What advice would you give to someone who is visiting Italy for the first time?
Embrace the concept of La Dolce Vita, which entails cherishing the pleasures of gastronomy and the vibrant tapestry of Italy’s rich culture. Your journey should extend beyond sightseeing; it’s about forming a connection with the places and people you visit.
Italy is a sensory feast, bursting with colors and flavours awaiting exploration. Every corner holds a piece of history waiting to be discovered. Don’t rush through landmarks; instead, immerse yourself in the stories behind them.
Food is a central part of Italian culture, and each region boasts its own specialties. Try authentic pasta dishes in Emilia-Romagna, savor fresh seafood along the Amalfi Coast, and sample world-renowned wines in Tuscany. Don’t be afraid to venture off the beaten path and explore local trattorias and markets for an authentic taste of Italy.
Tell us about your retail shop Santi Sicilia which focuses on Sicilian flavours, what was the motivation behind it?
I founded Santi Sicilia with a determination to share the vibrant flavors of Sicily with the world. Hailing from Sicily, I take immense pride in our region’s rich gastronomy heritage.
Sicily cherishes “zero kilometer” food, where our local producers emphasize quality over quantity. That means most of our specialties are simply consumed within the region, seldom travelling outside the island. Sicilian wine producers also focus on crafting exceptional wines on a smaller scale, and it is quite rare for these wines to reach store shelves even in other parts of Italy, and even less so in international markets.
However, I wanted to introduce Sicily’s culinary treasures to global gourmet enthusiasts and showcase the passion of excellence at our Santi Sicilia shop here in Umbria, a bustling hub for tourists and a vibrant international community.
We are committed to ensuring our products are free from preservatives, catering to a range of dietary preferences, including vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options. Furthermore, we offer a meticulously curated selection of wines, with over 95% sourced directly from Sicilian vineyards, complemented by regional wines from Umbria.
Many of our customers love the limited-edition wine gift sets that are handpainted and have a collection of the best wines. One of the outstanding items that has proved to be popular is the special Dolce and Gabanna Cornice Special Gift Box featuring graphics inspired by the iconic Sicilian Carretto. It encloses a selection of three 0.75 L wines encased without a gift box that celebrates Sicilian colors, scents, and culture.
Could you share with us a lesser-known regional dish or culinary tradition from Sicily?
The practice of cultivating crops such as citrus fruits, almonds, pistachios, and eggplants, were originally from the Arabs, and these have become integral components of Sicilian cuisine. Arab influences on Sicilian cuisine date back to the period where Sicily was under Arabic rule for over 200 years until around 1090. Spices such as saffron, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves were incorporated into Sicilian dishes, adding depth, complexity, and exotic flavors. These spices are still prevalent in modern-day Scicily, particularly in dishes like couscous, arancini (rice balls), and sweet pastries.
Gastronomy experiences are outstanding in Sicily because of its fresh local produce. I highly recommend two regional dishes to try: the first is the Caponata, a delicious medley of regional produce, including tomatoes, eggplants, and peppers, all stewed together for sweet and tangy taste. It can be enjoyed as a side dish, appetizer, or even as a main course, accompanied by crusty bread or served atop pasta or grilled fish.
Another local specialty is Arancini (rice balls) which are the quintessential street food snack
found in the bustling streets of Sicily. Arancini are easy to eat as a takeaway snack and can
be found at local bakeries, cafés, and food stalls, where they are freshly made and served piping hot.To make arancini, cooked rice is mixed with a savory filling, typically made with classic tomato-based Ragù or mozzarella, and will have different ingredients such as eggplants, pistachio, zucchini or spinach. Sometimes saffron is used for added flavor and color. The mixture is then shaped into balls, traditionally resembling oranges (hence the name “arancini,” which means “little oranges” in Italian). Once shaped, the arancini are coated in breadcrumbs, giving them a crispy exterior when fried to perfection. The result is a delectable combination of creamy rice and flavorful filling encased in a crunchy shell—a true explosion of taste and texture with every bite.
What are some immersive travel experiences you suggest for travellers looking to deeply connect with Italian culture and lifestyle?
My dream is to host private culinary tours, so food-lovers can delve deeper into Sicilian gastronomy. A stay in a local village near Mount Etna offers an authentic glimpse into daily life and provides opportunities to engage with regional specialties firsthand. We will visit local vineyards, where passionate vintners will share their wine-making techniques.
