|
2 Mini-Feasts in Sicily Last October Don and I had only a few hours in Taormina. Sinfully short! Yet somehow we managed to explore AND have 2 quick "dining" adventures.  First we had a quick bite at Caffe Wunderbar. It was indeed Wonderful! Gelato! I squeezed in a speedy gelato adventure before we departed!  Cheers to enjoying some refreshing pistachio gelato, at Gelato Fresla! 56 Years Ago The last time I was in Taormina was in 1969. I was 11 and my dad was on the faculty of a study abroad program with Florida State.  It was nearly 60 years ago.My family spent a day touring ruins with 2 busloads of college students. Then we picnicked and then I picked flowers. Roman Greco Theatre When Don and I visited in fall of 2025, we worked up a good appetite while climbing up to catch a stunning view at the top of the old Roman Greco Theatre.  Our nephew was with us and took this photo. I told Andy how I remembered sitting on those stone seats, 56 years ago. I told him about watching a Greek Tragedy, that his (my dad) had directed.  I still remember being so very jealous, because my brother (Andy's uncle) got to play a small part in a scene. Caffe Wunderland from 1870 I remember the theatre and the flowers, but I recall very little about the charming hilltop town. I certainly have no memory of Caffe Wunderland, but it was there in the 1969. The old cafe (once an inn ) had already been sitting there on the piazza for nearly a century.  In the 1960s, Taormina was a popular destination for Hollywood elite. Celebrities like Elizabeth Taylor, Tennessee Williams and Greta Garbo were known to spend time at Caffe Wunderbar. October 2025 There were no celebrity sightings when we first noticed the tables outside the lovely Ristorante.  There were no people sightings at all, when I peeked inside the the lovely and modern interior. No one wanted to sit inside on such a glorious day. Most dining guests were enjoying meals on Wunderbar's terrace overlooking the sea.  The panoramic terrace had sweeping views of the Ionian Sea and Mount Etna. Chris & Karen We spotted my brother and sister-in-law who had already enjoyed a feast with pasta and seafood.  We were able to find a table not far from them. The historic town was swarming with tourists, but our table was a laid back oasis.  We enjoyed a few little tidbits. Crackers and olives and sweet cookies of some kind.  A bottle of wine would have been nice, but we didn't have time for lingering long. Don and I each ordered cappuccino, served in china cups, with the Wunderbar logo.  We split a large Toast with prosciutto, wrapped in paper. Andy shared some of his bruschetta, or was it called "pane croccante", which means crisp bread... I'm trying to remember.  I don't recall exactly. But I do recall we were very content that day.  It was one of my very favorite days on our 15-day cruise! Gelataria Fresla Earlier while wandering up the main street, I noticed a Sicilian cart filled with pomegranates.  After we finished our quick lunch, I raced back to where I'd seen the cart, outside of Gelateria Fresla! Pistachio! I knew what flavor I needed to enjoy before we left Taormina. 
Here are some of the sights we saw while wandering in Taormina. Next time we need to stay a few days and find out what the town is like when the day tourists are all gone!
0 Comments
No Clowns No Elephants Don and I have dined at a few silly circus-themed restaurants over the years. This past April at Ringling Grillroom, they had no colorful clown or tent decorations.  Instead we had a lovely lunch with a more sophisticated circus focus. The cafe was on the property once owned by the famous circus magnate, John Ringling. Our dining adventure included lots of exploring before and after our meal. Touring the Ringling Property We started working up an appetite in the morning, while touring the incredible 66-acre Ringling estate property.  I was as giddy as a kid going to the circus, when we walked through this entrance to buy tickets. My kid-like exuberance had to do with my memories of exploring the Ringling Property with my siblings, in the '60s & '70s. Bayside Property Our family spent quite a bit of time in Sarasota, mostly summers. Dad directed plays at the historic Asolo Theatre, which was on the magical Ringling property, sitting beside Sarasota Bay.  tIn an old brochure, I found an aerial view of the estate that shows the 4 areas I remember. Art museum, Theatre, Ringling mansion and circus museum. Ca'd'Zan, the Ringling Mansion I was eager to show Don the splendid winter retreat that John and Mable Ringling built in the Roaring Twenties. I fondly recall going through the rooms of this Venetian Gothic mansion as a kid. I had never been in a mansion before and my imagination went wild. Where would I sleep? Would I have servants? Could I fish in the bay? It was as grand as I remembered. Don and I did not tour all 56 rooms! The Circus & Art Museums After the mansion Don and I roamed through the buildings that make up the Ringling Museums. The exhibits that feature circus history, is housed in 2 buildings now.  As an adult it's pretty fascinating trying to wrap your head around the idea of a circus empire that involved nearly 2,000 people. The history is amazing. As a kid these exhibits inspired my imagination and a few backyard circuses with neighborhood kids. A visit to the Ringling Art Museum was also a must. The 21-gallery museum was established in 1927, by John & Mable Ringling.  