If You Go: Sicily

We had the perfect long weekend in Sicily for Columbus Day.  The weather was beautiful, the food was incredible, and the scenery was gorgeous.  We were only on the ground three days...and we didn't have time to eat all of the dishes we wanted to try.  When Americans think about Italian food, they typically are thinking about Sicilian foods.... red sauce, eggplant parmesan, arancini, cannoli.  All of these delicacies come from the island...as well as P's new most favorite wine - Etna Rosso - a red wine grown on the sides of Mt. Etna.   Without further ado... recommendations!

Hotels 
Taormina - La Pensione Svizzera: This hotel was a fantastic location - just outside the city gate of the picture perfect hill town of Taromina.  The rooms were small, but had incredibly views of the seaside and a lovely breakfast.  The downside of this hotel....no elevator.  We were happy to just have backpacks after 5 flights of stairs!  If you're in shape, definitely recommend ($120 / night)
Siracusa - Mercure: This was my first time staying at the Mercure Brand.  The room and hotel were very modern, the staff was crazy helpful, and the location was convenient for parking (though a bit far from downtown...maybe a 20-25 minute walk).  If you're ok with a bit of a walk, then this would be a good place to stay!

Things to Do 
Taormina Food and Wine Tour: We kicked off our trip with this tour through the streets of Taormina.  The restaurant choices were fantastic - we had appetizers at a great local restaurants, a stunning cheese plate, and incredible desserts.  The enthusiasm and knowledge of the guide was a bit lacking...but we have been on some amazing tours with crazy passionate guides before (Thailand, Rome, Istanbul come to mind).  That said - was a worthwhile activity

Taxi Taormina - Sicily Tours: We took a private, full day tour up the side of Mt. Etna - the guide for this was great and took us to some amazing spots for photos and explorations.  On the way down, we stopped for a tour and wine lunch at Villagrande Vineyards.  The lunch they prepared was incredible...so even if you don't take the tour, you should still go to this vineyard!

Gambino Vineyards: We booked a wine lunch at Gambino and it ended up being a full day experience with a crazy route through country roads to find the winery and a 3 hour tasting paired with some delicious cheeses, meats, and sausages.  The staff were so friendly and accommodating and the property was stunning.  Also - the wines were SO good that P ordered a half case back to England...best.decision.ever. Can't wait to enjoy some of this!

Restaurants 

Taormina - Trattoria de Nino: A great restaurant just across the street from our hotel - this spot was VERY busy.  We had reservations but still had to wait about 10 minutes for a table, but the food was fantastic.   We both ordered pasta dishes...both were fantastic.  We started with the eggplant parm which was equally fantastic.  If you're in Taormina, this is a great spot to try!

Siracusa - Fratelli Burgio:  This was one of my most favorite meals of my life.  The ambiance was perfect - warm fall day, big umbrellas, incredible plates of cheese, beautiful Aperol spritz, and the hustle and bustle of the fish market (but not to worry...none of the smells).  This is probably my #1 recommendation - the platters were stunning, service was fast, and it was just a lovely afternoon.  Ah, memories.

Siracusa - Midolo: This is a really casual cafe, but they have AMAZING arancini (friend risotto balls) in a variety of flavors. We shared one with a beef ragu in the center and it was unbelievable.  Don't come here for ambiance...just stop in for a most delicious snack.

Siracusa - Osteria Del Vecchio Ponte: This was a quiet little restaurant on a Sunday evening...the food was good - especially the seafood.  If you come here, order the seafood platter - we didn't, but really wish we had.  The table next to us ordered it and it looked AMAZING. 

 ...did I mention the food!?!?!