European traveler

All Things Sicilian
November
Newsletter www.allthingssicilian.com

Before I get started, please feel free to forward this email to any of
your friends who might also enjoy these insights and they can contact us directly to get on our regular list! Please add this address to your address book so the next one doesn’t end up in your spam file! We are refining the process of sending out our newsletters so we want to ensure that you continue to receive them.

Our warehouse is located at 300 Canal Street in Lawrence (The Pacific Mills Complex). Saturday morning pick-ups of any of our outstanding imports are now available!
Call 978-204-6574 to place your pick up order today!

Also, please email me with any suggestions on how we can improve our selection, our web-site or our store if you have products that you would like us to bring in for you; please let me know…this is, after all, your web-site! My personal email address is alfredmzappala@yahoo.com

Wow, we have been busy! Our newest shipment of olive oils have arrived from Sicily, our newly enhanced website has been launched, and our Christmas panettone and torrone candy are due to arrive any minute! And, I am pleased to announce that within two weeks we will be rolling out our brand new line of Villa Sant’ Alfio Pizzelles! These pizzelles are not the supermarket variety, to be sure! They are thick, full bodied, and full of flavor! My mouth is watering just thinking about them! The come in a variety of delicious flavors, including anise, almond, lemon, vanilla, and chocolate-covered. Stay tuned for our announcement of their arrival!

It’s not too early to order your Thanksgiving and Christmas gift baskets. We have a wide range of unique baskets to suit all of your gift giving needs. We can build them now and hold them until you want them shipped, just in time for the holidays!

If you haven’t already, please check out our newly redesigned web site at www.allthingssicilian.com! Don’t forget to bookmark this new site, you’ll want to have access to all that it offers – a huge range of new Sicilian products, delicious new recipes, a wealth of information about Sicily, an itinerary for The Spring Journey of Discovery Tour of Sicily scheduled for May 2010, rental information about my villa, and more!

Would you like me to talk to your group about any or all things Sicilian, or Italian? I would love to. Just ask! Contact me at alfredmzappala@yahoo.com.

Alfred’s Monthly Recommendation

We just received two new extra virgin olive oils from our partner Manfredi Barbera in Sicily. Both are superb! The Villa Sant’Alfio (750ml) 100% EVOO has a nice peppery finish and is an excellent “finishing” oil. The Meditereano (1 liter) oil has a distinct buttery finish and is an excellent “everyday” oil. Try either on your Panini or your salad the next time you’re hungry, and you’ll see why I recommend these two outstanding oils!

News Flashes from Italy & Sicily

No Kidding
According to an Italian news report, 70% of all wealthy Italians live in the Northern parts of Italy. No kidding. The area south of Rome, including Naples and Sicily, is referred to as the Mezzogiorno. For countless generations this region has been stepped on economically by the wealthier northern region. When Italians “spread the wealth” a bit and begin to believe that Sicily is something more that a step-child, perhaps someday we can say that the wealthy live there too!

Well, At Least It’s A Start!
This statistic drives home our pick for this year’s All thing Sicilian’s Woman of the Year – Anna Privitera (see more below). According to a recent survey, Italy ranks 72nd in gender-equality, worldwide. Countries like Lesotho (10th have you even heard of it?) Botswana (39th), Kazakhstan (47th), China (60th) and Vietnam (71st) all are ahead of Italy. However, Italy did outrank Tanzania (73rd), the Czech Republic (74th) and Japan (75th).

Major Miracle
Alitalia should break even by year’s end. Can you believe that? Alitalia, short for “Always Late In Take-Off And Landing”, recently emerged from a financial crisis by effectively negotiationg with greedy unions and finding a partner who knows how to save a buck or two. Now, if they can just find my bags….

I Don’t Know if This is Good News or Not
The Bridge between Messina and the mainland will start construction in December or January 2010 according to the Italian government. It is expected to create many jobs, but the big fear is Mafia construction involvement. Many college kids have picked this issue to protest about and many protests are planned. Stay tuned.

This IS good News
The Sicilian authorities have broken up major Mafia rings in Catania and Messina. In Catania, over seventy Mafioso were arrested this month, and in Messina over 20 million Euro were seized. The college students are leading the charge, by the way. This bodes well for the future.

All Things Sicilian Woman of the Year!

Gone are the days in Sicily when women wore black and cow-towed to their husband’s whims. Today’s Sicilian women represent a charge into the 21st Century and a movement for equal rights and female empowerment is ongoing. Although Italy ranks 72nd worldwide in gender-equality, it is gradually improving women’s rights. The Sicilian woman is strong, intelligent, beautiful, and I want to introduce you to our 2009 All Things Sicilian Woman of the Year.

Her name is Anna Privitera and she was born and brought up in Viagrande Sicily, a tiny town nestled on the slopes of Etna. She is the mother of two children, and a successful business consultant in Catania. She has helped many Sicilian businesses bring their products to markets in America and the European Union. She identifies emerging companies, develops their business plans, and arranges for their investment money.

