will teach guests all about the importance of seasonal cooking with high-quality products and share her own simple recipes that you can recreate at home. Join us for a hands-on cooking lesson at our Prati location on Wednesday April 3, 2019. Following the lesson, guests will enjoy a dinner together paired with Sicilian wines.  

Pricing: €75/person TICKETS ON SALE NOW

ABOUT CASA MIA

Run by Eleonora Baldwin and Gina Tringali, Casa Mia is a boutique experience provider specializing in a selection of private food and wine tours and experiences.

When visiting a city, connecting with a local can deeply transform your travel experience, making it more exclusive, authentic and original.

The company provides food, wine and cultural experiences in Rome and the regions of Campania, Sicily, Tuscany, Emilia-Romagna. The variety of their experiences is diverse ranging from a focus on different neighborhoods, to themes and their strong selling point remains their expertise and capacity to create custom experiences to suit needs, desires and budgets.

More information about Casa Mia can be found on their website at: http://www.casamiatours.com

photo by: Guy Ambrosino

photo by: Guy Ambrosino

View Event →
APRIL 2, 2019
Apr
2
6:30 PM18:30

APRIL 2, 2019

  • 23 Via Goffredo Mameli Roma, Lazio, 00153 Italy (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

#SICILYINROME

A series of Sicilian food and wine events hosted in Rome by Casa Mia Tours with Chef Linda Sarris.

Sun, Sea + Soil aperitivo

ProLoco Trastevere, Via Goffredo Mameli 23, Roma 00153

Join us for a Sicilian aperitivo night at ProLoco in Trastevere on Tuesday April 2, 2019. Three of the most important ingredients in Sicilian cooking are sun, sea, and soil. Chef Linda Sarris, our Casa Mia experience manager from Palermo will put out a spread while we toast with natural wines to kick off our series of Sicilian food experiences in Rome.

Pricing: €25/person TICKETS ON SALE NOW

ABOUT CASA MIA

Run by Eleonora Baldwin and Gina Tringali, Casa Mia is a boutique experience provider specialising in a selection of private food and wine tours and experiences.

When visiting a city, connecting with a local can deeply transform your travel experience, making it more exclusive, authentic and original.

The company provides food, wine and cultural experiences in Rome and the regions of Campania, Sicily, Tuscany, Emilia-Romagna. The variety of their experiences is diverse ranging from a focus on different neighborhoods, to themes and their strong selling point remains their expertise and capacity to create custom experiences to suit needs, desires and budgets.

More information about Casa Mia can be found on their website at: http://www.casamiatours.com

gina_ele-768x512.jpg
View Event →
Oct
1
to Oct 6

OCTOBER 1-6, 2018

  • Anna Tasca Lanza Cooking School (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

CASE VECCHIE BREADCAMP

CaseVecchie-2.jpg

Anna Tasca Lanza Cooking School | Sicily, Italy

Case Vecchie Breadcamp is your chance to spend a week in the Sicilian countryside with a crazy group of fellow gluten-lovers. We’ll cook together and sip Sicilian wine while experimenting and sharing bread baking techniques using local flours, sourdough starters, ancient grains, and a wood-fired oven.

Join Fabrizia Lanza at the Anna Tasca Lanza Cooking School from October 1-6, 2018 for our first Breadcamp: a new workshop curated by snacksicily. 

*by invitation only

IMG_8564.JPG
View Event →
MAY 5-12, 2018
May
5
to May 12

MAY 5-12, 2018

  • Sambuca di Sicilia Italy (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

LIFE IN SICILY food & wine tour: an off the beaten path Italian adventure with Chef Linda Sarris

Live like a local and experience #lifeinsicily during this all-inclusive spring food/wine tour with Chef Linda Sarris.

Linda Sarris is a NYC-based private chef who splits her time between meal planning for her mover-and-shaker clients and olive harvesting on travels around Sicily to write her upcoming mini magazine, SNACK Sicily.  Her unparalleled love for Sicily, cooking, and her insider access to the best food and wine producers make her the perfect leader for exploring all the best things about Sicilian life, culture and cuisine.  

sicily_sheep.JPG

On this culinary road trip, guests will source local products, then go back to the kitchen and learn how to make the most of these ingredients in their cooking. Amazing day trips to our favorite local spots, winery tours, and a sommelier selection of wines with all meals round out the week. Western Sicily is the perfect place to experience true Sicilian life as a local and to immerse yourself in it’s rich culture.   