From the bustling markets of Palermo to the tranquil villages nestled in the countryside, each encounter with a local producer offers a window into Sicily’s rich culinary traditions. Learn about the age-old techniques used to create exquisite cheeses bursting with flavor. Witness the skillful mastery of Sicilian butchers as they prepare cuts of meat sourced from local farms, ensuring the highest quality and freshness in every bite. I want my guests to sample freshly baked breads and pastries from local bakeries, each infused with the warmth and richness of Sicilian tradition. Through these immersive food-tasting excursions, they can gain a deeper appreciation for Sicily’s culinary heritage. Seafood is also a must-try when visiting Sicily. Beyond its taste and freshness, Sicilian seafood also offers a glimpse into the island’s cultural heritage and way of life. Fishing has long been a vital part of Sicilian culture, with fishermen plying the waters in colorful boats and bringing in their daily catch to be enjoyed by locals and visitors alike.
Italy’s festivals and traditions are deeply rooted in history and community. Can you share a unique local festival or cultural event that you believe travellers will enjoy?
I highly recommend visitors to Italy to plan a trip out that coincides with an Italian Sagra. Every Sagra is a cherished tradition that brings together communities in smaller towns and villages. These celebrations are eagerly anticipated events that showcase the unique culture, traditions, and culinary specialties of each region. The highlight of any Sagra is undoubtedly the food. Each event is dedicated to celebrating a specific local ingredient, dish, or culinary tradition, and attendees have the opportunity to indulge in a wide array of delicious regional specialties.
Regardless of when or where you visit Sicily, chances are you’ll stumble upon local celebrations that showcase the region’s diverse flavors and agricultural bounty.
In April, Ramacca organises the Artichoke Festival, one of the most important events connected to Sicilian food. This vibrant celebration pays homage to the artichoke, a beloved ingredient with a history dating back to as far back as 300 BC where they were a delicacy to the ancient Greeks and Romans. Visitors can immerse themselves in the world of artichokes, from sampling delicious dishes prepared with this versatile vegetable to learning about its cultivation and culinary history. With live music, cultural performances, and activities for all ages, the Artichoke Festival promises a memorable experience for food enthusiasts and culture lovers alike.
Held in early May, the Cannolo Festival in Piana degli Albanesi sees thousands of cannoli enthusiasts flock to the town to try the beloved sweet treat.
For onion aficionados, the Onion Festival in Giarratana is a must-visit event, where visitors can sample the town’s renowned sweet onions and indulge in onion-themed delicacies. This mid-August festival is a celebration of Sicily’s unique culinary heritage and agricultural traditions.
The Cous Cous Fest in San Vito Lo Capo taking place in September is another highlight on the Sicilian festival calendar. It is the only fair of its type in the world and chefs and gourmands from all over the world congregate to participate in cook-offs, street parties, and cultural performances.
Sagra del Miele celebrates honey in Sortino, Syracuse, which is found right beside Pantalica National Park in the Southeast of Sicily. The festival is inspired by Hyblea (“Thyme” honey, which was a favourite of Julius Ceasar small hilltown near Pantalica National Park,Visitors enjoy honey tastings, food stalls, and cultural performances in this delightful October festival.
Do you have a favourite cafe or restaurant you would recommend?
There is a wine bar called Vitis in the heart of Castiglione di Sicilia, a small village at the foot of Mount Etna. They have the best handmade pasta with pumpkin. Vitis has an amazing selection of wines that reflect the essence of the volcanic terroir, where grapes thrive in the fertile soil enriched by centuries of volcanic activity. From robust reds to crisp whites, every sip tells a story of Sicily’s viticultural heritage. Pair your wines with their artisanal cheeses, they have an amazing selection! I highly recommend Vitis to anyone on the hunt for an amazing culinary experience.
About Giacomo Giamboi
Born in Sicily, Giacomo’s life journey has been multi-faceted where he switched careers from being a lawyer to sous chef to culinary entrepreneur. His collective experiences have shaped his deep connection with travel and exploration, and he has been a travel director with Trafalgar for over fifteen years, going beyond guiding tours. Giacomo embodies the essence of Trafalgar’s philosophy of immersive travel. With his infectious enthusiasm and genuine hospitality, Giacomo invites travelers to discover Italy in ways they’ve never imagined, creating memories that last a lifetime. Fueled with a passion for sharing his love for Sicilian flavours, Giacomo opened Santi Sicilia in 2019. For more info on Santi Sicilia, visit www.santisicilia.com