Shattering the “glass ceiling” has become the norm for women in America. However, in Sicily, women continue to struggle to make their way as business leaders. This hasn’t stopped Anna Privitera. Juggling a schedule that starts daily by dropping her children at school and finishes in the evening keeping her home running smoothly, she traverses Sicily in relentless pursuit of helping the Sicilian businesses. Her clients are many, and vary from Sicilian travel companies to Sicilian to olive oil producers.

Why does she do this? Her husband Massimo is a prominent lawyer and her family in general is filled with successful businessmen and professionals. She could have easily chosen to stay home and call it a day. The reason that Anna works so hard, and selflessly sacrifices herself is three-fold. First, Sicily courses through her veins. She has an unrequited love for Sicily, which was ingrained in her by her father, Turri Privitera. He was a successful businessman who never forgot where he came from. In many respects, she carries on his philosophy today. Second, she is furiously fighting against the critical “brain drain” taking place in Sicily, where unemployment for college graduates is over 50%. In her pursuit to promote Sicily, jobs are created and critical intellectual mass stays in Sicily. Third, she is woman. She is 100% woman, a new breed, a leader in awakening the Sicilian woman and bringing her into the modern era, throwing off the yoke of oppression by the old school of thought.

For all of this, Anna Privitera is my hero. She is the embodiment of everything that is right in Sicily today, and that is why she is All Things Sicilian’s Woman of the Year.

Brava! Alfred

Shop Today & SAVE $5!

Enter Discount code: SAVE5
at check out & SAVE $5
when you spend
$35 or more!

Look who is selling our products!

Borelli’s Market- Methuen, MA
Boston King Espresso-Woburn & Andover
C’est - Lowell, MA
Concord Cheese Shop, Concord, MA
Defusco’s & Son Italian Bakery- North Andover,MA
DePasquale Homemade Pasta Shop- North End, Boston
Grand Trunk Imports- Newburyport,MA
Haverhill Beef- Haverhill,MA
Lamberts Rainbow Fruit - Westwood, MA
Martignetti Liquors - Brighton, MA
Mignosa’s Fruit Basket-Quincy, MA
Mr. Steer Marketplace - Londonderry, NH
North End Deli- Lawrence, MA
Pemberton Farms-Cambridge, MA
Tutto Italiano: Hyde Park, Lexington, Wellesley, Lakeville, MA
The Vineyard- North Andover, MA
Attrezzi, Portsmouth, NH
Bucco’s Italian Cafe & Deli-Plaistow, NH
Cornucopia Wine & Cheese Market-Stratham, NH
Mike’s Red Barn-Salem, NH
Prime Butcher - Windham, NH
Rigatony’s, Derry, NH

All Things Sicilian PO BOX 541 Lawrence, MA 01840 978 204 6574
For Local Delivery Call 978 204 0729 www.allthingssicilian.com

Click to view this email in a browser

All Things Sicilian
November
Newsletter www.allthingssicilian.com

Before I get started, please feel free to forward this email to any of
your friends who might also enjoy these insights and they can contact us directly to get on our regular list! Please add this address to your address book so the next one doesn’t end up in your spam file! We are refining the process of sending out our newsletters so we want to ensure that you continue to receive them.

Our warehouse is located at 300 Canal Street in Lawrence (The Pacific Mills Complex). Saturday morning pick-ups of any of our outstanding imports are now available!
Call 978-204-6574 to place your pick up order today!

Also, please email me with any suggestions on how we can improve our selection, our web-site or our store if you have products that you would like us to bring in for you; please let me know…this is, after all, your web-site! My personal email address is alfredmzappala@yahoo.com

Wow, we have been busy! Our newest shipment of olive oils have arrived from Sicily, our newly enhanced website has been launched, and our Christmas panettone and torrone candy are due to arrive any minute! And, I am pleased to announce that within two weeks we will be rolling out our brand new line of Villa Sant’ Alfio Pizzelles! These pizzelles are not the supermarket variety, to be sure! They are thick, full bodied, and full of flavor! My mouth is watering just thinking about them! The come in a variety of delicious flavors, including anise, almond, lemon, vanilla, and chocolate-covered. Stay tuned for our announcement of their arrival!

It’s not too early to order your Thanksgiving and Christmas gift baskets. We have a wide range of unique baskets to suit all of your gift giving needs. We can build them now and hold them until you want them shipped, just in time for the holidays!

If you haven’t already, please check out our newly redesigned web site at www.allthingssicilian.com! Don’t forget to bookmark this new site, you’ll want to have access to all that it offers – a huge range of new Sicilian products, delicious new recipes, a wealth of information about Sicily, an itinerary for The Spring Journey of Discovery Tour of Sicily scheduled for May 2010, rental information about my villa, and more!

Would you like me to talk to your group about any or all things Sicilian, or Italian? I would love to. Just ask! Contact me at alfredmzappala@yahoo.com.