ITINERARY:

Saturday: arrival to Sicily, check-in, lunch, time to relax + welcome dinner at the cantina
Sunday: day trip to Castelvetrano, evening cooking lesson
Monday: morning visit to cheesemaker, cooking class lunch, passeggiata + pizza night
Tuesday: yoga, vineyard walk, lunch at the winery, cooking lesson + amaro
Wednesday: yoga, day in Marsala with enoteca lunch, winery/saltpan visit + dinner
Thursday: day trip to the Valley of the Temples + 2-star Michelin dinner at La Madia
Friday: visit to the port of Sciacca, seafood lunch, farewell evening cooking class + dinner
Saturday: departure after breakfast

BOOKINGS: MAY 5-12, 2018 

€3300 DOUBLE / €3500 SINGLE

RESERVE YOUR SPOT ONLINE  50% deposit is required to secure your booking, 50% balance is due two weeks before departure. Deposit payment can be made by Credit Card (Visa, Mastercard, American Express or Discover) or Personal Check made payable to Montecastelli Selections.

For more information, feel free to contact our organizer Amie Ruditz. +1 (973)-327-2336 amie@montecastelli.com

crudo.jpg
  • The week includes overnight accommodations at Don Giovanni hotel in Sambuca di Sicilia (voted one of Italy's most beautiful villages), all of your meals, local transportation as described in the itinerary including pickup and drop-off at Palermo airport. We've included all of the materials for your cooking classes, optional morning yoga, organized day trips + local wine during all meals/tours/tastings. oh yea!
  • This intimate trip will be limited to 12 people max so grab a few friends and join us for a semi-private tour!
  • Not included in pricing: Airfare, all extra beverages and food outside of itinerary, additional transportation outside of itinerary. 
  • Read more about our hosts' organic wine + olive oil : Di Giovanna  http://www.di-giovanna.com
ABOUT: CHEF LINDA SARRISRaised in a big Greek-American family with a Chef grandfather and a fisherman dad, Linda has been in love with food her whole life. She’s traveled to over 25 countries in search of caipirinhas, fresh octopus and oysters, volc…

ABOUT: CHEF LINDA SARRIS

Raised in a big Greek-American family with a Chef grandfather and a fisherman dad, Linda has been in love with food her whole life. She’s traveled to over 25 countries in search of caipirinhas, fresh octopus and oysters, volcanic wines + hardcore street food. After the French Culinary Institute and a few stints in restaurants, Linda took off to sharpen her culinary skills in her own adventurous way - working on a farm-to-table cooking school and wine estate in Sicily, spending two summers private-cheffing in Tuscany and consulting for restaurants in Bucharest, Romania and Bogota, Colombia. Linda now splits her time between New York City and Palermo while writing her travel guide, SNACKsicily.

View Event →
Nov
18
6:00 PM18:00

NOVEMBER 18, 2017

An Evening with the Legendary Mary Taylor Simeti

Event Format: Discussion moderated by a fellow lover of Sicily and chef, Linda Sarris @thecheekychef, Q&A, Wine Reception + Books for Sale.

Mary Taylor Simeti, the absolute authority on Sicilian cuisine, is back in her homeland of NYC to chat with us about her chosen homeland of over fifty years, Sicily. Join the celebrated author as we celebrate the release of her new book Sicilian Summer: An Adventure in Cooking with my Grandsons. Photography by Guy Ambrosino @andweate

Sat, November 18, 2017 at 6:00PM
Archestratus Books + Foods | 160 Huron Street |  Brooklyn, NY
https://archestrat.us

RSVP: free event

View Event →
Nov
11
2:00 PM14:00
nyc, events, public

NOVEMBER 11, 2017

10405655_764349383595313_6988440968407253550_n.jpg

Saturday, November 11
2:00 - 4:30 PM | MACY'S HERALD SQUARE | NYC

FABRIZIA LANZA of the Anna Tasca Lanza Cooking School in Sicily is coming to New York for a wonderful Chef Demonstration and tasting at the De Gustibus Cooking School located inside MACY'S.

