Bring on Summer! : A Freshly inspired Sicilian Strega Dinner Experience (Saturday)

Witches!! Summer Solstice has passed, and it's time to cast spells on our magic pasta pots, do our sun dances, and dine in style! Maybe even on the patio if weather allows!!!

Come as you are, or dress up in a Witch costume to cast solstice spells on a long, gorgeous UP summer!

Let's Celebrate with a Sicilian Feast to bring on a Sicilian Summer!

Sicilia, the gorgeous island off of the southern most tip of Italy is by far one of our favorite places in the world. Surrounded by the crystal clear sea, Mt. Etna's beauty, the hills dotted with olive groves, fruit and nut trees, the ancient amphitheaters,... It's enough to fall in love with the place (even before tasting the food and rich wines with fantastic mineral character from the volcanic soil)!

Sicily holds possibly the strongest regional sense in Italy. The language is different, the culture remains very traditional and old-fashioned, and the food is absolutely divine. With a rich ancient greek and Arab history, and its placement on the spice route, the influence comes across in many of the dishes. Sicilian dishes are set apart from traditional pan-Italian with the interesting combinations of citrus, rice, sugar, dried fruits, pine nuts, baking spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, pepper, pistachio, olives, etc. The warm climate and bountiful waters bring bright ripe flavors and plenty of seafood to the table.

Strega staff had the opportunity to visit this magical island back in spring of 2025, and we're all excited to share our recollection of our experience there for your enjoyment!

We hope you will join us for this is possibly Rachael's favorite region!; she just can't stay away and will be returning from there once again to cook this up for you all!

Sample menu (subject and likely to change based on fresh inspiration!)

Antipasti:

Pane di Semola (Semolina Bread)

Caponata (Sweet and Sour Eggplant with Golden Raisins, Capers & Pinenuts)

Insalata di Polpo (Octopus & Potato Salad)

Primi:

Bucatini con le Sarde (Hollow Spaghetti with Sardines, Fennel, Raisons & Pinenuts)

Casarecce in Pesto Trapanese (Homestyle Pasta in punchy tomato & nut pesto)

Couscous alla Trapanese (Seafood Couscous)

Secondi:

Pesce Spada con Salmoriglio (Swordfish with Lemon-Oregano Sauce)

Salsiccia in Pomodoro (Sausage with Lemon & Orange; Stewed with Tomato & Marsala)

Insalata di Finocchio (Fennel, Olive & Orange Salad)

Dolce:

La Reginelle (Sesame Cookies) & La Ricotta Dolce (Homemade, of course!)