Alfred’s Monthly Recommendation

We just received two new extra virgin olive oils from our partner Manfredi Barbera in Sicily. Both are superb! The Villa Sant’Alfio (750ml) 100% EVOO has a nice peppery finish and is an excellent “finishing” oil. The Meditereano (1 liter) oil has a distinct buttery finish and is an excellent “everyday” oil. Try either on your Panini or your salad the next time you’re hungry, and you’ll see why I recommend these two outstanding oils!

News Flashes from Italy & Sicily

No Kidding
According to an Italian news report, 70% of all wealthy Italians live in the Northern parts of Italy. No kidding. The area south of Rome, including Naples and Sicily, is referred to as the Mezzogiorno. For countless generations this region has been stepped on economically by the wealthier northern region. When Italians “spread the wealth” a bit and begin to believe that Sicily is something more that a step-child, perhaps someday we can say that the wealthy live there too!

Well, At Least It’s A Start!
This statistic drives home our pick for this year’s All thing Sicilian’s Woman of the Year – Anna Privitera (see more below). According to a recent survey, Italy ranks 72nd in gender-equality, worldwide. Countries like Lesotho (10th have you even heard of it?) Botswana (39th), Kazakhstan (47th), China (60th) and Vietnam (71st) all are ahead of Italy. However, Italy did outrank Tanzania (73rd), the Czech Republic (74th) and Japan (75th).

Major Miracle
Alitalia should break even by year’s end. Can you believe that? Alitalia, short for “Always Late In Take-Off And Landing”, recently emerged from a financial crisis by effectively negotiationg with greedy unions and finding a partner who knows how to save a buck or two. Now, if they can just find my bags….

I Don’t Know if This is Good News or Not
The Bridge between Messina and the mainland will start construction in December or January 2010 according to the Italian government. It is expected to create many jobs, but the big fear is Mafia construction involvement. Many college kids have picked this issue to protest about and many protests are planned. Stay tuned.

This IS good News
The Sicilian authorities have broken up major Mafia rings in Catania and Messina. In Catania, over seventy Mafioso were arrested this month, and in Messina over 20 million Euro were seized. The college students are leading the charge, by the way. This bodes well for the future.

All Things Sicilian Woman of the Year!

Gone are the days in Sicily when women wore black and cow-towed to their husband’s whims. Today’s Sicilian women represent a charge into the 21st Century and a movement for equal rights and female empowerment is ongoing. Although Italy ranks 72nd worldwide in gender-equality, it is gradually improving women’s rights. The Sicilian woman is strong, intelligent, beautiful, and I want to introduce you to our 2009 All Things Sicilian Woman of the Year.

Her name is Anna Privitera and she was born and brought up in Viagrande Sicily, a tiny town nestled on the slopes of Etna. She is the mother of two children, and a successful business consultant in Catania. She has helped many Sicilian businesses bring their products to markets in America and the European Union. She identifies emerging companies, develops their business plans, and arranges for their investment money.

Shattering the “glass ceiling” has become the norm for women in America. However, in Sicily, women continue to struggle to make their way as business leaders. This hasn’t stopped Anna Privitera. Juggling a schedule that starts daily by dropping her children at school and finishes in the evening keeping her home running smoothly, she traverses Sicily in relentless pursuit of helping the Sicilian businesses. Her clients are many, and vary from Sicilian travel companies to Sicilian to olive oil producers.

Why does she do this? Her husband Massimo is a prominent lawyer and her family in general is filled with successful businessmen and professionals. She could have easily chosen to stay home and call it a day. The reason that Anna works so hard, and selflessly sacrifices herself is three-fold. First, Sicily courses through her veins. She has an unrequited love for Sicily, which was ingrained in her by her father, Turri Privitera. He was a successful businessman who never forgot where he came from. In many respects, she carries on his philosophy today. Second, she is furiously fighting against the critical “brain drain” taking place in Sicily, where unemployment for college graduates is over 50%. In her pursuit to promote Sicily, jobs are created and critical intellectual mass stays in Sicily. Third, she is woman. She is 100% woman, a new breed, a leader in awakening the Sicilian woman and bringing her into the modern era, throwing off the yoke of oppression by the old school of thought.

For all of this, Anna Privitera is my hero. She is the embodiment of everything that is right in Sicily today, and that is why she is All Things Sicilian’s Woman of the Year.

Brava! Alfred

Shop Today & SAVE $5!

Enter Discount code: SAVE5
at check out & SAVE $5
when you spend
$35 or more!

Look who is selling our products!

