Sicula: info request
Apr 28th, 2003 | 02:13 PM
#3
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 108
Likes: 0
Hi Ken
Yesterday, I wrote a very nice elaboration on the B&B Ai Cartari to you but alas and alack it slipped through the confines of this portal, forever lost in cyberspace. Imagine my disappointment! You can probably find out everything you'd like to know at www.aicartari.com as well as information re their seasonal rentals located in Scopello, a quaint fishing village west of Palermo.
Anyway, we loved this B&B situated in the heart of the "historic district" or "old Palermo". The owners are cordial and saw to our every need with cheer and good grace. Why they even welcomed our relatives who came to call from time to time. Our suite was grand and well appointment with Sicilian style antiques and the bath facilities were up-to-date. I especially liked the variety of breakfast treats offered and in particular a "baked cassata" that was outstanding. It's the kind of place where one could easily feel like a participant in everyday Sicilian life rather than a foreign observer. However, although the area is being restored under the auspices of the municipality of Palermo in conjunction with the European Community funding, the surrounding neighborhoods may be considered rather shabby by American standards. However, the narrow cobblestone streets and rundown appearance of the area is the charm. My dog is barking at me so I have to go now. If you want to know more,let me know.
Yesterday, I wrote a very nice elaboration on the B&B Ai Cartari to you but alas and alack it slipped through the confines of this portal, forever lost in cyberspace. Imagine my disappointment! You can probably find out everything you'd like to know at www.aicartari.com as well as information re their seasonal rentals located in Scopello, a quaint fishing village west of Palermo.
Anyway, we loved this B&B situated in the heart of the "historic district" or "old Palermo". The owners are cordial and saw to our every need with cheer and good grace. Why they even welcomed our relatives who came to call from time to time. Our suite was grand and well appointment with Sicilian style antiques and the bath facilities were up-to-date. I especially liked the variety of breakfast treats offered and in particular a "baked cassata" that was outstanding. It's the kind of place where one could easily feel like a participant in everyday Sicilian life rather than a foreign observer. However, although the area is being restored under the auspices of the municipality of Palermo in conjunction with the European Community funding, the surrounding neighborhoods may be considered rather shabby by American standards. However, the narrow cobblestone streets and rundown appearance of the area is the charm. My dog is barking at me so I have to go now. If you want to know more,let me know.
Apr 28th, 2003 | 02:31 PM
#4
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 2,568
Likes: 0
Ken, I too stayed at Ai Cartari (note correct spelling) recently and can second Sicula's remarks. I would happily stay there again.
Things I especially liked about the location, in addition to the ability to walk everywhere we wanted to go, were the Antica Foccaceria San Francesco next door for delicious and inexpensive eats, and the lively Vucciria market nearby where there are fabulous produce, whole swordfish, clothing, kitchen wares, and more.
Two things to be aware of though: the historic district is pretty quiet on Sundays, and the gracious B&B proprietors' spoken English is not fluent (but much better than my Italian); correspondence by e-mail in English is fine.
Things I especially liked about the location, in addition to the ability to walk everywhere we wanted to go, were the Antica Foccaceria San Francesco next door for delicious and inexpensive eats, and the lively Vucciria market nearby where there are fabulous produce, whole swordfish, clothing, kitchen wares, and more.
Two things to be aware of though: the historic district is pretty quiet on Sundays, and the gracious B&B proprietors' spoken English is not fluent (but much better than my Italian); correspondence by e-mail in English is fine.
Apr 29th, 2003 | 03:58 AM
#6
Original Poster
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 26
Likes: 0
Thanks to both of you for the replies. We have been to Palermo and are familiar with the city. The old section is intriging to us and I have been following the development of Ai Cartari for some time. This is the first time I have heard of someone actually staying there and so was interested in a 1st hand report.
We'll give them a try the next time we go. Language no problem as I speak a bit of Italian. The Milza at Antica Foccaceria San Francesco is the best in the city. ;-)
We'll give them a try the next time we go. Language no problem as I speak a bit of Italian. The Milza at Antica Foccaceria San Francesco is the best in the city. ;-)
Apr 29th, 2003 | 04:29 AM
#7
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 108
Likes: 0
A Palermo da buon mangiare non ci manca mai. Also try the more formal restuarant on the second or third floor at the Focaccaria for more samples of dishes like my Sicilian nonna used to make. Then there is a combo enoteca-ristorante above a gelateria across the street and next to the church for interresting out- of-the- loop fare, where it is indeed easy to get looped. I've been going to Palermo since 1967, if you need anyother info, I'd be happy to assist.
