Hello, Thank you to everyone who answered my post re: swimming in September/October. I was just watching Rick's DVD on the Italian countryside, and in the Sicily segment he said something that seemed to confirm my worst fears: "the food is spicier" . Lately, eating spicy food - for me - means 2-3 days of agony. I avoid it pretty much completely, and actually, I don't even like it, so it's no loss. So, a few questions: 1. Do Sicilians prepare their meals like, Indian-food-spicy? Or something a lot milder? 2. Are all meals prepared this way? I really want to try the pasta, pizza, and other dishes I've only had in their American incarnations (as well as some more exotic fare, esp. seafood). Can you ask for these things without pepper, or whatever spices I might need to avoid; or will your request be ignored? 3. Is there a Sicilian phrase for, "No spice/pepper, please"? I realize I probably sound like a food wuss, but aside from the fiery stuff, I really do want to experience what Sicily has to offer. Thanks again,
Tom
Posted by
San Diego
1540 posts
Tom, I don't remember the food in Sicily being spicy at all. You can order wonderful seafood, pastas, pizzas - all were wonderful. Here is a link I used in planning my trip - lots of useful info here Your text to link here...
Posted by
Chicago
2876 posts
"Is there a Sicilian phrase for, "No spice/pepper, please" "Nessun cibo piccante", according to Google translate.
Posted by
Campbell River, Canada
361 posts
Hi Tom, We just spent 10 days and nights in Sicily in May. Travelled throughout the island and ate out most of the time, didn't have one spicy meal. Maybe a few subtle seasoning differences due to the Arabic influence i.e. cinnamon or nutmeg. The seafood fresh and was simply prepared, pastas delicious, sometimes contained eggplant. Deli meats, tomatoes, olives and cheeses for picnics were exceptional. Really enjoyed the Arancini and Cannoli. Wish we had more opportunity to try more foods. Although we rarely used it, our RS Italian Phrase Book & Dictionary has lots of good info for menus, picnicing, shopping in food markets etc. Piccante is the word for spicy hot. Hope that this helps and that you enjoy Sicily as much as we did. Sherry
Posted by
Toledo, Ohio, US
11613 posts
Tom, spicy is not always fiery. "Piccante" is the stuff to avoid, as posted previously. This descriptive word will often appear on the menu (as in dishes prepared with "salsicce piccante" or "spicy sausage"). Sometimes vegetables are prepared with garlic or red pepper flakes, you may need to ask about individual dishes. Be sure to try the "granite" - it's generally not as slushy in Sicily as in other places.
Posted by
OP
Brooklyn
30 posts
Hello, everybody, Thank you to everyone who responded, you've all set my mind at ease. I now feel confident that I can eat my way thru Sicily!
Posted by
roswell, ga, usa
1501 posts
Hi, Tom, sent you a PM re food as well. Avoid "arribiata" it is the spicy pasta. Also
"Fro Diavolo" not sure about my spelling. We loved the clams and mussles! The pasta that has eggplant in it was called "a la Norma," and not my favorite, but it wasn't spicey. We LOVED the pizza! Look for the words "forno al legno" on the menu/restaurant sign. It means wood oven, and those generally have the best pizza.