Borelli’s Market- Methuen, MA
Boston King Espresso-Woburn & Andover
C’est - Lowell, MA
Concord Cheese Shop, Concord, MA
Defusco’s & Son Italian Bakery- North Andover,MA
DePasquale Homemade Pasta Shop- North End, Boston
Grand Trunk Imports- Newburyport,MA
Haverhill Beef- Haverhill,MA
Lamberts Rainbow Fruit - Westwood, MA
Martignetti Liquors - Brighton, MA
Mignosa’s Fruit Basket-Quincy, MA
Mr. Steer Marketplace - Londonderry, NH
North End Deli- Lawrence, MA
Pemberton Farms-Cambridge, MA
Tutto Italiano: Hyde Park, Lexington, Wellesley, Lakeville, MA
The Vineyard- North Andover, MA
Attrezzi, Portsmouth, NH
Bucco’s Italian Cafe & Deli-Plaistow, NH
Cornucopia Wine & Cheese Market-Stratham, NH
Mike’s Red Barn-Salem, NH
Prime Butcher - Windham, NH
Rigatony’s, Derry, NH

All Things Sicilian PO BOX 541 Lawrence, MA 01840 978 204 6574
For Local Delivery Call 978 204 0729 www.allthingssicilian.com

All Things Sicilian
November
Newsletter www.allthingssicilian.com

Before I get started, please feel free to forward this email to any of
your friends who might also enjoy these insights and they can contact us directly to get on our regular list! Please add this address to your address book so the next one doesn’t end up in your spam file! We are refining the process of sending out our newsletters so we want to ensure that you continue to receive them.

Our warehouse is located at 300 Canal Street in Lawrence (The Pacific Mills Complex). Saturday morning pick-ups of any of our outstanding imports are now available!
Call 978-204-6574 to place your pick up order today!

Also, please email me with any suggestions on how we can improve our selection, our web-site or our store if you have products that you would like us to bring in for you; please let me know…this is, after all, your web-site! My personal email address is alfredmzappala@yahoo.com

Wow, we have been busy! Our newest shipment of olive oils have arrived from Sicily, our newly enhanced website has been launched, and our Christmas panettone and torrone candy are due to arrive any minute! And, I am pleased to announce that within two weeks we will be rolling out our brand new line of Villa Sant’ Alfio Pizzelles! These pizzelles are not the supermarket variety, to be sure! They are thick, full bodied, and full of flavor! My mouth is watering just thinking about them! The come in a variety of delicious flavors, including anise, almond, lemon, vanilla, and chocolate-covered. Stay tuned for our announcement of their arrival!

It’s not too early to order your Thanksgiving and Christmas gift baskets. We have a wide range of unique baskets to suit all of your gift giving needs. We can build them now and hold them until you want them shipped, just in time for the holidays!

If you haven’t already, please check out our newly redesigned web site at www.allthingssicilian.com! Don’t forget to bookmark this new site, you’ll want to have access to all that it offers – a huge range of new Sicilian products, delicious new recipes, a wealth of information about Sicily, an itinerary for The Spring Journey of Discovery Tour of Sicily scheduled for May 2010, rental information about my villa, and more!

Would you like me to talk to your group about any or all things Sicilian, or Italian? I would love to. Just ask! Contact me at alfredmzappala@yahoo.com.

Alfred’s Monthly Recommendation

We just received two new extra virgin olive oils from our partner Manfredi Barbera in Sicily. Both are superb! The Villa Sant’Alfio (750ml) 100% EVOO has a nice peppery finish and is an excellent “finishing” oil. The Meditereano (1 liter) oil has a distinct buttery finish and is an excellent “everyday” oil. Try either on your Panini or your salad the next time you’re hungry, and you’ll see why I recommend these two outstanding oils!

News Flashes from Italy & Sicily

No Kidding
According to an Italian news report, 70% of all wealthy Italians live in the Northern parts of Italy. No kidding. The area south of Rome, including Naples and Sicily, is referred to as the Mezzogiorno. For countless generations this region has been stepped on economically by the wealthier northern region. When Italians “spread the wealth” a bit and begin to believe that Sicily is something more that a step-child, perhaps someday we can say that the wealthy live there too!

Well, At Least It’s A Start!
This statistic drives home our pick for this year’s All thing Sicilian’s Woman of the Year – Anna Privitera (see more below). According to a recent survey, Italy ranks 72nd in gender-equality, worldwide. Countries like Lesotho (10th have you even heard of it?) Botswana (39th), Kazakhstan (47th), China (60th) and Vietnam (71st) all are ahead of Italy. However, Italy did outrank Tanzania (73rd), the Czech Republic (74th) and Japan (75th).

Major Miracle
Alitalia should break even by year’s end. Can you believe that? Alitalia, short for “Always Late In Take-Off And Landing”, recently emerged from a financial crisis by effectively negotiationg with greedy unions and finding a partner who knows how to save a buck or two. Now, if they can just find my bags….

I Don’t Know if This is Good News or Not
The Bridge between Messina and the mainland will start construction in December or January 2010 according to the Italian government. It is expected to create many jobs, but the big fear is Mafia construction involvement. Many college kids have picked this issue to protest about and many protests are planned. Stay tuned.

This IS good News
The Sicilian authorities have broken up major Mafia rings in Catania and Messina. In Catania, over seventy Mafioso were arrested this month, and in Messina over 20 million Euro were seized. The college students are leading the charge, by the way. This bodes well for the future.

All Things Sicilian Woman of the Year!

Gone are the days in Sicily when women wore black and cow-towed to their husband’s whims. Today’s Sicilian women represent a charge into the 21st Century and a movement for equal rights and female empowerment is ongoing. Although Italy ranks 72nd worldwide in gender-equality, it is gradually improving women’s rights. The Sicilian woman is strong, intelligent, beautiful, and I want to introduce you to our 2009 All Things Sicilian Woman of the Year.

Her name is Anna Privitera and she was born and brought up in Viagrande Sicily, a tiny town nestled on the slopes of Etna. She is the mother of two children, and a successful business consultant in Catania. She has helped many Sicilian businesses bring their products to markets in America and the European Union. She identifies emerging companies, develops their business plans, and arranges for their investment money.

Shattering the “glass ceiling” has become the norm for women in America. However, in Sicily, women continue to struggle to make their way as business leaders. This hasn’t stopped Anna Privitera. Juggling a schedule that starts daily by dropping her children at school and finishes in the evening keeping her home running smoothly, she traverses Sicily in relentless pursuit of helping the Sicilian businesses. Her clients are many, and vary from Sicilian travel companies to Sicilian to olive oil producers.

Why does she do this? Her husband Massimo is a prominent lawyer and her family in general is filled with successful businessmen and professionals. She could have easily chosen to stay home and call it a day. The reason that Anna works so hard, and selflessly sacrifices herself is three-fold. First, Sicily courses through her veins. She has an unrequited love for Sicily, which was ingrained in her by her father, Turri Privitera. He was a successful businessman who never forgot where he came from. In many respects, she carries on his philosophy today. Second, she is furiously fighting against the critical “brain drain” taking place in Sicily, where unemployment for college graduates is over 50%. In her pursuit to promote Sicily, jobs are created and critical intellectual mass stays in Sicily. Third, she is woman. She is 100% woman, a new breed, a leader in awakening the Sicilian woman and bringing her into the modern era, throwing off the yoke of oppression by the old school of thought.

For all of this, Anna Privitera is my hero. She is the embodiment of everything that is right in Sicily today, and that is why she is All Things Sicilian’s Woman of the Year.

Brava! Alfred

Shop Today & SAVE $5!

Enter Discount code: SAVE5
at check out & SAVE $5
when you spend
$35 or more!

Look who is selling our products!

Borelli’s Market- Methuen, MA
Boston King Espresso-Woburn & Andover
C’est - Lowell, MA
Concord Cheese Shop, Concord, MA
Defusco’s & Son Italian Bakery- North Andover,MA
DePasquale Homemade Pasta Shop- North End, Boston
Grand Trunk Imports- Newburyport,MA
Haverhill Beef- Haverhill,MA
Lamberts Rainbow Fruit - Westwood, MA
Martignetti Liquors - Brighton, MA
Mignosa’s Fruit Basket-Quincy, MA
Mr. Steer Marketplace - Londonderry, NH
North End Deli- Lawrence, MA
Pemberton Farms-Cambridge, MA
Tutto Italiano: Hyde Park, Lexington, Wellesley, Lakeville, MA
The Vineyard- North Andover, MA
Attrezzi, Portsmouth, NH
Bucco’s Italian Cafe & Deli-Plaistow, NH
Cornucopia Wine & Cheese Market-Stratham, NH
Mike’s Red Barn-Salem, NH
Prime Butcher - Windham, NH
Rigatony’s, Derry, NH

All Things Sicilian PO BOX 541 Lawrence, MA 01840 978 204 6574
For Local Delivery Call 978 204 0729 www.allthingssicilian.com

Click to view this email in a browser

All Things Sicilian
November
Newsletter www.allthingssicilian.com

Before I get started, please feel free to forward this email to any of
your friends who might also enjoy these insights and they can contact us directly to get on our regular list! Please add this address to your address book so the next one doesn’t end up in your spam file! We are refining the process of sending out our newsletters so we want to ensure that you continue to receive them.

Our warehouse is located at 300 Canal Street in Lawrence (The Pacific Mills Complex). Saturday morning pick-ups of any of our outstanding imports are now available!
Call 978-204-6574 to place your pick up order today!

Also, please email me with any suggestions on how we can improve our selection, our web-site or our store if you have products that you would like us to bring in for you; please let me know…this is, after all, your web-site! My personal email address is alfredmzappala@yahoo.com

Wow, we have been busy! Our newest shipment of olive oils have arrived from Sicily, our newly enhanced website has been launched, and our Christmas panettone and torrone candy are due to arrive any minute! And, I am pleased to announce that within two weeks we will be rolling out our brand new line of Villa Sant’ Alfio Pizzelles! These pizzelles are not the supermarket variety, to be sure! They are thick, full bodied, and full of flavor! My mouth is watering just thinking about them! The come in a variety of delicious flavors, including anise, almond, lemon, vanilla, and chocolate-covered. Stay tuned for our announcement of their arrival!

It’s not too early to order your Thanksgiving and Christmas gift baskets. We have a wide range of unique baskets to suit all of your gift giving needs. We can build them now and hold them until you want them shipped, just in time for the holidays!