I remember being 11 and wandering inside the pink palace, with rooms that held paintings bigger than my bedroom. When I visited as a 12 year-old, I observed with wiser eyes, since our family had returned from 6 months in Italy. I had a lot to compare to, yet the Ringling Museum (with its copy of Michelangelo's David) seemed just as grand as before! Bayfront Gardens During our visit in April, the weather was ideal. Exploring the grounds was as satisfying as visiting the mansion and museums. We found the Dwarf Gardens and the Ringling cemetery. We strolled on paths through clusters of enormous banyan trees. I spent a moment in Mable's Rose Garden and recognized the little gazebo, where I sat with friends. There must be 100 statues on the property, but Don and I weren't able to find the mythical character with the tail... that I recall from nearly 60 years ago. My brothers and I found it while exploring the property, when Dad was in rehearsal one day. My very convincing older brother Chris, explained to his younger siblings that we too were born with tails and they'd been cut off at birth. We believed him! Hungry By 1:00 our feet were tired and stomachs were empty. If only the old Banyan Cafe had been open. The curious looking cafe was designed by William Rupp in 1961. It's now being restored.  I was pretty excited to find the Ringling Grillroom in the Visitor's Pavilion, which was built about 20 years ago.  The hostess said we didn't need reservations since it was fairly quiet. She said the cafe can get pretty packed, before and after Asolo Repertory Theatre shows.  There were a few inside tables available. The small bar had seating as well. Outside Dining Don and I asked to be seated on the outside terrace if possible.  There was a nice view of the entrance to the main circus museum building.  We watched a group of school kids exiting and felt lucky we'd missed crowds during our roaming around. Menu Options There was no circus decor in the restaurant, but there were some fun nods to the old circus world, in the menu.  I was surprised that prices were so reasonable. G-Room Salad I didn't see any popcorn or peanuts, so I ordered the "G-Room Salad". G-Room is the nickname for Grillroom, but it took me a moment to figure that out.  My salad was good enough to be named after the restaurant! The spiced toasted seeds, crumbled feta Granny Smith apples and crisp veggies made it a refreshing choice. It really was perfect! Bigger and tastier than my photo. Don's Grilled Chicken Panini was thick and hearty. I stole many of his tasty fries!  After finishing, we had time to chat with our server quite a bit. I asked what she knew about the Asolo Theatre. She knew the 18th century theatre was dismantled in Italy and moved to the property in 1951. She said in 2006 it was moved again. I was confused to realize the gorgeous U-shaped "jewel-box theatre" was inside the 20-year-old Visitor's Pavilion. Late '60s We gabbed a bit and I shared briefly about my memories of the theatre, going back to 1968. I didn't force our kind server to listen to anymore rambling. I didn't tell her that I was obsessed with my memories and still had old programs and brochures in boxes back home.  I didn't mention that the first Asolo play my dad directed was the Greek Tragedy Antigone, done in modern times with Neru jackets! I could have mentioned that I recently studied the program and found the name Paul Rubenfeld. Evidenly young Paul played the part of a page. He was a teenager and just an apprentice at Asolo. That was long before he became "PeeWee Herman". Closed Instead of boring our server I just asked where the entrance to the theatre was. She gave directions but wasn't hopeful that I could get inside. The door was indeed locked.  Rats! We paused a moment and I studied a curious poster next to the door. An animated fellow named Luciano Rosso was evidently opening in 2 days. Just then I heard the door handle rattle. Out came a woman carrying a broom and cleaning supplies. She spoke little English and I probably spoke too fast. I tried to explain why I was so eager to peek inside. She seemed somewhat amused and also a little worried... something about not having the authority.  "I'll be so quick!" I begged. She let me in and waited for me. There were 2 men working on the stage and they likely saw me as I snapped 2 photos. I stood for less than a minute, but absorbed the charm and recalled my thrill at sitting in those box seats. I headed back out, where my dear lady was waiting.  As I thanked her, the door opened and a man walked out. Before registering his concern (or lack of) I began to do the talking. I questioned what was going on in there, as if I was some kind of amateur reporter. He laughed and pointed to the poster. "Prepping for a show." he answered. My eyes went from the poster to the man and I concluded. "Is that you?" His eyebrows went up and he laughed again, claiming he wasn't Luciano. The ice was broken and we got to chat a bit. I got to babble about childhood memories. When he mentioned that he was from Sarasota and I wanted to talk for days. What it was like to grow up in "Circus Town" where public school offers classes in circus arts? But it was time to move on. I thanked the man and the very kind woman and we were on our way... after a quick trip to the gift shop.
