Cheeky's Pantelleria Guide on SALTETE
Linda Sarris has been visiting Pantelleria since 2011 and hosts a VINO VOLCANICO wine tasting retreat on the island every October. She has cooked on the island for artist residencies and returns as often as possible to nurture relationships with her collaborators and friends.
There will always be new hidden coves and hiking trails to discover on this truly unique island. Only the local Panteschi really know every inch of it but this guide should help give you a head start!
In this guide you'll find swimming spots, accommodations recommendations, tips on getting there, dining, and sight-seeing around the small but mighty volcanic Italian island of Pantelleria.
*photo by Andrea Gentl
MOON SICILY: Best Beaches, Local Food, Ancient Sites
by Linda Sarris
My new book has just been published — add it to your bag for travels in 2024 and 2025!
From relaxing on sun-soaked beaches to hiking Mount Etna, immerse yourself in la dolce vita with Moon Sicily.
Inside you'll find: Flexible itineraries for exploring the best of Sicily including Palermo, Western Sicily, the Aeolian Islands, Catania, Mount Etna, Syracuse, and more Strategic advice for foodies and oenophiles, art lovers, hikers, history buffs, beach bums, and more Must-see highlights…
MOON SOUTHERN ITALY: second edition
On Sale: March 11, 2025
MOON SOUTHERN ITALY: Sicily, Puglia, Naples & the Amalfi Coast
by Linda Sarris and Laura Thayer
From the pastel rooftops of Positano to the soaring peak of Mount Etna, immerse yourself in la dolce vita with Moon Southern Italy. With Moon’s practical tips and local insight on the best things to do and see, you can experience the very best of Southern Italy.
Inside you'll find:
Flexible itineraries for exploring the best of Southern Italy, including Sicily, Puglia, Naples, the Amalfi Coast, and more, that can be combined for a longer trip
Strategic advice for foodies and oenophiles, art lovers, hikers, history buffs, beach bums, and more
Must-see highlights and unique experiences for any season: Dive into the art museums and traditional theater of Palermo’s Centro Storico, and admire the Baroque monuments and carved churches of Lecce. Walk the frozen-in-time streets of Pompeii and marvel at the captivating Cathedral of Amalfi. Take an off-road Jeep tour of Mount Etna or hike along the coastline. Soak up the sun on a secluded beach or sail the crystal-clear Mediterranean waters
The best local flavors: Stroll quiet village streets where the scent of Sunday ragú fills the air, feast on fresh seafood from a bustling outdoor market, and chow down on authentic Neapolitan pizza. Sip limoncello on a sunny terrace or sample wines from the mineral-rich local vineyards
Expert suggestions from Laura Thayer and Linda Sarris on where to stay, where to eat, and how to get around
FRUTTA DI MARTORANA
Fruit + Veg 8 pack includes: lemon, prickly pear, watermelon slice, pear, heirloom tomato, garlic, artichoke + eggplant
Fish + Veg 8 pack includes: prawn, octopus, scallop shell, red mullet, heirloom tomato, garlic, artichoke + eggplant
Available to ship from Palermo, Sicily.
Send a request for custom orders and shipping options.
These traditional marzipan (almond paste) sweets are made in the form of fruits and vegetables, specifically in the Sicilian provinces of Palermo and Messina. Realistically colored with vegetable dyes, they are said to have originated at the Monastero della Martorana, monastery in Palermo, when nuns decorated empty fruit trees with marzipan fruit to impress an archbishop visiting at Easter. They are traditionally served during the Christmas season and on Il Giorno dei Morti (All Souls' Day) on November 2.
To make these marzipan treats, they can either be made with colored marzipan or painted after formed. Line the plaster forms with a piece of plastic wrap. Knead the marzipan until smooth and use a bit of cornstarch or powdered sugar to keep from sticking. Press the almond paste lightly into the form to take the shape of the fruit, veg, fish, or easter lamb, and then remove carefully. Paint them as you wish with food-safe coloring diluted in drinkable alcohol such as vodka or gin. Allow them to dry uncovered at room temperature for 24 hours before serving. Frutta di Martorana may be stored in an air tight container, in a cool, dry place for up to 3 weeks.
SICILIAN CHEEKY PACK
We are shipping a special selection of wines and olive oil, directly from Sicily to your door! Everything is certified organic and produced by my dearest friends Cantina Di Giovanna in Sambuca di Sicilia.
The Sicilian Cheeky Pack includes:
1 - 3L box: Gerbino Extra Virgin Sicilian Olive Oil, 2022 harvest (3L)
1 - bottle: Gerbino Rosato di Nero d'Avola DOC Sicilia 2022 (750ml)
1 - bottle: Vurria Nerello Mascalese Rosato DOC Sicilia 2022 (750ml)
Gustiamo warehouse break-in dinner | photo by Andrew T. Warman @mrwarman
GUSTIAMO.com | Italian food products
SHOP
The Cheeky Chef works closely with Italian food importer, Gustiamo. Located in the Bronx, Gusti has been importing high-quality Italian food directly from small farmers since 1999. Their customer service and quality of goods is unparalleled. Some of my favorite culinary adventures have been visiting producers that I met through Beatrice + Danielle's introductions. I am proud to use Gustiamo products in my private chef business and better yet, I am happy to share it with you!
SAVE
We've selected some of our favorite Gustiamo products and are happy to offer you 10% off of your entire purchase on Gustiamo.com. Feel free to browse through Cheeky's Picks and start cooking with some of Italy's best products.
www.gustiamo.com/tags/thecheekychef
discount code: cheekychef
