“Luogo dove si parla di cibo, di vino e di vita sulla terra” (a place where you talk about food, wine and life on earth) – is the quote on the homepage of the Cave Ox site. I’d add… Cave Ox is the place on Etna where food and wine lovers meet and savor seasonal food prepared with care, love and attention by a gorgeous couple, Sandro and Lucia. It’s also a spot where winemakers come together purposely or accidentally, a place where Eleonora, Elizabeth and I have eaten well and cannot wait to visit again.
Winter Dishes
Warm up with a comforting peasant’s soup made with locally foraged greens, potatoes and sage topped with homemade croutons and a poached egg for protein.
Savor every bite of a hardy plate of tagliatelle with wild asparagus, pancetta (cured pork belly), egg and toasted breadcrumbs. Sip on a glass or two of Vino di Anna Vino Bianco if available or take Sandro’s expert wine advice.
Spring Dishes
Start off with a plate of cold appetizers including tangy aged pecorino cheese, piquant gelatina di maiale, salumi di suino nero dei Nebrodi, olives, and grilled eggplant, peppers and zucchine.
Don’t pass up a taste of Cave Ox’s rendition of eggplant parmesan. Eggplant rounds blanketed with mozzarella cheese and torn basil swim in a luscious tomato sauce. The delicate and candy like chopped tomatoes combined with the velvety cheese covered nightshade was heavenly.
Dig into a plate of al dente pasta with toasted pine nuts, buttery wild greens and grated lemon zest which give the dish a zing or hand rolled pasta with lightly sautéed zucchini and a silky citrus sauce.
Anytime Desserts & Wine
Finish your meal with Lucia’s luscious coffee and cocoa laden tiramisu.
If you’re a kid at heart like me nosh on Lucia’s salame turco (cocoa and biscotti mixed together with sugar and eggs formed into the shape of salami).
Do ask Sandro for his sage wine advice. Try a glass of his wine “Rosso di Sandro” and other Etna wines.
Visit Cave Ox for lunch, dinner or a glass of wine from Wednesday to Monday (closed on Tuesday) at Via Nazionale Solicchiata, 159, Solicchiata (CT). The average cost per person for an appetizer, first course, second course, dessert and a bottle of wine is 40-50 euro. Say hi to Sandro and Lucia from us. You won’t be disappointed.
Interested in an Etna Vineyard Discovery or taking part in our relaxed Etna Wines & Food Pairing? Check out our wine tasting adventures offered Sicily:
