View in browser “Traveling – it leaves you speechless, then turns you into a storyteller.” – Ibn Battuta I'm so ready to see the world, what about you?  Imagine immersing yourself in a new culture on an island in the heart of the Mediterranean, surrounded by new sights that make your imagination soar.  Better still, what if you learned to adopt the pace of locals and took time to savor each moment?  Then, perhaps you can envision sampling a cuisine bursting with unique flavors that pair beautifully with locally produced, world-class wine?  What if you could experience all of this in the company of new friends?  Well, if you are nodding "yes" while reading this, I have a plan! Meet me in Sicily! I've taken care of all the details to make this an unforgettable adventure! During our week together, we'll cook, taste, and explore the very best parts of this region. We'll stay and a private, exquisitely restored villa on a grand estate on the east coast of Sicily. This place has it all, and trust me, the views are incredible! Our villa, perched on a hill in the middle of a lemon grove, boasts a panorama from the azure waters of the Ionian Sea to the majestic Mount Etna. Here we can savor breakfast outside on the balcony in the Sicilian sunshine and take in the views. Then we can cook together in our villa's expansive kitchen, take our time and enjoy a relaxing dinner around a big long table. Our villa is the perfect place to rest up for our adventures, and we won't have to travel far to experience the best this region has to offer. We'll be sure to visit exceptional vineyards and enjoy exclusive tastings. We'll connect with locals while visiting historic villages with unique markets and sample local specialties at some of my favorite trattorias. We might even take a hike on Mt. Etna! Then, when we return to our villa, we can gather in our living room to reminisce about our days' adventures and sip limoncello together late into the night. Food teaches us so much about a place and one another, and culinary travel is the perfect way to gather together with people who all have something special in common-- their love of food, wine, cooking, eating, and adventure. Register Now! Follow @ChefJoanneWeir on Instagram, For all the latest. Watch Plates & Places Online, Anytime. You can also find me here!