June 23, 2011
You sip prosecco, nibble sardines and langoustines and Sicilian caponata. Breezy curtains ripple and swing. It feels like you’re in a canopied bed, in One Thousand and One Nights.
But you’re out on a traffic island. In my favorite new restaurant.
Dining at Il Consiglio di Sicilia in Donnalucata, Sicily
Dining on this traffic island is fun! There’s not much traffic, really–just a few Fiats and scooters and kids on bikes. As the curtains billow open, ruffling your hair with warm sea air (the blue Ionian laps just down the street), you glimpse a family playing on their stoop. Children skip by with gelato. You look for a genie to fly from your bottle of wine.
Il Consiglio di Sicilia is owned and run by the four talented siblings of the Cicero family: Antonio, Gabriella, Elisa, and Chef Lucia, just 23 years old.
Lucia, the 23-year-old cook at Il Consiglio di Sicilia
Gabriella, your server at Il Consiglio di Sicilia
Try the tasting menu (called La Joia), a languid parade: gorgeous seafood starters, primo, secondo, and desserts, each course accompanied by wine, all for €48.
Sicilian langoustines at Il Consiglio di Sicilia, Donnalucata
Marinated Anchovies with Mint at Il Consiglio di Sicilia
Or order a la carte. Pastas include spaghetti con le vongole, tagliolini ai ricci, and spaghetti with cuttlefish ink topped with fresh sweet ricotta (€12-15). Second courses include swordfish, baked sea bass, mackerel with herbs and tomatoes (€13-15). All from local waters. And don’t miss out on Chef Lucia’s desserts: cinnamon gelo (pudding), chocolate flan, lemon sorbet, and truly amazing cannoli.
Dining on the "Traffic Island" at il Consiglio di Sicilia
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Donnalucata is a charming fishing village in Southeast Sicily. Il Consiglio di Sicilia is at 79 Via Casmene, next to “Palazzo Rosso” (a Montalbano location)–just ask anyone for directions. Open every summer evening for dinner. They will also do lunch for group so 6 or more when you reserve a day in advance. Tel. 0932.938062 or 340.9448923. Email: info@ilconsigliodisicilia.it
What a beautiful setting! And the two girls, cook and server, also lovely.
Thanks for your comment, Annette!
I do like the enchanting oasis feel to this “island hideaway”…to say nothing of the food on offer! ,,,(drool),,,
What a fabulously odd location for an elegant restaurant — inspiring, as always!
Ciao Aysha–thanks for commenting!
Oh — goodness. That place looks like it’s from a fairy book story. Is that great ambiance, or what? Your photography is fabulous. Thanks!
VERY NICE, ON MY 75TH BIRTHDAY I WILL BE IN SICILY,
AND WILL MAKE IT A POINT TO DINE AT THE SISTERS,
THANKS TO ZU PIPINO, MY FRIEND.
Happy birthday in advance, Ernest! How lovely to spend it in Sicily! Enjoy!
This is really painful for those of us who only have, within a 50 mile radius, an Olive Garden to pass for Italian cuisine.
Don’t get me started about Olive Garden, Sam. Faux faux fax.
I must take my mom here when we get to Sicily!
Now that what I call dining al fresco! How utterly bohemian and chic! I will take a spaghetti con le vongole, per favore! I had some in Venice about four years ago and I’ve never again been the same woman. You can’t get that food anywhere but in Italy, everything else tastes like a cheap imitation. Sigh. Jann, wonderful photos! I felt like I should be taking a seat at one of the empty tables! 🙂
Yes, Bella… you’ve put your finger on it–the place is boho-chic.
Jann, This blog is totally unfair…….It’s a big tease!
Sorry, Jo! 🙂
I’ve been here. It’s fabulous and Gabriella is an amazing host!
She is a sweetheart, isn’t she?
Jann,
This sounds wonderful, will definitely put it on our list for next (2012) fall in Sicilia. Hope it is still there! The town sounds wonderful as well. What a gorgeous family! I so enjoy your blog! Mi piace molto il Suo (polite) blog, ed ogni giorno apro il mio e-mail con anticipazione che un nuovo notizie sara’ la.
Grazie,
Jan
Hi Jan, thanks for your kind words. So glad to have you as a reader, and please give me the “tu”!!!