From February the 11th to February the 13th, into the exclusive atmosphere of the Villa Igiea Hotel, the exhibition:”The precious Palermo” was held. To the event, organized by the Confindustria of Palermo in honor of Donna Franca Florio, participated goldsmiths, antiquarians, stylists, and textile art-crafts and it was also an opportunity to reward Sicilian women distinguished in the field of art and in the field of the entrepreneurship. The prizes went to Francesca di Carpinello for the art field, to Giusy Zalapì Benanti for the social involvement, to Iolanda Riolo and Natalia Ravidà Spatafora for the entrepreneurship. The choice of the Villa Igiea Hotel as location for the exhibition is connected to the history of the Villa itself: it belonged to the Florio Family and it was an extraordinary place for political and social meetings, in a time when Palermo was a political and cultural centre, at national and international level.

The best tradition of the Sicilian cuisine, mixed with innovation, inspiration, fantasy, local and genuine ingredients: with these elements Massimo Mantarro, chef of the “Principe Cerami” Restaurant at the San Domenico Palace Hotel, won the Gambero Rosso Guide price as best emerging chef for 2011. His background is wholly Sicilian, the same Sicily able to suggest touristic offers for the élite, the same Sicily full of history and culture and that expresses itself at maximum levels especially through its culinary art. Born in Calatabiano, in Catania’s province, degreed at the School for tourism of Giarre, Mantarro at 38 years old is the chef of the “Principe Cerami” Restaurant, that thanks to him obtained 87 points and two forks in the Gambero Rosso Guide. The recipes here proposed conquered national and international clients, fascinated by his creations enriched by the elegant atmosphere of his Restaurant. This prestigious recognition prizes a constant research of equilibrium between ancient recipes and new experiments, a research that can’t leave indifferent and invites always more guests of the San Domenico Palace hotel to make part of it.

The dark beauty of Catania’s lava-struct ured streets belies a lively city brimming with explosive passion for food, fun, life and art.

San Domenico Palace - Taormina

San Domenico Palace - Taormina