Limited edition
Photography by Øivind Haug
Hardcover volume. Printed in Italy
24 x 30 cm, 2.56 kg, 400 pages
270 images and 50+ recipes

The story
The owners of Rocca delle Tre Contrade courageously embarked upon the immense task of reclaiming the abandoned, dilapidated old buildings and making their dream come true: creating a spectacular gathering place for guests from all over the world. They are passionate food and wine connoisseurs and work tirelessly with the villa’s team to make and serve the best of Sicilian and Italian cuisine, developing an extensive and unique recipe collection along the way. This is the story about that inspiring journey.

The recipes

The 50+ recipes included in the book are tried and tested staple dishes from the villa’s kitchen, all explained in simple detailed steps, accompanied by images taking in the atmosphere of nearby markets, the villa’s own grounds and the daily rituals, from floral arrangements to the preparation of lavish table settings. The style of cooking is generous but not complex, the techniques simple while the ingredients are easy to find even if you’re not in Sicily. Many recipes are suitable for vegetarians.

The anecdotes

The spirit and allure of a place is about the people that inhabit it, those who care for and love the spaces, contribute with their creativity, set the mood and meet the expectations of our guests. As in real life, the staff, the gardeners, the florist, the fishmonger, the stallholder and not least the cooks are always present also in this book, and even if the sound of low chattering or distant humming is hard to capture in print, their personal touches, their smiles and some of their stories will emerge.

The spaces

The images in the book showcase the generous interior spaces of Rocca delle Tre Contrade. Decorations and furniture are deliberateley understated and an informal, while at the same time elegant, style has been chosen in which materials and colours, old and new furniture blend effortlessly. The structure of the building itself is ancient and solid, and reclaimed materials such as lavastone and terracotta have been layered with white-washed walls and ceilings, concrete and marble floors, oversized furniture and original modern artwork, to create light and airy spaces within the 3 foot thick walls.

The surroundings

From a local insider point of view, every chapter with its texts and dreamy images will take the reader deep into the secrets and beauties of the surrounding landscape, countryside, markets and towns – steeped in tradition, history and mythology. With every season and time of day possibilities change and new discoveries can be made off the beaten track.

Contributors

Contributors to our book include food writer and former editor of Bon Appetit magazine Christine Muhlke, former creative director of Conde Nast Traveler magazine Yolanda Edwards and legendary restaurant and food critic Marina O’Loughlin. A selection of inspired recipes contributed by, among others, Michelin starred Chef Christian Puglisi and celebrated Pastry Chef Claire Ptak.