Food experiences
The sweet and sour flavors of my kitchen
5.0
Francesca Maria
Spoken languages: Italian and English
Tasting of traditional dishes
Private Experience
Your experience
Sicily has been a land that has had in past centuries many dominations that have left their flavors in our cuisine..one of them is sweet and sour! I am going to let you taste some dishes where sweet and sour is the protagonist! We will start with eggplant caponata. Then I will prepare pasta alla norma, fried sardines with sweet and sour onion, and to finish a very sweet orange jelly.
€95.00 per guest
(€47.50 per child)
Remaining char: 500
Total: €95.00
€95.00
per guest€47.50 per child
Reviews
5.0
72 reviews
- "Only with my hands can I understand the dough", Francesca said. This statement of her demonstrates how much passion Francesca puts into cooking and entertaining her guests. We felt very welcome when we arrived for our food experience at her home in Bagheria. There we enjoyed a delicate salad, delicious eggplant rolls, wonderful fresh pasta having been produced with a "chitarra", and filled meat skewers one after the other, while learning a wealth of interesting facts about life in Sicily. The fact that we also were able to share personal stories about our lives in Bagheria and Munich contributed to the feeling of well-being. We're still dreaming about the delicious mandarin jelly dessert today, the day after; we'll also never forget the special atmosphere of the kitchen, Francesca's kingdom. To be highly recommended!
- Today, 8 June, we took a cooking class with Francesca in Sicily. We learned the techniques to make 3 dishes: Ravioli with Eggplant, Pasta w/ Sausage and Zucchini and for desert - Tiramisu. We learned how to pick the appropriate vegetables, understand the types of flours, seasoning, and oils and preference of one over another. We had to prepare our ingredients, proper cutting and cooking technique. And the tools used for each dish and how to use them. We made the pasta from scratch: Flour (00), Egg, and experienced using a Pasta Machine. We experienced it all. We cooked each portion of the meal, learned what to look for and when it was ready to add the next ingredient. We cumulated this with 2 favorable and tasty meals; and finally desert. Finally, I never used or thought I'd like Basil but Francesca showed me how to prepare, cook, and appreciate its fine flavor. So, when in Sicily, and if you have time, I highly recommend a side trip to Bagheria and a cooking class with Francesca.
- Ciao Francesca: my brother and I truly enjoyed our 3 hours with you. I thought 3 hours was going to be a long time, but learning and cooking with you, the time flew by. Bill and I discussed how we can't wait to try different fillers for our ravioli and my brother is planning small cups of tiramisu, just like his pana cotta. You really have us thinking 😃 Your hospitality was so warm and friendly. Thank you for opening your kitchen to us. Grazie, Kathi and Bill
- Francesca was a fantastic host with a lovely kitchen and the most friendly personality, going above and beyond to ensure we had an unforgettable experience! She is extremely talented and skilled with all things Sicilian cooking, being incredibly patient with us as well learning her artform. We had some of the best tiramisu we've ever had and are excited to have our leftovers for dinner! Cannot recommend Francesca enough!
- After two weeks in Sicily, we can so warmly report that our even of pasta-making class and 4-course dining with Francesca was a top high-light. We were welcomed into her beautiful kitchen in Bagheria with open-arms and deep conversation about food and culture. From the pasta-making to the perfect antipasti, first and second courses, topped off with local fruit and sorbeti, it was a magical evening we won’t forget. We are encouraging all our Canadian friends to book an evening with Francesca to make their Sicilian experience feel bespoke. Grazie, Francesca. 5/5 rating! D&A from Toronto.
Eva&Matthias - June 2025
kam from Hawaii, 2025 - June 2025
Kathi Kam - June 2025
Bruce M - June 2025
Doug and Ainsley - May 2025
€95.00 per guest
(€47.50 per child)
Remaining char: 500
Total: €95.00
€95.00 per guest
Where
Francesca Maria
Cesarina from 2021Location: Palermo Languages: Italian and EnglishFrancesca lives in Bagheria, the 'city of villas', a land kissed by the sun and the sea breeze. Our Cesarina brings Sicilian recipes to the table, rich in contrasts, where sweet is combined with salty, sweet and sour is used a lot and dried fruit is perfect on meat, fish and vegetables. "All this is the result of the cultures that have passed through our land. My cuisine is linked to the traditions of both my area and my family. I only use local products and I hope to be able to pass on to my guests all the passion and love that I put when I cook."
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Families and solo travellers welcome
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Free cancellation
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