Postcards Spring 2023 Canada Edition | Page 55

Mediterranean

Essential Eats

1Supplì in Rome

This Roman snack will tide you over between meals . It ’ s a ball of risotto-style rice stuffed with mozzarella and marinara sauce — and it ’ s deep fried , of course .

2Sardinian sea urchins

Ignore their sharp spines , once you get to the meat of an urchin you ’ ve hit a Sardinian delicacy . The island even hosts festivals dedicated to this dish .

3Barcelona ’ s snails

This delicacy is normally associated with French cuisine , but Barcelona serves its traditional snail dish , cargols a la llauna , with garlic and a vinaigrette .

		Palma de Majorca , Spain
images : GETTY ; ALAMY				Above : An old tram in front of the medieval Gothic cathedral in the downtown of Sóller , Majorca	Majorca offers the best of the draw of the Balearic Islands — pristine beaches , grand Gothic architecture , beating Mediterranean sun . The best place to experience each is in the island ’ s capital city , Palma . Your first stop in the city should be the Santa Maria Cathedral — known as La Seu — its resplendent Gothic exterior only beaten by its dramatic indoors , replete with grand Gaudí designs . Head next to the lively nearby Plaça Major ; locals and travellers alike flit through its craft markets , pausing for a café de leche in the square . Visit both early , before ascending to the lofty Castell	de Bellver , a 14th-century royal fortress familiar to fans of Game of Thrones . Mercat de l ’ Olivar is a popular spot at lunchtime — a place to find fresh fish and wine , where local almonds and olives are sold by the bucket . If you want to sample some of the island ’ s favourite traditional snacks , stop off for sobrasada ( cured pork sausage seasoned with paprika ), or coca de trampó ( crispy flatbread topped with local vegetables and extra virgin olive oil ). Once you ’ ve had your fill , rest up one of the nearby secluded beaches . Expect to find powder-soft sands and calm , turquoise waters .
			SPRING 2023 • 51