I arrived in Valledolmo Wednesday night and was, naturally, greeted at the convent by a crowd of people and pizza. This town of about 3000 is in the middle of the island nestled among snowy hills, vineyards and farmland. Our time so far has been getting used to life in Valledolmo and Case Vecchie, our school, mostly through hikes, eating, drinking wine, and enjoying the sunshine. Pretty rough I know. It is exciting to be sharing this time with nine other people who want to think and cook and eat and discuss food and what it means as much as I do. They come from all over the world and bring perspectives unique from my own about production or preparation or presentation or culture etc.

Friday after class we went to Charlie Brown, a local favorite, to learn from Cosimo how he makes pizza using Sicilian ancient grains in a traditional wood oven. Anchovies, arugula, prosciutto, Mozzarella di Bufala – Yum! The weekend was more time to settle into Valledolmo mostly through food: espresso, cheese, vino, pastries, Saturday market, but also hiking and aperitivo with the mayor. It’s been busy and overwhelming and thrilling and it’s not been a week!

Ci vediamo!