We woke up early to do some sightseeing. First stop, the La Vucciria market. Not so much large as sprawling, a giant swordfish here, overflowing displays of fruits and vegetables there, a bustling cafe round the far corner. Lots of preserved olives, capers and tomatoes too. We explored the windy little streets, slowly making our way to the Teatro Mássimo and along Corso Vittoria Emanuele, taking it very easy because V tires easily. Lunch was some pasta and veal cutlets from Spinnato near our hotel, we would visit this pastry shop/restaurant/cafe bar again and again because their selection of cakes and cookies is stunning.
During our late lunch, husband received a phone call from Air France. Our Alitalia flight from Rome to Paris was cancelled, they wanted to put us on another earlier flight which would mean cutting our holiday short by a whole day. We had to return to the hotel to make alternative plans. While V and I took a long bath in the big bathtub, husband was on the phone with his secretary. We would have to leave Sicily earlier than planned and instead make a layover at Milan for a few hours before flying back to Paris. Milan! I was not prepared, so I coughed up 3 euros for internet access and sent out a message on twitter.
For dinner we thought of having pizza. Husband looked in his guide which suggested Pizzeria Italia (via Orologio 54 near the Teatro Massimo). Inside it was bright and full of people eating pizzas. We bypassed the appetiser section and ordered two pizzas to share. The Palermitana has all the classic Palermo ingredients- anchovies, breadcrumbs, pine nuts, cheese and olive oil. I found it too heavy and overwhelming but husband didn't mind it too much.
Mine was a Norma, which means it comes with aubergines. Tender aubergines grilled to perfection, tender and smoky at the same time. Delicious. With some beers and bottled mineral water our meal cost less than 20 euros, so it was inexpensive too.
