Carini, Sicily

A Sicilian town (pop 16,000) near Palermo that sits atop the Bay of Carini offering a breathtaking and spectacular view of the blue waters of the Italian mediterrarean. For over 20 years, Vicki and I along with her family have been patrons of Carini's Restaurant in Lower Township. It was not until a few years ago while talking to Papa Joe that we realized that Carini was a town in Sicily and not Joe and Maria's last name. A proud Sicilian, Joe always spoke highly of his Italian roots and that of his hometown of Carini.

This summer when we made plans to visit Italy we asked Joe what we should visit during our trip to Sicily. As luck would have it, we all would be in Sicily at the same time. Prior to leaving the States we made plans to visit Joe and Maria along with Maria's sister Joanna, her husband Vito and their daughter Danielle. You may remember them as they were the owners of Sal's Pizza which they sold just a few years ago.

If you think dining at Sal's and Carini's offer good food.... well you should sit down for a dinner with them in their home in CARINI! Everything was fresh right out of Vito's garden ... from the tomatoes for the sauces to the marinated olives and fresh lemons, oranges and tangerines. As for the Calamari, Shrimp and Swordfish ... well ... we have never tasted anything like it... fresh from the sea only hours prior to being prepared.

The hospitality they showed Vicki and I was unbelievable. They truly made our trip to Italy most memorable.

AWESOME - this is our story in photos...