Pantelleria, the island of wind Part II

This island looks like a postcard, green, black, colorful of flowers and salty. Yes, I said salty, you can feel the saltiness in your lips, in the air, in the food. Let’s discover Pantelleria starting from my favorite places. One of the typical island’s dishes is the “cous cous”, a dish of North African influence, made from tiny steamed balls of semolina flour. The version made here is just a little different because they use fried veggies, fish stock and tomato paste. Delicious is not enough to describe how good it is.

If you want to try it go to SesiVenti for a wonderful aperitif on top of a dammuso roof, scenic location and wonderful view of a beautiful sunset that overlooks the island hills. They serve you with a drink, that could be either beer, cocktail or a glass of wine, a small jar of cous cous for € 12,00.

The island is also known for the sweet wine they produce, Passito di Pantelleria D.O.C. Lots of companies and small producers. We visited cantine Maddalena. Giuseppe, a young guy that owns the family business and manages it with great dedication, was our host. He went to school in Sicily and after graduation he returned to his loved island. He speaks about his and his own family’s job with a great sense of pride. We did a wine testing accompanied with their home-made products like capers pate, zibibbo grape jam, dried tomatoes, capers leaves, of course their own wine . Chatting with him has been very useful to understand how much the islanders live and love the land rather than the sea. They consider the land their source of food, although difficult to grow. If you decide to visit his cellar don’t forget to try the wonderful Passito di Pantelleria D.O.C. Calypso, it’s the perfect drink to sip during hot nights.

One more typical dish of the island is the insalata pantesca, the Pantelleria’s salad. What a flavor. Basically is a salad made with potatoes, tomatoes, olives, capers, onions and oregano. You can find it in any restaurant of the island, but my favorite is made by trattoria pantesca Runcune; for a pleasant meal try it with a portion of fried squid, shrimps, and bluefish.
For dinner I have two Restaurants to suggest.
Go to Dispensa Pantesca by ristorante la Nicchia . The atmosphere is fantastic, during the sunset you may enjoy a wonderful view of the African Cost and try the seashell, a sea urchin shell filled with white shrimp tartare, sea urchin and mint, super delicious.

The second restaurant is Rifugio Firiciakki, very elegant and classy. Wait until the end of your meal to try the most famous Pantelleria’s dessert: Bacio pantesco the Kisses of Pantelleria, stuffed fritters, a sort of fried waffle with the shape of a flower filled with ricotta cheese and chocolate chips.

Pantelleria is an all-round experience, sea, food, wine, people, sunsets and much more.
I have been lucky enough to have visited many places, but Pantelleria has bewitched me and I will definitely return with the enthusiasm of the first time.

For any further information contact me at
stefaniamontalbano@carlozucchetti.it