Italy’s boot seems to be kicking the island of Sicily off its toe straight into the African continent. Thankfully it can’t – it would be a terrible loss. Sicily is a beautiful and intriguing island. It is a major influence in Italian cuisine and culture. The fine dining Orlando experience at Christini’s Ristorante Italiano provides an outstanding opportunity to sample authentic regional Italian fare, including some Sicilian favorites set in a sublime ambiance.
Over the years, the diet of Sicilians has been gradually changed with the introduction of foods brought to its shores by those who either conquered or settled on the island. From early Greek civilization, who is thought to have contributed to the first taste of wine, to the island being temporarily ruled by Spain which introduced tomatoes from the New World, and finally to the emigration of Arabic peoples from Africa who brought cinnamon, cane sugar, saffron, and rice, the flavors of Sicily evolved.
The soil of Sicily is rich in nutrients and produces expansive crops of blood oranges, lemons, varietal grapes, Durham wheat, olives, walnuts, and almonds. Every season in Sicily is productive as a result of its location and climate.
Sweets such as marzipan (of Arabic origin) and cassata, which is made with sweetened ricotta, almond paste, and candied fruit layered in rum-soaked sponge cake, are hugely popular in Sicily. Cannoli, almond paste cookies, and almond nougat can also be savored throughout the island.
The Mediterranean Sea provides the majority of the protein consumed in Sicily. Fresh fish and shellfish are always found on the menu. From tuna, sardines, swordfish and yes, the anchovy, to clams, and shrimp, you are sure to find your favorite seafood delight. Historically, meat was limited to lamb and pork, but beef has made a steady appearance on menus as of late.
Perhaps the most surprising thing to note about the best that Sicily offers is the recent evolution of the wine industry in Sicily. Once known only for producing lackluster crops of grapes which, in turn, produced inferior wines, vintners of old shipped their product north to be fortified. Marsala wine is perhaps the best-known example of such a wine. The addition of alcohol in the fortification process provided a better taste and helped the wine to travel well. Vintners are now manufacturing some outstanding and award-winning wines in Sicily as a result of the reduction of the bulk wine mentality moving towards the more careful selection and growing of international varieties of grapes.
Are you ready to dive into some authentic Italian fare prepared with the freshest ingredients and made with tried and true Italian recipes? Would you like to savor one of Sicily’s wonderful wines? Call and make your reservation now to enjoy the Orlando fine dining experience at Christini’s Ristorante Italiano.
