Retire Early Lifestyle
Retirement; like your parents, but way cooler

In 1991 Billy and Akaisha Kaderli retired at the age of 38. Now, into their 4th decade of this financially independent lifestyle, they invite you to take advantage of their wisdom and experience.

Pizzeria Sicula in Palermo, Sicily

Billy and Akaisha Kaderli

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Before we came to Italy, and certainly before we made it to Sicily, we were told that the pizza was amazing.

We saw pizzerias everywhere, but I couldn't imagine eating pizza more than once a week... maybe. As an ongoing meal choice during our entire stay? Not a chance.

I mean, how many pepperoni and cheese pizzas can one eat?

Well... Italy's style of biga dough (double yeasted) and the variety of toppings blew our minds. We had never tasted anything like this, and actually, southern Italy's pizza is more like a hot open faced sandwich.

With everything from salmon to prosciutto, fresh vegetables, grilled eggplant, anchovies and black olives, a whole new world opened to us.

Sicily is no slouch in their pizza-making either, and this pizzeria wasn't far from our apartment, so we visited several times.

The front entrance to Pizzeria Sicula

Sicula Pizzeria had a colorful entrance with the flag of Italy's colors for the painted tabletops.

Even though we hit a rainy period in Palermo, we were able to sit outside for our meals and people-watch.

Flower pots and chalk board sign

Pizzeria Sicula had these kitschy shelves with plants, buttons, beer caps and a sign of Italy in the country's colors.

This place had a bit of a personality.

Outdoor seating available

There were only 5 outdoor tables, all of them with the flag of Italy's colors painted on the table and chairs.

This place wore its heart on its sleeve, which made it endearing.

Table made from a bicycle

This was a clever idea.

Bicycles are everywhere a form of transport in Europe, and Sicily was no exception.

I'm sure this bike had a story.

Akaisha at an outdoor table waiting for the pizza

Here I am waiting for our meal to be delivered. Yup. It's raining, or just finished raining, or about to rain again.

I hardly went anywhere without my small $5Euro umbrella.

Notice the small table behind me on the intersecting street, also brightly colored.

Napolitano Pizza

Aaahhh, yes. The pizza.

This one was simple - anchovies, fresh basil, fresh tomato sauce and mozzarella cheese.

Because the dough is double yeasted (letting it rise anywhere from 12-36 hours), it is light, airy, chewy and easier to digest than the doughs we find in the States.

Any leftover pieces of the biga tasted great mopping up some virgin olive oil.

Our bill for 2

Wine was $5Euro a glass, and the pizza was $6.50Euro. The Cover charge or coberto was $1Euro per person.

Our bill totaled $18.50Euro or about $20USD.

Inside the Pizzeria

Here is the pizzaiolo giving us the thumbs up.

A beautiful pizza oven is behind him, and his assistants (perhaps his sons) are in the center.

It was most certainly an unpretentious place.

Pizza with artichoke hearts, mushrooms, ham and basil

This time we went for a ham, olive, mushroom and artichoke heart pizza.

You can see that these pizzas are not smothered in tomato sauce, but allow the quality of the ingredients to define the meal.

Our bill for 2

This time our bill came to $21Euro or about $23USD.

Pizzeria menu

This menu gives you and idea of the various ingredients you can choose for your pizza.

Sugo is the traditional tomato sauce made from ripe tomatoes cooked with extra virgin olive oil, onions and garlic, and then seasoned. It is simple, not overpowering and delicious.

Being in the land of Prosciutto, we had it often on our pizzas or on a sandwich. Can you imagine? It was so affordable we never thought twice about it.

Six to eight ounces of Prosciutto, some brie and a baguette for a pittance.

Later when I returned to the US to visit my sister, I purchased 2 ounces of wrapped Prosciutto for $8!

It was barely a couple of bites!

Another delicious pizza!

Ham, mozzarella di bufala and olive oil on biga dough with a sprinkle of chili flakes.

Yeah... you've never really had pizza until you go to Southern Italy or Sicily.

Would we recommend Pizzaria Siculo?

Absolutely!

_________

Pizzaria Siculo

Via Roma 178

Palermo, Sicily 90133

Closed Sunday and Monday

Retire Early Lifestyle appeals to a different kind of person – the person who prizes their independence, values their time, and who doesn’t want to mindlessly follow the crowd.

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