If you haven’t already, please check out our newly redesigned web site at www.allthingssicilian.com! Don’t forget to bookmark this new site, you’ll want to have access to all that it offers – a huge range of new Sicilian products, delicious new recipes, a wealth of information about Sicily, an itinerary for The Spring Journey of Discovery Tour of Sicily scheduled for May 2010, rental information about my villa, and more!

Would you like me to talk to your group about any or all things Sicilian, or Italian? I would love to. Just ask! Contact me at alfredmzappala@yahoo.com.

Alfred’s Monthly Recommendation

We just received two new extra virgin olive oils from our partner Manfredi Barbera in Sicily. Both are superb! The Villa Sant’Alfio (750ml) 100% EVOO has a nice peppery finish and is an excellent “finishing” oil. The Meditereano (1 liter) oil has a distinct buttery finish and is an excellent “everyday” oil. Try either on your Panini or your salad the next time you’re hungry, and you’ll see why I recommend these two outstanding oils!

News Flashes from Italy & Sicily

No Kidding
According to an Italian news report, 70% of all wealthy Italians live in the Northern parts of Italy. No kidding. The area south of Rome, including Naples and Sicily, is referred to as the Mezzogiorno. For countless generations this region has been stepped on economically by the wealthier northern region. When Italians “spread the wealth” a bit and begin to believe that Sicily is something more that a step-child, perhaps someday we can say that the wealthy live there too!

Well, At Least It’s A Start!
This statistic drives home our pick for this year’s All thing Sicilian’s Woman of the Year – Anna Privitera (see more below). According to a recent survey, Italy ranks 72nd in gender-equality, worldwide. Countries like Lesotho (10th have you even heard of it?) Botswana (39th), Kazakhstan (47th), China (60th) and Vietnam (71st) all are ahead of Italy. However, Italy did outrank Tanzania (73rd), the Czech Republic (74th) and Japan (75th).

Major Miracle
Alitalia should break even by year’s end. Can you believe that? Alitalia, short for “Always Late In Take-Off And Landing”, recently emerged from a financial crisis by effectively negotiationg with greedy unions and finding a partner who knows how to save a buck or two. Now, if they can just find my bags….

I Don’t Know if This is Good News or Not
The Bridge between Messina and the mainland will start construction in December or January 2010 according to the Italian government. It is expected to create many jobs, but the big fear is Mafia construction involvement. Many college kids have picked this issue to protest about and many protests are planned. Stay tuned.

This IS good News
The Sicilian authorities have broken up major Mafia rings in Catania and Messina. In Catania, over seventy Mafioso were arrested this month, and in Messina over 20 million Euro were seized. The college students are leading the charge, by the way. This bodes well for the future.

All Things Sicilian Woman of the Year!

Gone are the days in Sicily when women wore black and cow-towed to their husband’s whims. Today’s Sicilian women represent a charge into the 21st Century and a movement for equal rights and female empowerment is ongoing. Although Italy ranks 72nd worldwide in gender-equality, it is gradually improving women’s rights. The Sicilian woman is strong, intelligent, beautiful, and I want to introduce you to our 2009 All Things Sicilian Woman of the Year.

Her name is Anna Privitera and she was born and brought up in Viagrande Sicily, a tiny town nestled on the slopes of Etna. She is the mother of two children, and a successful business consultant in Catania. She has helped many Sicilian businesses bring their products to markets in America and the European Union. She identifies emerging companies, develops their business plans, and arranges for their investment money.

Shattering the “glass ceiling” has become the norm for women in America. However, in Sicily, women continue to struggle to make their way as business leaders. This hasn’t stopped Anna Privitera. Juggling a schedule that starts daily by dropping her children at school and finishes in the evening keeping her home running smoothly, she traverses Sicily in relentless pursuit of helping the Sicilian businesses. Her clients are many, and vary from Sicilian travel companies to Sicilian to olive oil producers.

Why does she do this? Her husband Massimo is a prominent lawyer and her family in general is filled with successful businessmen and professionals. She could have easily chosen to stay home and call it a day. The reason that Anna works so hard, and selflessly sacrifices herself is three-fold. First, Sicily courses through her veins. She has an unrequited love for Sicily, which was ingrained in her by her father, Turri Privitera. He was a successful businessman who never forgot where he came from. In many respects, she carries on his philosophy today. Second, she is furiously fighting against the critical “brain drain” taking place in Sicily, where unemployment for college graduates is over 50%. In her pursuit to promote Sicily, jobs are created and critical intellectual mass stays in Sicily. Third, she is woman. She is 100% woman, a new breed, a leader in awakening the Sicilian woman and bringing her into the modern era, throwing off the yoke of oppression by the old school of thought.

For all of this, Anna Privitera is my hero. She is the embodiment of everything that is right in Sicily today, and that is why she is All Things Sicilian’s Woman of the Year.

