In ‘Sicily with Michael Portillo’, Michael immerses himself in the vibrant culture of Palermo, beginning his exploration by navigating the city’s maze of narrow medieval streets in a unique way: flagging down an ‘Ape’, a three-wheeled taxi, for an exhilarating ride.
He then explores Sicily’s gastronomic heritage at the colourful Ballarò street food market, which has been thriving for over a thousand years. Here, he samples curious delicacies, including a spleen sandwich, before shifting his focus to the island’s dark underbelly—its links to the Mafia. Michael meets courageous anti-Mafia locals who have bravely stood up to the mobsters, contributing to Palermo’s reputation as one of Italy’s safest cities today.
Venturing into the Sicilian countryside, Michael discovers one of the region’s finest panoramas, overlooking the ancient temple of Segesta. He also uncovers the 19th-century Palazzo Butera, a once-derelict palace that has been meticulously restored to its former splendour. He then explores the secrets of the idyllic seaside town of Mondello and checks into the opulent Villa Igiea, where he sips on an aperitivo named after Hollywood legend Burt Lancaster, who once stayed there.
Michael’s culinary adventures in Palermo are equally enticing. He hones his pasta-making skills with an Italian Duchess, tackles Sicilian specialities with a Michelin-starred chef, and learns the art of cannoli pastry-making at a traditional pasticcerie. Plus, he roasts coffee at a family-run torrefazione and looks at the city’s multicultural past by visiting the Arab-Norman church, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Michael Portillo on ‘Sicily with Michael Portillo’, airs on Channel 5 at 7:30 PM on Saturday, 17 August 2024.
