The Sicilian Pantry

“This was an amazing experience. Michael and Melissa were such warm and inviting hosts. We so very much enjoyed not only the cooking class where we learned how to cook typical Sicilian food, but being in their company. Definitely a highlight of our trip and we can't recommend enough that you book this experience!!”

The first clue about how good Michael’s classes are is that I took a second while spending time in a Palermo and expect to take a third before I leave! Wandering about the Capo Market and learning about local fruit, vegetables, fish and meats is just the start of a fabulous day. I was a decent cook when I arrived but left the kitchen each day with significant new knowledge and improved technique. The classes are ideal for those with basic skills as well as those who know their way around a kitchen. The menus we prepared are easily adaptable for those of us who will be returning to the US and might not have access to the abundance of extraordinary produce found in Sicily. Questions are encouraged at every step of the process. After preparing the dishes, we all shared a delightful lunch as a group. I feel so lucky to have encountered Michael and Melissa at the Sicilian Pantry. I would add more stars to my review if they were available! Oh, and we were all provided with printed recipes for the dishes we prepared. I have no doubt that the dishes we prepared will become part of my regular repertoire when I have returned to my own kitchen!

My best friend and I thought it was the BEST experience!! Everything was beautiful and professional. The shopping was informative, presentation exceptional, Chef Michael and his assistant were knowledgeable and creative, every step in the process was explained and everyone got hands on cooking steps. The food was delicious and eating it was as rewarding as making it! We had 2 kinds of wine and Michael’s homemade Orangecello! I can’t believe we made our own pasta! Do not hesitate to book this fabulous experience!!! You will not be sorry!

My day spent doing this was a definite highlight. Michael is fabulous and very knowledgeable. The best way to do a cooking school is to start at the markets and buy the freshest in season ingredients and then go and create. Sensational day!

Michael was a wonderful host and very knowledgeable about Sicilian cuisine! We had a lovely day cooking & learning and making new friends. When the cooking was done we enjoyed a lovely meal together with local wines & lemoncello! It was a perfect day filled with delicious food & wonderful people. Thank you Michael we will be back!!

Una de nuestras mejores comidas en Palermo.La clase fue magnífica, Michael tiene un conocimiento íntimo y profundo de la cocina siciliana que proviene de un gusto singular por la misma. Esto convierte la clase en una experiencia perfecta en la que se aprende a través de practicar las mejores recetas sicilianas con los productos del mercado.Si lo estás pensando no lo dudéis, totalmente recomendado.

An incredible experience! You can tell how passionate Michael is about what he does. Upon booking, everyone was asked if they have any allergies or preferences regarding what they wanted to cook. Michael catered to every single desire, intolerance and allergy. The meeting point was clearly defined and easy to find. The market tour was very interesting and provided a cultural glimpse of the Sicilian life. We then walked to Michael’s cooking school nearby. We were greeted by the lovely Melissa and great Italian coffee. The order in which we prepared the dishes was precisely considered to take several aspects into account: baking time, time it takes the dough to rise, time it takes the granite to freeze, etc. Melissa was a wonderful help. She was kindly washing/ preparing everything so we could get right to the fun parts of cooking. I never enjoyed cooking, but I love eating. Now that I’ve learnt so many interesting tips and tricks, I will definitely be cooking much more! Thank you for this unforgettable experience.

Michael’s cooking lesson and feast was superb. You’re professionally guided by an expert educator and story teller. It’s starts with the capo market selecting the seasonal produce for the class, then onto his kitchen where you get into the preparation and enjoy eating the results accompanied with great wines. A must do.

Esperienza stupenda: è solo qui che abbiamo sperimentato il VERO gusto della cucina siciliana, altro che Ballarò!

Lo chef Michael ci ha accolti con grande gentilezza e professionalità, ci ha raccontato nel dettaglio alcune delle tante meravigliose tradizioni siciliane, mostrando la sua conoscenza e passione per questa terra e per le materie prime che vi si possono trovare. Le pietanze preparate durante la lezione sono state le panelle e la pasta con il tonno freschissimo di Favignana. Tutto è stato spiegato con semplicità e intuitività, ha seguito ogni nostro passaggio dove eravamo proprio noi a cucinare! Ci siamo divertiti tantissimo!Al termine abbiamo cenato tutti insieme con la sua famiglia e passato una serata magnifica.Consigliatissimo anche ai turisti italiani, ogni luogo ha la sua peculiarità e solo dal cibo se ne possono conoscere i segreti.Da ripetere!