Food for Thought in Castelvetrano

I enjoyed this perfectly grilled local (Selinunte-caught) marmara, for lunch, at renowned foodie hotspot Lu Disiu. Not the most obvious place to find, it's located down an alleyway by the side of supermarket Conad.

I'm not sure how easily I would have arrived, had it not been for the lovely Maria who guided me there, after I had asked for directions - therein lies the food for thought...

Initially she said, apologetically, that she couldn't direct me but after a few moments thought, she came chasing after me, corrected my pronunciation - of the dialect words - and insisted on taking me right there, all-the-while congratulating me on my Italian and explaining that I had not placed the emphasis correctly on the last syllable of disiu. (While watching a cultural programme on Italian TV, I learnt that there is a different dialect every 3kms in Sicily). It made me think of the profound difference when asking for directions in a busy UK city, (usually) all signs of charm and patience absent, thanks to the hectic intensity and (self)pre-occupied, stressed-out rush of modern life.

Back at the restaurant, I discovered the meaning of its title: desiderio in Italian, alluding to all that one could want/wish for. It's a charming place, loved by the well-to-do business-lunching locals (and made even more interesting for visitors, who can enhance the experience by observing their style and behaviour). Understated with a smart-hunting theme, vegetarians are still well-looked after. The smiling young waiter (whom I believe is the son of the owner-chef) was charming, patient and helpful. When it came to choosing a light main course, he brought out a stainless steel platter simply strewn with the super-fresh local catch of the day.

I ended my meal with a richly-gorgeous espresso, cheekily accompanied by a (generous) glass of Sicilian grappa (my excuse was the need to soothe my sore throat - it worked - and to indulge in another local taste). As I'd been watching the centissimi, thanks to the appalling almost-parity exchange rate, it was a happy surprise to discover that I'd been offered the grappa and caffe. The bill came to 22 euros for the antipasto starter, fish with tomato salad and pesto garnish, mineral water, caffe and grappa.
Lu Disiu, Via XXIV Maggio 14, 91022 Castelvetrano Tel. 0924 907321

Market Driven - part two...

My market-themed weekend continued on Sunday with another one-off event, also held in celebration of the Kingston Food Festival. This time it was Fairtrade-focused: a joy - on many levels - highlighting some local foodie stars including Riverside Vegetaria (who produced the most delicious aubergine dip, as an introductory taste experience of their restaurant delights…); Montezuma's also did a roaring trade with white and dark chocolate samples to tantalise the sweet-toothed visitor. Neighbourhood allotment growers were on hand to inform, inspire and offer tastes of their freshly-picked produce.

I spent a very happy time exploring (and sniffing-out) the wonderful fresh herb stall, with myriad varieties (rare and mainstream) for cooking and medicinal purposes. The chocolate mint and lemon balm were especially fragrant… I left with some wonderful oregano, and a pretty chilli plant, to enhance my autumn dishes and add to my herb garden repertoire.

Market Driven - part one...

On Saturday, as part of the Kingston Food Festival (which runs until 20th September) I had the happy experience of discovering a wonderful, one-off, Farmers' Market in the pretty Ancient Market Square. It seemed to be a great success; a real pleasure to see, and taste, seasonal produce, from artisan producers and growers located within 100 miles of the M25.

I was thrilled to find my favourite russet apples on sale (first of the season and totally scrumptious, with a very crisp texture and slightly 'nutty’ taste). I also relished some wonderful fresh Buffalo cheese - amongst the best I have ever bought or savoured - expensive but well worth it.

Other appealing stalls included the chilli stand with pretty plants and a range of fresh varieties; fabulous goats cheese from petite crottin to larger examples - plain, herbed, ash-coated and peppered.

Note to organisers: please, make it a regular event here!