There is plenty for tourists to take in at the Ortigia market in Syracuse, Sicily: the distinctly southern Italian hum of the crowd; spices and vegetables so diverse they could color a rainbow and the calm blue sea in the distance. But just wandering around this site, where Archimedes is said to have once helped the Greeks fight the Romans, and buying a few peaches is not the sort of authentic culinary experience that many visitors seek. That is where chef Maurizio steps in. He leads gastronomy-focused travelers around to teach them how to shop and then prepare delicious Sicilian food.
The ingredients you buy, will be brought back to the kitchen to cook your meal. The menu varies according to seasonal products, here is an example: Sicilian eggplant meatballs, spaghetti with zucchini and mint, tuna with caramelized onions (an old Sicilian recipe), and spinach.
We will start our journey at the famous Ortigia historical market. This is a place where food, culture, and history melt together to become a unique travel experience for all. You will meet there Chef Maurizio. During our tour, you will learn about the cycles of nature and the seasonal produce that creates and how to recognize organic farm produce. Also, you will learn how to spot the freshest seafood and fish and what meat cuts you will need for different dishes and cooking techniques. We will get to taste and talk about local, typical produce and meet the people behind the scenes of our food culture. There are three courses on the menu for the day, all according to your food preference or restrictions. The professional yet cozy and ambient kitchen will give the experience of working in a typical small-size Italian restaurant. Classes are intimate and for small groups. We will go through all the cooking techniques with the help of our professional chefs while working in the kitchen. At the end of the class, you will be able to taste your creation.
Pasta
Seasonal example: Lemon-flavored Meatballs, Grilled Catch of the Day, Stuffed Calamari
You will make your own way to the meeting points
Meet at Ortigia Market near the Apollo temple, Ortigia Island