My Favorite Places, La Bottega del Pane: MIA –Joplin, Natural

Ciao, a tutti!

Can you think of a better smell in the morning than freshly baked bread? No, neither can I! Today, my shoes (and I) are taking you to my favorite panificio (pan-ee-fee-choh –bakery), La Bottega del Pane.






A little known secret…the first week we arrived in Sicily, we happened to be in the lobby of the Temporary Lodging Apartment (TLA), when an older gentleman had come by to deliver bread.Hot, fresh and smelling as if the gods themselves had kissed the earth (can you tell I am truly a bread lover?), Asia, the concierge offered us some.After eating nearly all that was delivered, we asked her where we could get more.And her directions led us to the panificio behind Nuccio’s (Nuccio's Oasi Bar).In a country where formality is a given, after visiting the bakery every Saturday for nearly a month, we were greeted with a ‘Ciao!” And like that, when from strangers (by-passing friends) and straight to family!When the panificio moved to it’s present location (97 Corso Sicilia) we were invited to the grand opening; that night, we were the only non-locals to have that honor.

A family run business Giovanni Rapisarda and his wife Rosetta (Rosa) have given us a taste of Sicily, using century old recipes, which you only have to taste once to be hooked for life!

Me, Marilena, Deborah Rapisarda, Fabrizio, Nino, Francesco & Salvo
Not pictured: Gionni Rapisarda, Rosa, Rita & Graziella





Breakfast, lunch or dinner, you can always find something to tempt your palette. Having an insatiable sweet-tooth, anything with nutella is fine with me. Pizza, cartocciata, foccacia are available if you prefer something a little more substantial in the morning.

For lunch, I highly recommend a sandwich (panino§): Ask for the morbidoni¡ with mortadella¥, salami and formaggio (Galbiano mozzarella goes great in any sandwich)! Order some antipasto (sundried tomatoes, olives, etc…) to go (da portare via –dah poor-tar-ray vee-ah), pick up some water or soft drinks (they sell them too), then head to the castle in Motta. In the mid to late spring (while the weather isn’t hot yet), there isn’t a better way to spend a Saturday afternoon.

Antipasti

Check out these pictures I snapped this morning…

Dinner is always a breeze when someone else is cooking. Order a pizza to go, and this time be adventurous! Try toppings that you have never had before…or try an old favorite. Italian ingredients are much fresher than their American or Canadian equivalents, so regardless of what you order, you’re in for a treat!

I’m making bruschetta tonight, so I need some filone (fee-lone-ay).

 

Some things can’t wait until I get home!

 

Note Bene: Directions to La Bottega del Pane.

1. Traveling from Back Motta Road (SP 13),

head towards that giant hill (you know which one I’m talking about!).  SP 13 turns into Viale della Regione, then into Corso Sicilia.  Half way up the hill (on the right), you’ll find number 97.  If you drive a car with standard transmission (i.e. a stick) DO NOT ATTEMPT TO DRIVE UP THIS HILL OR PARK ON THIS HILL! (consider yourself forewarned!)

2. Traveling from Front Motta Road (Strada Policara), cross onto SP 13 (Viale della Regione = Corso Sicilia), and follow the directions in number one (1).  Also heed the warning!

Baci!

Stella Notte

Day 50: 05-08-2011

Shoe: Mia –Joplin

Color: Natural

Style: Platform Wedge T-Strap Sandal

Heel: 4 ¼ inches (10.8cm),

Platform: 1 inches (2.5cm)

Material: Leather Upper

Beautiful in any color; click here to see these beauties in White!

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§ Panino is the singular of sandwich.  If you order a Panini, you are ordering more than one!

¡ Soft, sub-like roll.

¥ Italian bologna.