Brava! Alfred

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Bet you didn’t know that we have our very own version of the Renaissance Man living right here in Boston, did you?
Yup.
And we have chosen him All Thing Sicilian’s “Man Of The Year”
Let me tell you a little about this treasure, this jewel. Someday, you will remember that I wrote these words. Leonardo is that talented, that gifted.
His name is Leonardo Ciampa and in my opinion he is a musical genius and a gem of a human being.
I love Leonardo.
A lot.
Born in 1971, composer/organist/pianist LEONARDO CIAMPA is acknowledged as one of the most gifted and versatile musicians of his generation. He lives in Boston

His compositions (which are considered “Neoromatic” in style include “The Annunciation Op. 23) (Cantana for chorus and strings); “Suite Siciliana Op. 14 (for violins, piano and orchestra), five organ recitals, a concerto for piano and organ, a piano quintet, and numerous sacred works. His works are published exclusively by CIC (Comprositorum.com)
Whew!
Leonardo has made seven European tours encompassing Italy, Germany and Austria and has also played in many International festivals.
He currently directs the Chapel Organ Series at MIT in Boston and I urge you to attend one of his concerts (he posts his schedule on his website www.leonardociampa.com)
For good measure, he has also written two books (“The Twilight Of Belcanto” and “Don Lorenzo Perosi”) and has a popular blog (faultbook.blogsspot.com) and Facebook page too!
Several years ago, the Boston Globe wrote “Genius is a word that pops up in conversations about Leonardo Ciampa”
I love Leo. To me he is the essence of a pure soul. We have known each other for years and I treasure his friendship. Most importantly, Leo is of Sicilian origin and a true and genuine person.
Bravo!
This month…Italian Cultural Heritage Month…we have picked Leonardo Ciampa as All Things Sicilian’s Man Of The Year.
And no one deserves it more. Truly a remarkable person..
Thank you for being Sicilian, Leonardo!

Right about now in Sicily (October), roadside stands everywhere are selling the crops that have just been harvested.

Mushrooms of all varieties, an endless list of fruits and vegtables, chestnuts, olives and fresh ricotta cheese (Sicilians don’t eat ricotta cheese during the hot summer months) are available right now as is (of course), wine.

Last year at this time I was galavanting all over the Island and enjoying myself as I experienced Fall in Sicily.

The weather is still beautiful…Sicilians can usually go to the beach until mid-November…and the average temperature is still in the high 70’s every day.

The southwest portion of the Island is awesome….a great drive is the Palermo to Trapani to Sciacca route. With the seacoast hugging one side of your drive and georgous scenery on the other side, I bet that nowhere in Europe is as beautiful.

Over on the Southeast side of the Island, a drive from Siracusa to Pacino is a wonderful way to spend a day, and don’t forget to sample some of the world’s best tomatoes and melons when you hit Pacino. Since you are already there, drive over to Porto Paolo, the ancient fishing village, and stop by Il Palidino for the best fish meal of your life.

I swear the prawns will melt in your mouth.

If you are up north, a drive from Messina to Cefalu will recharge the inner soul. Now, the sea is on your right and breathtaking Mountains and valleys on you left. Don’t forget to stop and take a picture of magical Enna on the way!

If you are in Catania, this is the time to take a drive to the Riviera Dei Ciclopi and enjoy the fishing towns of Acitrezza and Acicastello.

It goes without saying that Taormina is splendid this time of year too…as is every mountain village in between.

In short, I miss Siciliy very much right now. As I imagine what Sicily is like today, I console myself with the knowledge that on November 7th I return there for four weeks….then again…Christmas is wonderful there too….

I am making plans to get to Sicily within four weeks. Yay!

The weather there has been terrible. Floods have hit Messina (20 dead) and Palermo.

Yet the Sicilian spirit is such that they will pick up the pieces and carry on.

I will visit Manfredi Barbera in Trapani and watch the olive harvest. I will choose the right blend of olives to use for next year.

This means that I will sample about 20 varietals of olives and he and I will select the exact right flavor that we want.

I will then move to Sciacca and do the same thing with Villa Reale…select from the succulent vegetables there and put together delectable delights.

From there, I will head up to Etna and select the oranges, lemons and fruit for all our jams and marmalades.

Then I will head into Palermo and choose all the cultural items that we need.

(Sigh)…what a tough job.

(wink,wink)

I suppose that I probably have to eat some good food there too….

Oh well…someone has to do it…mind as well be me!

After seven years, we updated our web site and now we have a sleek new site that we can all be proud of. We are loading more content every day and within two weeks it will be truly amazing.

Chris Leone will load all my past newsletters. That means that you can enjoy all my writing from all my European adventures.

All our recipes were loaded yesterday, and by Monday or Tuesday all our cultural information will be loaded too.

Designing a web site is no easy task. Thankfully, we found a guy who actually knew what he was talking about and now the visitor can easily navigate the site.

The next step will be to “market” the site. To do this takes time, effort and money. Since we have the first two, the third is the impiment, which we hope to solve soon.

Anyway, please visit www.allthingssicilian.com and tell me what you think!

Even though I pay the price all night long after eating peppers, those vitamin filled guys are wonderful. I can’t live without them.

How can one possibly eat a sausage sandwich without one? Or a steak sandwich? Or even a cold meat sandwich? It’s practically Un Italian/American if you do!

