Pasta alla Norma

 

Buon giorno,

I figured it would be rude to come to Catania, home to Bellini and his famous Opera Norma and not have the iconic pasta dish that honored the work. This took some doing. Many resteruants and cafes offer the dish, but I keep early hours, and I like to come home, take off my contact lenses and my shoes and socks and relax into dinner.

I ordered my pasta al dente, and it is really very chewy. To wash it down I have some DOP Sicilian red. Av very nice combination, I must say. There are small pieces of eggplant in a sweetish tomato sauce with plenty of parmesan. I hope it does not screw up my digestion.

I found a place near the Duomo that does take away, and I determined to attend it. But first I had to find the joint, which should have been easy, but wasn't for me. At last I spotted it and went in. One orders by machine, which I figured out. I was paying in coin--also by machine, but I put my coins in the wrong way. Uh oh. Fortunately I know how to say I'm sorry in Italian: Mi dispiace. I must say the young man was very gracious about it, and we both thought it was funny.  He finally dug out all the misplaced coins, and I was launched. Each dish is cooked to order, but it does not take long. I do have to comment that both the cook and the manager were Very Handsome Young Men. An enhancement of the experience.

But then I had to drag my carcass and food up the hill. I have actually covered a lot of ground today.

I began with a trip to the grocery store. Then I went out to stroll. Near the Fish Market, I came upon the Sunday flea market, which is quite extensive.I had a good time walking around looking at the goods on offer. Some of it is junk, but most of the stands offered quality goods, and a few catered to collectors. I saw a lot of fun things, but nothing I really wanted or could pack, so my cash stayed in my purse. But if you are in need of jewelry, or pretty old china, this is the place for you.

So the bottom line, what with one thing and another, I walked over 13,000 steps today. I think I earned the Pasta alla Norma.

Ciao for now.