The evening

Big scoop – so the 40 year old tech giants at the pool are actually the production company for HBO’s The White Lotus. My mistake. They all look the same to me.

https://www.hbo.com/the-white-lotus

They are all here filming at the Hotel. There was a crew on the water all day filming a scene on a boat. At least 10 employees were around the pool enjoying themselves all day in a $2000 cabana with drinks flowing— like no production company Jeffrey has ever worked for.

Taormina has a lovely, touristy downtown, but also some tasteful homes and apartments.

The hotel is gorgeous, and it makes me feel like Principessa.

The highlight of the evening was meeting Luca Casablanca, owner of Tischi Toschi and Sergio our waiter and showman extraordinaire. Unassuming little place on a side street with a dozen tables. Food, service and ambiance are perfectly real and true. This might not look like much but the food was some of the best we have eaten.

Yotam Ottolenghi recommended it, and with good reason. Food is perfectly prepared, but service — the best. Sergio made a party with the whole restaurant. Extra wine, homemade liqueurs, and lots of laughter were generously distributed. The spirit of Italy is here in this restaurant.

Now if I can just spot Michael Imperioli around the hotel tomorrow……