Julia Dailey, Classical Mediterranean: Ancient Sicily, Summer 2026
Everyone knows that Italy is known for its food. I was excited to go to Sicily for a month and try dozens of new dishes in their authentic settings. I can confidently say that the cuisine I experienced while abroad was one of my favorite experiences.
Getting to experience Sicilian cuisine firsthand was very different from simply eating Italian food back home. The ingredients, preparation, and atmosphere surrounding each meal made the food feel like an important part of experiencing the culture itself.
Pictured here is my favorite dish I had, fish fried in potatoes (like hashbrowns) with parsley as a garnish. Not pictured is the orange tiramisu that accompanied this that I had for dessert.
The fish in Sicily was the most fresh I have ever tasted, which was delightful to experience since my favorite food is any form of seafood. I also tried many new things, including clams, oysters, and Arancino, a Sicilian staple.
Trying foods that were specifically associated with Sicily also helped me better understand the unique culture of the island compared to other parts of Italy.
It was amazing to see how food was so deeply ingrained in Italian culture. They value family time enormously, and usually see family while eating meals. I loved having multiple hour long breaks for mealtimes that allowed me to really savour my food and time that I was having with my newly made friends.
Some of my favorite memories from the entire trip came from simply sitting around a table, enjoying good food, and talking with my friends. These meals allowed us to slow down, enjoy each other’s company, and appreciate the beautiful and complex culture surrounding us. The experience gave me a new appreciation not only for Sicilian cuisine, but also for the importance that food can have in bringing people together.
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