CaSala - Dinner

Dinner at CaSale by our chefs Emanuela Marrone and Antonetta Catalano, who are in their early 20s.  Emanuela is the niece of owner.  Emanuela said that they get the fish from a friend of their father, who is a fisherman.  Both girls were taught by their mothers on how to cook.  They live in the town of Salinagrande (5 minute drive) and go to school in Pisa.  Emanuela is studying languages and Antonetta political science.

The meal was truly incredible.  We started with salad, tomatoes, and olives.  The First Course was a mushroom Risotto that was the so delicious.  The Second Course was fish – Gilt Head Bream and Occhiata, which are both local to this part of the Mediterranean.  Vegetables included grilled onions, eggplant, and grilled peppers.  The dessert was panna cotta, which was a family recipe.  We have enough food for at least two or three meals.  We marveled that they could be such great cooks at a young age. 

Monreale

Monreale was the royal hunting ground and hunting lodge during the Norman times.  It was initiated by William II around 1172.  It included a cathedral, Benedictine abbey, and a royal palace.  The cathedral rivals the greatest cathedrals of other European cities.

Segesta

Segesta was founded around 12C BC by the Elimi under Greek sponsorship on a steep mountain, since it was under constant threats from its neighbors.  In the 5C BC, it fought against its great rival Selinunte.  It was damaged by the Vandals in 5C AD.  The Tempio was build in 430 BC.  The Teatro was built in 3C BC with the bay of Golfo di Catellammare in the background.