Salina it is the green pearl of the Aeolian Islands. Of the "seven sisters" of the archipelago it is also the most loved by food lover for its top level food and wine offer: capers and Malvasia delle Lipari are two of its symbol products. The island is a destination for travelers, not for hit and run tourists, because it should be discovered slowly, without haste. The heroic producers and the natural winemakers who live in it have contributed to his reputation. We went to Salina to meet Giuseppe Mascoli – owner of the brand Franco Manca – on the occasion of the big party organized at the end of July to celebrate the birthday of the group's first pizzeria outside the United Kingdom.
Why Salina
Amber face, crystalline eyes and a concrete philosophy of life, Giuseppe Mascoli says with a smile: «I chose Salina because I fell in love with it years ago, when I was looking for the perfect caper for my pizzas. It is a productive island, with an active population and an incredible biodiversity, which passes through the chestnut forests at 1000 meters of height, the strawberry trees, the brooms or the honeysuckles on the slopes of the mountains ". Originally from Positano, in the late 1980s Mascoli arrived in London and in 2008, together with her friend Bridget Hugo, an expert baker, opens the first Franco Manca pizzeria in Brixton. The place immediately became a legend of the neighborhood and soon followed other signs in Chiswick, Dulwich, South Kensington, Tottenham Court Road to become 45. In 2017, Franco Manca's first restaurant opens in England, in the Aeolian Islands. The ingredients used are all at zero mile coming in particular from Sicily and from Salina where Giuseppe Mascoli has started a project of biological agriculture and started producing natural wine in amphora.
The pizzeria
To manage the Salina pizzeria there is Sergio Zecchini, born in Messina and residing in Salina for 17 years, assisted by a very young staff. Located in a square within the pedestrian area of the village of Lingua, it has outdoor seating directly facing the Aeolian sea. To celebrate the two years since the Italian opening of Franco Manca, a big party was organized in the name of pizza, sandwiches and typical Aeolian and Sicilian products with the involvement of chefs, local producers, Sicilian artisans and no. The pizzaiola hosted the evening Petra Antolini of the pizzeria Seventh heaven in the province of Verona – among the co-founders of the group Pizza women, women of Heart – who for the occasion made a pizza inspired by local flavors: Sciacca anchovies, Salina capers, buffalo mozzarella, yellow Vesuvius tomatoes, black olives and fresh oregano.
Before saying goodbye, Giuseppe Mascoli tells us: "In my opinion, Salina should leave UNESCO, which often turns places into a sort of Disneyland where the inhabitants are reduced to selling postcards. This island is different and does not deserve this end. So, the dream left in the drawer for years, today is my contribution to Salina . The hydrofoil detaches from the quay while the heart and eyes try to steal the last scents and colors of Salina. Greetings and then the usual promise to come back soon.
Salina Addresses
Where to eat
Franco Manca. Open from June to the end of September, the restaurant / pizzeria is located in the pedestrian area of Lingua. Among the dishes to try, the legendary involtini (“le brociolette”) from Messina prepared according to the ancient Sicilian recipe, the salads with products from the Giuseppe Mascoli vegetable garden in Salina and then the 6 pizzas indicated in the menu.
Where to sleep
Hotel Signum. An authentic Aeolian village where you can breathe the most sincere soul of Salina. For over thirty years the hotel of the Caruso family represents an unmissable stop for those traveling in the Aeolian Islands. Do not miss the aperitif at sunset on the terrace overlooking Panarea and Stromboli and then Martina Caruso's kitchen, a young and talented star chef.
Hotel Punta Scario. The structure built in full Aeolian style in the 70's boasts one of the most beautiful panoramic positions of the whole island. From its terraces you can admire breathtaking sunrises and sunsets. Mrs. Maria every morning prepares breakfast with homemade cakes and biscuits for a sweet awakening.
Where to buy
Carlo D’Amico Agricultural Company. Strongly recommended a jump to Leni to make supplies at the sales point of the Carlo d’Amico farm. Here you will find two of the symbolic products of Salina: the famous capers and the Malvasia delle Lipari, a superlative dessert wine to pair with the typical sesame biscuits produced on the island.
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