Can’t be done.

Anyway, here is my late mom’s all time authentic, right off the boat recipe for roasted peppers.

These little babies are legendary.

Sometimes, when I have made a particularly good batch, I feel like nailing one or two on the wall, just to admire them.

You should see the size of peppers in Sicily. Not like the puny ones here in the States.

Huge. Brilliant in color, succulent (gosh I love that word….never use it much though)

Anyway, you will need:

4 green or red peppers
¼ cup Extra Virgin Olive oil
Garlic powder
Salt to taste.

First, get a nice glass of wine as you gather all those things and sip it. This is the time to be thankful. Despite your harried life, a little mellow time first is in order.

Pre-heat the oven at 450 degrees while you think then over.

When you are nice and mellow, place the peppers on a cookie sheet. Cook those babies until they are BLACK all over. Turn then every once in a while.

Remove from the oven and put them in a paper bag. Let them sit there for a few minutes.

Take one out at a time and rub away the thin black skin. Tear the peppers after you remove the seeds and core.

Place the shards in a bowl and add the olive oil, and salt to taste. Mix well and add a squeeze of lemon.

They can be served hot or cold. They will last for a week in the fridge too. I love any sandwich that has these peppers on them. They make a wonderful sandwhich with piping hot bread too. Yum.

Thanks. Mom.

Well, this usually extremely agile guy took a spill yesterday, and the scene was quite funny.

Here’s the story:

My son Matt called and invited me to his house Wednesday night to have dinner.

All my grandkids were to be there.. Noey, little Matt, and my daughter Jen’s kids Rosie and Johnny.

It was an opportunity to kill two birds with one stone, so I figured I’d mooch a meal and hang with the kids.

Lindsay (Matt’s wife) made a delicious Mexican meal and I brought over a great chocolate cake for everyone.

Nothing out of the ordinary ….. just an uneventful meal with people that I profoundly love.

About 8Pm, it was getting dark, I decided to catch the Red Sox game on TV, so I said my good byes and left.

As I was walking down Matt’s steps, I was checking my I-Phone for messages. I also had flip-flops on, just to set up the moment for you. Checking my cell, walking in the dark, wearing flip-flops.

You guessed it…I tripped over the flip-flops, went flying into the air down the stairs, and crashed into Matt’s garbage can that he had just put out.

The scene must have appeared comical: A big fat guy flying thru the air crashing into a garbage can , ending up on his face over a bag of dirty diapers, in the night.

You know what I was thinking about as I did my Superman imitation?

My cell phone.

In mid-air, I twisted and contorted to protect my cell phone, tossing it gently onto the grass the second before I crash-landed.

“Nice technique, Al” I said to myself. “For an old guy, you still move well” I thought.

Anyway, here I am ..on the road in front of my son’s house, spread-eagled there, covered with a bag of dirty diapers.

“Do a system check, Al” I thought to myself.

Legs: working, arms: working: No broken bones:

However, the knees and toes sustained projectile damage. Matt has gravel on the sidewalk, not concrete.

About a dozen pieces of gravel were imbedded in both knees, blood beginning to gush.

“Nice” I thought to myself. “ A free dinner plus a scenic tour through the air”

Getting up and pulling out the bits of gravel stuck here and there, I started my car and drove off.

“Al, the flip-flops” I thought. “Who wears flip-flops at night in the dark? You idiot”

Anyway, yesterday I limped around all day. Last night I bought myself a brand new pair of skid proof flip-flops.

Some people never learn, I guess.

The food was good though.



It’s bad enough that I have to clean my condo in America. However, I have another to worry about…my condo in Sicily.

With visitors renting the place every so often, I want to make sure that the place is Spic and Span.

However, they don’t sell Sic and Span there.

Here, I have a nifty Swifter that zips thru my floor in minutes.

There, I have a plastic bucket with this little thing on top to wring the water out.

Here, I just have to take that pad off the Velcro on the Swifter and throw the pad away.

There, I have to empty the bucket and wring the mop.

Here, I have Mr. Clean.

There, I have Mr Musculo.

You get the picture.

The most difficult part for me, however, is trying to figure out what product to buy at the supermarket.

The directions on the back of the aerosol spray cans, which even in America are so tiny that I need the Hubble telescope to read, and just as bad there…except besides being tiny, are also in Italian.

One time, thinking that I bought something like Lemon Pledge for my furniture, I sprayed a stain remover. Another time I put in a hard water de-calcifier in the washing machine instead of detergent. The worst thing I did, however, was spray talcum power all over the house thinking it was one of those odor eating aerosols.

It came out in a mist, but once it settle on everything, my place looked like the Winter Christmas Display at Macy’s….white stuff all over the place.

Took me a week to clean it up.

Finally, I ended up hiring a man from Bangladesh who now comes in and cleans the whole place wonderfully.

He reads Italian too.

As bad as I make it seem, I actually enjoying cleaning my condo there. As I work up a sweat dusting, washing, and cleaning, I remind myself that I am in Sicily and that kinda cancels everything out!