Sicily, one of the most popular destinations for culinary travel, will shine in our classroom as we feature the rustic charm of the sunny island with Fabrizia Lanza of the Anna Tasca Lanza Cooking School. This is the rare opportunity to learn from this internationally recognized teacher who pays homage to the earthy, sacred flavors of Sicily with time-honored recipes and a slow-food perspective. Dishes will be paired with award- winning wines from Tasca d’Almerita, the family’s 200-year-old agricultural estate. 

De Gustibus Cooking School, 151 West 34th Street, 8th floor, New York, NY 10001

$100 per person | TICKETS  info@degustibusnyc.com

MENU

  • Pizzetta con aglio olio e origano
  • Panelle
  • Pasta con Broccoli
  • Calamari Ripieni
  • Biancomangiare
  • wines provided by Tasca d'Almerita: Almerita Brut Contea di Sclafani DOC 2011, Grillo Cavallo delle Fate 2016, Nero D'Avola 2015, Diamante
View Event →
SEPTEMBER 17, 2017
Sep
17
2:00 PM14:00

SEPTEMBER 17, 2017

2PM | 1 Hotel | Brooklyn Bridge, NYC

NEW YORK OYSTER WEEK | 5th Annual Brooklyn Oyster Social

2017 marks the 5th Anniversary of our first Brooklyn Oyster Social. We moved to the waterfront at Brooklyn Bridge Park in 2014 and we’ve never looked back. This year we move south to a stunning new venue at the foot of the Brooklyn Bridge: The brand new 1 Hotel!

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2017 | 2:00PM  5:00PM
60 FURMAN STREET BROOKLYN, NY, 11201

$95-$150 TICKETS

https---cdn.evbuc.com-images-34297097-4230040452-1-original.jpg.png
View Event →
SEPTEMBER 15, 2017
Sep
15
5:00 PM17:00

SEPTEMBER 15, 2017

NEW YORK OYSTER WEEK | AHOYsters! 7th Annual New York Harbor Regatta Bash

regatta2.jpg

Support the primary BeneFISHiaries of NEW YORK OYSTER WEEK! When you join us on this day, 100% of the proceeds from these events benefit New York Harbor School & Billion Oyster Project. Portions of tickets are tax deductible. 

On Friday, September 15th, New York Harbor Foundation will host the 7th annual New York Harbor Regatta Bash on Governors Island—an annual favorite among New Yorkers, closing the summer season. The bash takes place immediately following the regatta—a sailing competition in the New York Harbor. Sailors and supporters from a number of NYC-based companies and organizations will be competing in the J24, Colgate 26, J80, and Melges classes for the opportunity to win the NY Harbor Cup.

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2017 | ISLAND OYSTER ON GOVERNORS ISLAND

$150-$500 TICKETS

The ferry will bring you to/from the island. You'll board the spectator yacht charter by 1:45pm in time to view the race on the water from 2-5pm or just join for the party.

A ferry ride from the Battery Maritime Building will bring you to the bash after the race at the brand-new Island Oyster on Governors Island—an open-air oyster bar with stunning views of downtown Manhattan—while the sun sets behind the Statue of Liberty. You'll join the racing teams and other revelers for a festive evening on the island, complete with a DJ, open bar, oysters, and seasonal bites from local restaurants and food purveyors.

http://www.itunes.com/thelonelyisland The new single from The Lonely Island's debut album "INCREDIBAD" In stores now! The Lonely Island is Andy Samberg, Akiva Schaffer & Jorma Taccone. (C) Universal Republic

View Event →
Jun
8
to Jun 10

JUNE 8-10, 2017

  • New York, NY, 10012 United States (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

HUSH HUSH

We're not quite ready to break the news yet but Chef Linda Sarris will be taking over a SOHO restaurant for a weekend in June. Follow on instagram for details and invites. SAVE THE DATE + join our mailing list for first dibs on reservations.

View Event →