Culinary Experience | Luxury Hotel in Palermo

Chef’s Table with Fulvio Pierangelini

Our Creative Director of Food, Fulvio Pierangelini, made his name at his two Michelin-star restaurant, Gambero Rosso, which was voted 12th by The World’s 50 Best Restaurants in 2008 – shortly before he joined Rocco Forte Hotels. Meet the maestro in and listen to his culinary journey, influences and philosophy as he prepares special seasonal dishes for you. Learn about traditional Palermo cuisine and the dish’s authentic Italian ingredients before sampling it.

Villa Igiea Classics

As our Creative Director of Food, Fulvio is behind the timeless dishes served in Florio Restaurant. Join his team of chefs for a cooking lesson at Villa Igiea and uncover their culinary secrets. Under their guidance, select, slice and chop the ingredients to prepare a zingy seasonal salad made with red shrimps caught off the coast of Mazara, spritzed with the zest of an orange. Then create a comforting plate of busiate alla Norma – sauté aubergines in a rich tomato sauce, finished with a dusting of Parmesan. Relax and enjoy the dishes you have created, leaving room for a traditional dessert.

Sharab Signature Cocktail at Igiea Terrazza Bar

This experience is subject to availability and seasonality

Mastering the art of Mixology

Learn the secrets to our creative "Sicily Around the World" cocktail menu, developed by ‘The Maestro’ Salvatore Calabrese, that draws inspiration from those who journeyed far but never let go of where they came from. Under the direction of our expert mixologists, shake and stir sensational cocktails and discover Calabrese’s innovative approach to storytelling.

Taste the Wines of Sicily

Enveloped in gentle coastal winds and rolling hills that come alive under the warm glow of the Mediterranean sun, Sicily possesses the perfect surroundings for cultivating a diverse range of wines. Our expert Sommeliers have carefully selected the best varieties from our beautiful island and invite you to sample a collection of sparkling, white, red and dessert wines. Accompanied by choices of local cheeses and charcuterie, embark on a flavourful journey through the Mediterranean isle.

Palermo Culinary Walking Tour

Crispy arancini, panelli and crochete; herb-infused sfincione, marzipan-topped cassata and melt-in-the-mouth cannoli – Palermo’s street food offerings are exciting, varied and invariably delicious. Uncover the best eats and hidden gems of this culinary hotspot in a guided gastro-tour of the city. Led by a local expert, you’ll first visit Palermo’s cacophonic food markets – filled with just-caught fish, Technicolor fruit, fresh vegetables and fragrant herbs. Appetites piqued, your guide will take you through the winding backstreets of the city, tastings its finest street food delicacies as you go. An unmissable epicurean experience.

Marsala Wineries Day Trip

Visit the historic wine cellars of Marsala’s famous Florio and Donnafugata wineries – leading producers of traditional Marsala wine. This one-day oenophile adventure sets off from Palermo, heading straight to heritage Florio Winery – Marsala producers for over 200 years – then onto family-run Donnafugata Winery, making wine for over a century. Here, guests will be treated to a viticulture class from Donnafugata’s expert winemaker, before a Sicilian lunch on site. En route back to the city, the tour will take in the coastal “via del sale”, or salt road – a remarkable stretch of salt-plans and windmills, dating back to the Phoenicians and still used today.

Sweet Sicilian treats

Satisfy your sweet side and learn how to make traditional Sicilian baked treats with our pastry chefs at Villa Igiea. Cannoli, those delicious tubes of pastry filled with creamy ricotta cheese, are synonymous with the island – displayed in cafes and pasticcerie in every town. They originate to around 1000 AD when Sicily was under Arab rule. Cassata, a round ricotta cake, eaten to celebrate the arrival of spring, is also thought to date back to that time. It’s decorated with marzipan, nuts and candied fruits. Discover how to create sweet Sicilian flavours such as these, then enjoy your culinary creations.

Market Tour & Cookery Class

The beating heart of Sicily’s capital, Palermo’s busy, buzzy markets should be the first stop for anyone seeking authentic taste of the city. Better still, let a seasoned professional guide you in a city tasting tour, market trip and cooking class. Our local chef will lead you through the winding walkways of Vucciria, Ballarò or Capo market to source ingredients – tasting local street food specialties such as panelle fritters and pane con la milza en route. Ingredients gathered, you’ll head to a traditional Sicilian trattoria to cook up a storm, ready to enjoy with a selection of Sicilian wine and desserts. Buon appetito!

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Culinary Experiences

For more information and reservations, please call +39 09 16312111 or email concierge.villaigiea@roccofortehotels.com

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