Sicilia Nostra In Carlentini

26/05/2024: A hidden gem on a narrow one-way street in Lentini, A Maidda serves up a wonderful dining experience that I'm fortunate to have stumbled upon. Beyond the front section and its tables are tunnels which Executive Chef Salvatore says was used by Greeks of antiquity to escape enemies when the city was under attack. Today, they keep wine safe from Sicily's summer heat; a no less important task. I went with a few friends and left the evening's selection to the Salvatore. He presented a four course meal that began with an antipasto of seasonal vegetables: Pepperoni, caponata, zucchini, and artichoke hearts amongst others. A trio of pasta dishes followed as the primi: fusilli flavored with pesto, pistachio, and eggplant with mint. Sausages of wild pork drizzled with balsamic came out next as the secondi. Traditional Sicilian cannoli were dessert with a digestif homebrewed by the chef from a native plant that struck me as a cross between wild sage and mint. It was sweet, but strong. Imbibe responsibly. And naturally, espresso was served last because drinking coffee at 11pm is what Italians do. When in Rome I guess. It was a lovely meal and I intend to return soon to try the chef's speciality, linguine with blood orange and tuna.

19/05/2024: More stars needed for the food. For the food 5 stars is not enough!!!