Romancing the Food

Fresh tuna or swordfish steaks cut to order

Syracuse, Sicily

We had arrived back to Syracuse in time for some seriously strong winds to blow through the area (forecast to 35 kts or more) and it was setting from the north west (Well hellooo, Mr Ponente!), the direction we were heading.  Needless to say, our stay in the marina was extended and we set about doing – yes, even more boat duties. 

One pleasurable activity however, was exploring the local fresh food markets.  Our Cap’n had been enviously watching nearby fishermen arrive with daily catches of squid, fish and huge swordfish.  Sicily’s central Med location clearly means it has a plentiful supply of fresh seafood.  It was available in abundance at the markets each day.  The Straits of Messina is the star location for swordfish and in a few days we would be negotiating this challenging waterway, with its heavy traffic, unruly currents and unique fishing boats.

The Italians clearly love their food and have a great respect for Fresh, so local daily markets are supported in droves; gawking tourists bumped out of the way so that locals can select the best at the best prices.  It is bad manners to touch the produce – the vendor will select for you.  The mushrooms I asked for were lovingly handled, potting mix still fresh on their stalks.  It was a moment to make any “wanna-be” foodie cry!  I felt honoured to be trusted additionally with rosy garlic bulbs and freshly dug potatoes. 

Further on, we could not help but buy some smoked mozzarella.  We were given strict instructions in how to refresh if after refrigeration and then serve it; chunks of cheese and a handful of sun-dried tomatoes, sprinkled with fresh parsley & mint, dressed with olive oil (only the best extra virgin) and a dash of lemon juice.  GS bought a pack and considered briefly whether she might live here.  Other tables bulged with oysters, ripe and tasty tomatoes, a variety of soft lettuce leaves (am I going on here?) and ready to eat fresh & tasty fruits.  Cherries and peaches are in season at the moment and are an absolute delight!

Our cooking and curry aromas wafted over the marina in the evenings, unfortunately attracting the wrong sort.  Ratus Romanus Gladitorii led a midnight raid breaking into the galley, making a b-line for the fresh bread – the only thing (or so we thought) not enclosed or boxed in plastic.  A few days later we discovered that he had also led a charge through the bowels of the boat to find the ground coffee, which apparently was not to his taste. (Maybe it wasn't Italian coffee?)  We’ve seen no sign of him since, so here’s hoping he’s retreated back to his fishing boat or portside residence for better quality feasting!

Despite the odd glitch (and not unreasonable demand for new galley equipment), you can see we are not starving…. Although I can just hear the Cap’n meditating, but I think he’s dreaming of legs of lamb, not reciting melodic mantras.  Hopefully he can wait the 6 hours it might take to cook one in our tiny, flagging, oven!