Excursion S.a.l.t. behind the scenes of caffè sicilia: a feast of flavors with chef's table pastry master corrado assenza tour at Syracuse

Your host: Corrado Assenza

Pastry chef Corrado Assenza has turned a family sweet shop dating back to 1892 into a destination revered by gourmands everywhere. His granite, gelati, cannoli, cassate and almond nougat are considered to be the country's finest, and his candied orange zests are used by the best panettone-makers. Before taking over Caffè Sicilia, in Noto, he had studied to become an agronomist; he's an exceptionally articulate storyteller, with a deep knowledge of the history and anthropology of Sicilian gastronomy, and a masterful chef, with a distinctive philosophy promoting a lighter, more natural (but no less delicious) approach to patisserie. He sources the best seasonal ingredients, treating them as gently as possible. Today he works alongside his son Francesco, the 4^th generation of Caffè Sicilia.

Scenic Drive towards Noto, Caffè Sicilia

If you sign up for the program departing Siracusa, Corrado Assenza - legendary maestro pasticcere (you might have seen him on Netflix's “Chef's Table”) and “almond whisperer” - will be your guide on a journey to remember. Upon departure from the port you will drive for about 45 minutes towards the Noto area where Mr. Assenza lives and his family's Caffè Sicilia has been in business since 1892.  

“There's a big difference between 'sweet' and 'sugary,'” Assenza says. “And I'm on a constant spasmodic quest for nature's own sweetness. I don't like to add refined sugar,” he points out, a key element in his philosophy which favors honey and pivots around a lighter (less yolks, less fat, no artificial thickenings), gentler patisserie. To hear him explain how savory and sweet mingle in Sicilian tradition, and the story of its influences, from the Arab world to the aristocracy of old Europe, is quite simply mesmerizing. But it's his food that will absolutely blow your mind.

Welcome Snacks, Private introduction and demo on Sicilian Pastry

You will see Assenza in action at Caffè Sicilia, in the center of the jewel of Sicilian Baroque, Noto: the caffè was recently renovated optimising production in the in-house laboratory without changing the atmosphere of the shop. You will first enjoy a welcome snack sitting at the café's tables, observing the lively coming and going of customers and staff. You will then join Corrado Assenza for a lively immersion in Sicilian pastry and seasonal ingredients: he will show you his favorite materia prima and you will taste the delicious creations it inspires, from gelati to sorbets, from cakes to granite, from cookies to biancomangiare (Assenza's signature almond pudding.) This tasting will be different every time, depending on the season.  

Pastry Laboratory, Granita and Biancomangiare Demo, Caffè Sicilia Aperitivo

You will then participate in a very exclusive extended (45 minutes to an hour) visit to Assenza's laboratory (where all products are handmade, slowly): here the pastry maestro will show you how he makes granita and biancomangiare (or another sweet option, if the season’s ingredients inspire him otherwise.) And finally, you will return to the café's tables to enjoy a unique aperitivo, discovering that even in Assenza's cocktails and savory snacks - much like in his sweets - the purity of Sicilian ingredients shines in a delicious, unforgettable way.

After aperitivo walk back to the coach and drive to the Syracusa pier.

Points of interests

Points of interest seen on this excursion may include: Walk through the Baroque center of Noto, Tour of Caffè Sicilia and exclusive visit of Assenza's pastry lab to watch how Assenza's famous granite and biancomangiare are made. The tour also includes a welcome snack, a full tasting of some of Caffè Sicilia's most iconic sweet creations, and an unforgettable “arrivederci” aperitivo, before returning to ship.

Note

Please note: This tour involves a moderate amount of walking for approximately 1 km sometimes on cobblestones and slight inclines with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach and few steps at the laboratory. This tour is not suitable for guests with limited mobility and guests who utilise a wheelchair. Lightweight, comfortable clothing, flat, closed-toe walking shoes and sun protection are recommended. Snacks vary depending on the season. Space on this tour is extremely limited; we suggest you book well in advance to avoid disappointment. Although space on this tour is very limited a minimum number of participants is required to operate. Please note that guides may have accents reflecting their regional backgrounds, which adds to the diversity and richness of the experience.