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.

Taverna Ponticello, Palermo, Sicily

Billy and Akaisha Kaderli

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We had no idea this taverna was here... until we did.

Walking past this corner eatery often, tucked in an alley that led directly to our apartment, we overlooked this place because it didn't really have a street presence.

Again, not far from the Piazza Pretoria, we got lost in the chaos that is Palermo and just didn't notice this gem.

Until... one day we thought we might take this little alleyway at the left of our apartment and find out where it led.

Well, it brought us to one of the best restaurants we experienced in Palermo!

The front entrance of Ponticello

This is the view from the quiet alleyway of Vicolo Pacido. The main street of Via Maqueda is to the left and isn't far from the Piazza Pretoria and the fountain.

Our apartment is to the left where this alleyway opens up into a small courtyard, about a 3 minute walk.

The first room of the taverna

Walking in from the alleyway, we enter this open space with photos all along the walls.

We enjoyed eating in this room as it had a view of the outside, and these wonderful photos of the locals who live in the neighborhood.

These faces were absolutely mesmerizing.

Every single person whose photo was on the wall was a neighbor who lived in the area. There were no two people who looked even remotely similar.

Due to Sicily's location in the Mediterranean, the gene pool of the people who live here is quite diverse. There are Italians, Spaniards, Arabs, Africans, Northern Europeans, and every combination one can think of.

The Light inside of each of these humans shone out to those in the dining room.

Unforgettable.

The Starter Menu

If you look closely at this Appetizer menu, you will see some very unusual items.

For instance the Sardine pie with raisins, pine nuts and fennel sauce. How imaginative!

Or the seared scallops over a cream of black fermented garlic.

Every choice was original and fanciful, guaranteed to give one a different perspective and flavor.

The Special Menu

The first time we ate here, I had the smoked swordfish with the fennel and orange salad. Certainly an excellent meal, and the smoking was not over powerful.

Again, the beef tartare with caper pesto, truffle sauce and the egg yolk also sounded unusual.

We love to be pleasantly surprised when it comes to food combinations.

Second course menu

Billy loves his fresh fried calamari, and this was his choice.

The square of Mahi-Mahi on hummus with fermented lemon, shallots and a confit of cherry tomatoes also sounds appealing.

What unusual flavor combinations!

Sicilian food is not the same thing as Italian food. It's a merging of all of the cultures which have existed on the island of Sicily over the years, including the Arabs, Romans, Normans, Greeks, Spanish, Jews and more!

Each has left their influence and so the flavor palettes are wide and assorted.

Fresh salmon on a bed of lettuce

This is salmon cut into thin slices and arranged on a bed of lettuce.

Shredded flower petals are sprinkled on top and a balsamic and honey dressing is drizzled on the plate.

Scrumptious and very artistic!

Billy always says "They eyes are the first to feast!"

That's why the presentation of a dish is so important.

Plate of fried calamari and sardines

Eating sardines whole is a coastal tradition. We see this in various seaside places around the world.

The bones are so fragile one simply munches the entire fish, and the seasoning is in the batter.

Calamari with sweet lemon on the side and a mix of chili/tartar dipping sauce.

Young boys clowning around

Billy and I were sitting in the front room at the upper left of the photo.

But the restrooms were past these tables to the right.

The boys here were typical fun guys hamming it up.

Don'tcha love it? The future of our world.

Kind of inspirational - these boys will be having families in 10 years and they look so good-hearted.

Yours Truly

Here we are at our favorite table with the view to the right.

The wait-station is behind us and photos of the neighbors are all along the walls.

Service was quick and friendly.

Food was fabulous and memorable.

Pricing was reasonable also.

Our bill for 2

This is our bill for a swordfish salad, our fried fish appetizer (see photo below) our wine (at $6Euro each glass) and the coperto (which is in lieu of a tip).

Came to $58Euros or about $63USD.

Fried fish and seaweed with squid ink sauce in the bottom

This was one of the most unusual and delightful dishes I have ever eaten.

The fried pieces simply disappeared in my mouth with a crunch and the flavor was outstanding.

The bar and cash register location

Through the window where the man is walking is the main street of Via Marqueda.

Immediately to the left is the alleyway of Vicolo Pacido which runs into this main street.

This photo was taken from our table.

A bottle of Catarratto wine

Catarratto is a native vine variety from Sicily, and it represents a classic Sicilian grape.

It's an easy-to-drink, yet expressive white wine, which is great for a seafood lunch.

Akaisha and the photos of the neighbors behind her

In this photo you can see the portraits of the neighbors behind me.

I was riveted by their faces, all of them so human and each with a story.

One can readily see the genealogy in their countenances.

Fresh spaghetti with sardines and fennel

One thing about pasta, is that it is fairly bland on its own. Having something of a "kicker" in flavor like sardines really makes the most of the dish.

The fennel was a nice touch, and this plate did not disappoint.

Black garlic cream, anchovies and Stracciatella cheese

Once again, the simple pasta is brought to life with the distinct flavors of black garlic and anchovies. The Stracciatella is a type of Italian cheese made from pulled mozzarella curds mixed with fresh cream.

The combination was a winner.

Brothers from a different mother

Here is Billy with the amazingly creative Chef of Ponticello Taverna.

Both men being Chefs, there was an innate understanding between them.

Ponticello's business card

All you need to know!

The bill for the 2 of us

Once again, another fine meal at Ponticello's and the price is so reasonable.

$51Euros comes to just over $55USD.

This included 2 meals, a bottle of wine, a bottle of water and the coperto.

Ponticello Taverna is a seafood and Mediterranean cuisine restaurant that offers a unique dining experience. It’s a cozy spot with a relaxed atmosphere, perfect for a leisurely lunch or dinner.

Would we recommend this place to you?

ABSOLUTELY!

Not to be missed.

__________

Ponticello

Tele:  091 737 1417 OR 327 981 4934

Vicola Viola, 2/4/6 – 90134

Palermo, Sicily

Facebook: @ponticellotavernagastronomica

Open daily 9am to midnight.

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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