On Sunday evening, my lovely boyfriend, a local Modican man, took us out of Modica to Donnalucata for some moonlit seaside strolling and a romantic dinner for two. His location choices have never once left me disappointed.
There are two parts of Mezzaparola, a lovely little cocktail bar and just a few feet away, the restaurant.
Initially, we decided to go to the bar for an aperitivo. The bar is a lovely little spot with a great outside seating area, as well as a modern but comfortable interior bar, it's really pleasing on the eye. We sat outside and the first thing I noticed was the bossa nova jazz playing in the background, it was the perfect soundtrack for a relaxing seaside evening drink, it finished off the perfect ambiance of our gorgeous surroundings.
I moved to Sicily three years ago and since then, I have tried in vain to find a place were I can get a decent version of my favourite cocktail, the mighty Bloody Mary. Most places simply do not serve them, despite our lovely crops of tomatoes here in Sicily, drinking their juices is seemingly something of a taboo. And when I have managed to find somewhere willing to serve one, well, that desired kick is just not as forceful as it ought to be. So, when I saw Bloody Mary on the cocktail menu on Sunday, it was with slight trepidation that I ordered my long-lost favourite tipple (imagine my surprise when my boyfriend ordered one too!). It arrived garnished with cherry tomatoes and basil and the first sip told me all I needed to know, that familiar firey thrill on the tongue. Oh such pleasure! Finally! Finally! A Bloody Mary on the island I now call home. I think we can all sleep a little easier now I know where to go to get my fix.
We ordered some fishy snacks which arrived promptly and were beautifully presented. Being fully satisfied by our experience, we decided we would go for a little stroll by the sea and then hit Mezzaparola Part II - The Restaurant.
The restaurant too has a lovely outside seating space, it was a lovely evening with a warm breeze so we sat in the little garden along with a handful of other diners.
The menu was filled with enticing fish
prime (first courses, usually pasta) and
seconde (second courses). I was immediately drawn to the Spaghetti alla Bottarga (tuna roe) and after much deliberation, my dining partner went for the same. The dish was stunning, delicate flavours with fantastic fresh pasta. Honestly, one of the best pasta dishes I have eaten and that's a lot of pasta after three years in Sicily. We ordered a second course of tuna with onions and a tomato sauce to share, by this time, I was already feeling quite full but I was so pleased we did order it, the tuna was so tender and the onion and tomato sauce a joy to the palate. If we can describe food as beautiful, this certainly was.
We drank a bottle of Murgo from the Etna region of Sicily which accompanied the meal perfectly. Crisp and with flavours sharp enough to exist next to the lovely fish dishes. A strong choice for anyone looking for a wine to serve with fish.
The service was professional but friendly and I could see our fellow diners enjoying the experience as much as we did. Prices were reasonable given the enormously high standard of everything we tasted.
I can't wait for our next visit. It's an evening to remember for a long time to come, wonderful food, awesome drinks, great music and the company of the man I love... perfect!
Mezzaparola
Via Martiri D'Ungheria 2, 97018 Donnalucata
