Soul of sicily
We offer the rare chance to learn about Sicilian food, culture, literature and art, to step into the homes of Sicilians, and to begin to understand the love and devotion Sicilians have for their land.
Our programs give you the chance to experience Sicily as an insider does. Programs are all the result of a labor of love: a collaboration between Renée Restivo (writer, educator and Sicilian culinary travel pioneer) and her friends and family in Sicily -- home cooks, artists, artisans and agricultural experts and farmers. We believe that our calling is to educate travelers about the real, true genuine food of Sicily and the rich culture and traditions that the island has to offer.
Our programs offer an in-depth exploration of South Eastern Sicily and the area around the Baroque town of Noto. We offer organic, local sustainable food and the chance to learn about agriculture, farming, artisan food making in addition to tasting all that Sicily has to offer. Our sustainable group programs (for up to 14 participants) are at Renée’s favorite agriturismo and our home cooking school (for private groups of up to 7) is at the former home of the writer Corrado Sofia. Our programs at the villa are in memory of and to honor Corrado Sofia, along with many forgotten and unknown artists in Sicily. To learn more about Corrado Sofia and his writing and Noto, please subscribe to our newsletter and keep an eye out for Renée’s book which she is fervently working on and researching at this time.
To read a recent article about the area in the Washington Post, click here. For the recent ABC news article about Noto, please click here.
Sicilian home cooking, food prepared with patience and love, following the seasons and ancient traditions.
Soul of Sicily cooking classes and experiences:
“At Home in Sicily...”
All images, text, video and recipes copyright © 2010 Renée Restivo unless otherwise noted. All rights reserved. No portion of this website may be copied or distributed without the express written consent of Renée Restivo. To request permission and reproduction rights contact info@soulofsicily.com.
“The aroma of fava bean soup, the desire to have pasta with olive oil, of the impanate filled with onions, potatoes and tomatoes, is a nostalgic memory that every year, in the summer months, calls back thousands of emigrants. The memory of these hills, of the bread, of the wine, of the fruit that is found here, remains in one’s memory like a calling to which it is difficult to escape.” ~ Corrado Sofia
