Il Barcaiolo – Taormina, Sicily
One of the first places you must visit when you arrive into Sicily is Taormina. They do not call it the “Monaco” of Sicilia for nothing.
It has everything you could ever want in a city – beautiful beaches, tiny windy street ways, ruins from 734 BC and, of course my favorite – delicious, engulf your taste buds, don’t stop til you get enough cuisine.
We discovered my favorite lunch spot in all of Sicily along the beach in Taormina that goes by the name of “Il Barcaiolo.”
It makes you feel like you just came home to the Sicilian grandmother you never knew you had AND she cooked you the feast of your life. Lucky you! I never knew bruschetta could melt in your mouth. The smoked fish, the traditional caponata (eggplant) and mussels made my soul yearning for more.
BUT there’s more. Involtini di Pesce Spada. My dish of all dishes. I must had tried it in at least 6 different places throughout Sicily and Il Barcaiolo won the competition. So what is it? Basically it is a stuffed swordfish roll (Yes, I agree it’s sad. I want to save swordfish too, but they are the predominant fish in every restaurant. It’s hard to avoid.) So – It starts with thin fish filets which are layered with anything from pine nuts, pecorino cheese, onions, herbs, lemon and/or currants. They are then rolled up from one end to the other, breaded and then either grilled or fried. Very pleasing to the palate – that I promise my friends.
Below was our fare for the afternoon and I think my pictures explain the dishes better than my words. Bacini Ragazzi NYS
