ABOUT US

We are Alessia Smileandfood and her two sons, Manfredi and Federico. Our story is deeply rooted in the flavors, traditions and love of Sicily, a passion we proudly share with all who join us. Together, we continue a family project that began as a collaboration between Alessia, a Sicilian chef and cooking teacher, and her husband Damiano, a passionate professional food and wine journalist, sommelier and blogger. Although Damiano’s journey was tragically cut short by cancer, his spirit lives on in everything our children and I do. So, our mission is clear: to help you discover your unique connection to Sicily. Whether it’s hands-on cooking classes, market tours or sharing lovingly prepared meals through our private chef service, we invite you to experience the joy, authenticity and magic of our island. Our services are designed for everyone: families, young travelers, seniors and even those with specific dietary needs, such as allergies or other requirements. Each activity is an informal and engaging experience, which guarantees a warm, welcoming and inclusive environment. “There is a Sicily for each of you. Our mission is to help you discover the right one.”

What we do

streetfood_catania

STREET FOOD

Street food is the best way of discovering a cuisine which, in the course of centuries, has mixed peoples and culture as if they were ingredients for a complex and incomparable dish. Follow us in the best localities for street food in Siracusa, Catania and Palermo. We will savour dishes which make up part of a 1,000 year tradition and meet people, experience customs and ways of life which continue to help a flavoursome and colourful activity unique in Europe to survive… read more

PERSONAL CHEF SERVICE

Want to enjoy a holiday in a Sicilian villa without having to slave over the oven producing dishes for family and friends? Do you need to organise a lunch or dinner at your home and allow your children to experience Sicilian cookery without having to go to a restaurant? Alessia will be your own private chef and together with her staff offer you an exclusive menu which you can agree on together. Serving staff available if required. Enjoy the fragrances and the flavours of Sicily in an exclusive, comfortable and easy style which speaks of Sicily. read more

Cooking experiences

If you are planning your holidays in Sicily I know one of the best ways to experience an authentic Sicily with its people. Through my eyes, my house and my cooking class, of course! I’ll teach you how to make delicious typical Sicilian dishes exactly the way we still daily do. But, before spending our time cooking, you’ll follow me into the picturesque atmosphere of the lovely street market in Ortigia where, immersed into marvelous flavours, colours and culinary traditions, I’ll introduce you to my friends who work there. By listening to their advice, we’ll choose together the fresh ingredients we need to make our Sicilian meal… Read More

Smile and Food di Alessia

When you’ll be back home you’ll surprise your friends and yourselves with a typical Sicilian dinner and you’ll tell them about the very special time you had with your new friend, Alessia the Sicilian !

Tasty & Easy Meals