REVIEWS FROM TRIP ADVISOR

“A most memorable meal in Sicily “

We had a wonderful experience at the Villa Brittania Cooking Class in Taormina Sicily. Louisa has a beautiful villa in heavenly Taormina where she hosts Sicilian cooking classes under the direction of Chef Carmelo. Everything is made with fresh local ingredients and the menu was authentic and original. After we assisted with the preparation we had the pleasure of eating our seafood salad, swordfish involtini, risotto and cassata on the terrace surrounded by the garden. We laughed, ate and enjoyed. Highly recommended.

BY WALLENS NEW YORK 2013

 

“Cooking with U-Boss: Un’ultima piacere! (Greatest pleasure!) “

Searching TripAdvisor for a cooking class in Taormina, I was drawn to Villa Britannia’s cooking class web site by Carmelo’s self-proclaimed nickname: U-Boss. Being Sicilian-American, I knew that anyone who uses “u” for the Italian “il” has to be authentic. And what a great pleasure and honor it was to be working at the side of such a skilled (very handsome, too!) chef as Carmelo.The Villa is located high above a quiet residential street. Entrance and paths leading up to the Villa explode with flowers, trees, palm plants. Waiting at the top, lovely Luisa offers a warm welcome and a tour of the Villa, which offers vacation rentals. Luisa, a Brit-Sicilian, owner and manager, and charming Carmelo are a fantastic team. Luisa had graciously encouraged my solo attendance; and what a nice surprise to see a last-minute participant appear. Brad–and American, in-between university graduation and continued studies abroad–added his delightful, youthful savvy and skill to the event.Carmelo runs an efficient kitchen, from menus and needed ingredients listed on a chalkboard, to day-before prep or more involved recipe steps, such as sponge cake and a bagna (reduced fruit syrup for the cassata). We marvel at his genial take-charge manner, yet he’s patient and amenable to our eagerness for hands-on experience. Every ingredient is fresh; and no effort is spared to demonstrate a from-scratch approach, while his commentary and technique reflect over 50 years’ experience.
Shellfish, squid, fresh anchovies (not the salty tinned ones) and other fish soon become either a marinated appetizer bruschetta; chopped filling for savory spiedini (skewered swordfish rolls); or a palate-swooning seafood risotto. We behead/de-gut anchovies; pound swordfish cuts into flat medallions; grate cheese, stale bread; chop garlic, prawns, tomato, basil for a filling; chop chocolate and whip cream and ricotta to fill and cover 5 sponge cake layers. Meanwhile, to assuage our eager taste buds, Carmelo stirs up apertivo of orange-y Aperol, bitter campari, red & white vermouths, orange & lemon juice, chopped fresh cherries. Cin-Cin!
Out on the deck overlooking a blue sea and Taormina, a lovely table setting with red, white wines sets the tone for our sumptuous lunch, topped off by a magnificent Sicilian cassata (cake) and mandarinetto liqueur Superba! Squisita! Meravigliosa!

BY PRESCOTT  ARIZONA

“Fabulous Cooking Class”

Fabulous cooking class conducted by Chef Carmelo U Boss and his able assistant and the owner of Villa Britannia, Luisa. 
Chef had assembled the ingredients the day before and he insists on fresh vegetables from his own garden and the freshness shows through. Many years of experience in London, Sydney & Adelaide hotels and restaurants is evident in his professional approach..
Chef gave four of us a great lesson in Sicilian cooking and we consumed the spoils on a terrace overlooking the beautiful blue sea off Taormina.
Red and white local wines selected by our chef accompanied our beautiful meal and a point to note, our chef is a Sommelier and so his selections were excellent.
This venue only conducts two lessons per week and we arrived at 10:00 AM, had lunch at 1:00 PM and finally departed in our two Smart Cars at 4:00 PM. 
A wonderful day with great cooking tips, a wonderful meal and a gracious host and hostess.

BY JOHN PERTH

“Fabulous”

Our experience with Chef Carmelo and Luisa was fabulous. Chef was so gracious and patient in educating our party and really grateful for his sense of humor. Every step of the way through the preparation of the meal he explained the why and how-to of using fresh ingredients and bringing out the natural flavors in each dish. We were served the meal on the terrace in grand style. An unforgettable experience!
Luisa was most hospitable and made us feel right at home, Villa Brittania is a lovely B&B and I was disappointed we had not considered staying there while in Taormina. 
We received all the recipes as promised and are excited to recreate our unforgettable meal.
Thank you both!

Ajwrd 07 PA