What a fun and nostalgic dining adventure! At Last I love pancakes and I love a circus theme. I've had my eye on this place since we first visited Sac, 9 years ago.  The Sacramento restaurant has been serving food on Broadway since 1961, although there were no clowns and maybe no pancakes then. It became Pancake Circus in the 1970s. Monday in May Don and I parked in the lot on a Monday morning in May.  The sign said breakfast anytime. It was 8:30. Could I order steak and seafood anytime? We passed a colorful window with clown art.  We were early enough for the Early Bird Special.
The steaming pancake art tempted me. The devil-moon and the fork-eating clown sort of scared me. But a smiling clown greeted us inside.  We did as the sign politely asked. We waited for just a brief moment near the cashier's counter, filled with clown figurines.  There were also framed clowns on the wall and clowns dangling from balloons and a parachute. Luckily Don and I are not freaked out by clowns. Many are. Seating There were 3 seating areas. 140 seats I believe.  Don and I were seated in a booth near the window. There were about a dozen coffee colored booths that matched the dark woodwork. There was a room in the back, with seating. A perfect place for a pancake party! Which I've never thought about having before.  From the "party room" I had a good view of the jolly light fixtures, that I wish I'd captured in a closeup. The gold and green circus tent shapes, looked so 1970s. The far out fixtures almost looked like something Marcia, Jan & Cindy Brady might have had in their TV bedroom. It was tempting to ask for a seat at the counter.  There were over a dozen cushioned stools. All seats had nice views of the curious cut-out animals. Was that smiling orange bear, Winnie the Pooh? Was that a Tigger, with the yellow face and big nose? The lion I didn't recognize. Mouthwatering Wallpaper We had a window view, but some tables had a view of pancake wallpaper!
It was a refreshing treat to see a spotlight on pancakes, in this dining room full of circus. Cecilia Our server Cecilia was friendly and efficient and she kept our coffee cups filled.  Since she'd been working at Pancake Circus for 17 years, I had a special question for her. How Many Clowns? I wondered if anyone had any idea how many clowns were displayed at Pancake Circus.  Cecilia didn't know, so I went for another question. "Have you ever served a clown here?" She laughed and said a group of costumed clowns used to come in now and then. She gestured towards the space I'd decided was a party room and said that's where they'd sit. I loved picturing that! Food Don and I seemed to be the only guests who even looked at their menu. The diners we observed all seemed to know what they were going to order before arriving.
There were options for "seniors" on the menu, so Don and I embraced our ages and enjoyed.  Don was pleased with his fried egg, potatoes and sausage. I ordered pancakes and scrambled eggs, with crispy bacon. $7.99!  I don't have Influencer Skills or I would have arranged my bacon and poured my syrup over melting butter. My photo does not look nearly as good as it tasted. I was honestly surprised, since reviews had been mixed. This was a tasty, hot choice! Wandering After enjoying our food, I wandered a bit to snap some pics.  I know that clowns are not everyone's favorite, but I appreciated the endless collection.  I wish I knew more about how these circus decorations had been acquired. I did read somewhere that many diners have added to the collection over the years.  Much of the decor is kitschy. But there's fun in that.  I actually liked this artwork that showed the restaurant.  I know the business has changed hands over the years, so I'm even more surprised that the no one has disrupted this little time capsule.  Yay for keeping the theme and serving up a decent morning meal! Late Night Pancakes? We headed out and I snapped an odd photo of the neon letters, just as the sun broke through.  It made me want to come at night and see the letters glowing. Sadly they are no longer open at night, but I drove by late one evening. A couple letters needed to be fixed, but the CIRCUS word was nice and bright!  Maybe I'll start up a fundraiser to fix the sign!
|
The Dining Blog
This is a blog about Dining Adventures. Sometimes, I talk about food. Below, you can read how this started. On July 4th 2011, I set a goal to try 50 culturally diverse restaurants in one year! (I knew that was possible, living in the Houston area) I spent the year pulling in friends and family to join me, on some unusual dining adventures. I met some curious people, tried some scary foods and explored places and cultures I never would have otherwise. Even though I met my goal, I learned too much to end my adventures in dining. I have continued blogging about memorable dining adventures of all kinds, near and far... and all the discoveries and funny things I've learned along the way! Locations and types of dining adventures, are listed further down. Archives
June 2026
Categories
All
|
RSS Feed