Taverna la Cialoma
You may well eat some of the best food of your life in this wonderful restaurant in southeast Sicily. The Taverna la Cialoma is situated in the tiny fishing port of Marzamemi, in the pretty town’s main square.
Diners can choose what to eat from a handwritten menu that changes every day according to what is in season. The food is prepared by Lina, the daughter of the local head fishermen, along with a small team of helpers. The name of the eatery ‘La cialoma’ refers to the song fishermen used to sing when hauling tuna into their nets, in this town that was once one of the most important tuna fishing ports on the island. Although tuna fishing has declined because of changes in technology, fish, and tuna in particular, are key ingredients to the taverna’s menu. If it’s available try some grilled tuna that will be a fresh catch and guaranteed to melt in your mouth, or perhaps some tuna served in a sauce of olives and tomatoes. For starters you can choose from dishes such as sweet-and-sour aubergines with creamy golden flesh that have a slightly tangy taste, or tiny white smelts fish that slide down the palate.
All the ingredients used are sourced from local products such as the tiny, sweet Pachino tomatoes grown only a few miles along the coast, and are so famous they have been awarded Indicazione Geografica Protetta (Protected Geographical Indication) status. Wines again are local, with the red Nero d’Avola (D.O.C) being a favourite for its light but plummy flavour.
During the summer months it is advisable to book a table since discerning locals often visit at weekends, well knowing that they can have an excellent meal sitting in a gorgeous piazza for around €25. So if you get the chance, go on and treat yourself.
Piazza Regina Margherita 23, Marzamemi, Italy
Contact tel: +39 093 184 1772
Added 2008/07/11 @ 13:31:19
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