Friendly, courteous and curious. The islanders are identifying the VIPs while on vacations, simply living as tourists. Perhaps because most of them have already been there, or perhaps the good food and the splendid sea that relaxes the nerves and gives serenity to the heart, celebrities are blending in.
They are shopping in the boutiques of Panarea, sipping a glass fo wine in Lipari, admiring the fantastic landscape of Pantelleria and the beautiful beaches of Lampedusa. To the common mortals, all that is left to dare is approaching the celebrities for the sought-after trophy: an autograph and a picture as a souvenir. A star’s life – to frame and treasure.
Vip mania can hit anyone and in the small islands of Sicily the hunt for the celebrities has begun. In the early season, the first sightings were at the Eolie Islands. The archipelago of Messina has been confirmed to be a preferred spot for the elite tourist. Amongst the first stars to visit are Naomi Campbell with ex colleague Stephanie Seymour and Russian fiancé Vladimir Doronin.
A quick stop in Lipari for Venus, who had a bite to eat at “La nassa” restaurant before meeting Prince Albert of Monaco and swimmer Charlen Wittstock. “She has been our client for 5 years – says Bartolo Matarazzo to ADNKRONOS- who has managed the business with his mother for 36 years. She is an elegant woman, courteous and in no way capricious. Every time she comes she stops to say hi to my mother, the true queen of the kitchen, with class and grace”. One of her favorite dishes is ‘cernia alla liparota’.
“The fish dish is prepared – explains Matarazzo – with cherry tomatoes from my garden, extra virgin olive oil, capers and olives and a bit of white wine. Just enough to fragrance the dish; I’ve never seen Campbell tasting any wine. She always drinks mineral water. Her fiancé however, passionate for wine, prefers high quality reds.” “But the top model is not the only one to appreciate Mamma Teresa’s cooking. The list is long and host celebrities of high caliber such as Luca Cordero of Montezemolo, Diego Della Valle, Pier Ferdinando Casini, Paolo Berlusconi, Franco Battiato, and Ennio Doris.”
“I have known Ennio for 25 years – Matarazzo says – When he comes to Lipari, he only dines at our restaurant and he loves my shrimp marinated in oil and lemon”. And then there is Lucio Dalla. “A few years ago, it was not unusual to see him arrive on his scooter and search our garden for cherry tomatoes and basil. He loves organic food.” Bartolo Matarazzo disguises himself. “I don’t like to violate my clients’ privacy but I reassure them that they are admired by the islanders”.
Not only models, the archipelago is a top summer vacation spot for soccer players and coaches from the national team Cesare Prandelli to the Cesena team Marco Giampaolo, to the ex-coach from the Roma team Claudio Ranieri and to the goal keeper Marco Storari.
“The fact that many stars choose our islands for their vacation – says the mayor of Lipari, Mariano Bruno- testifies the charm of the archipelago. We offer a lot and here one can have it all: beautiful deserted beaches, fashionable clubs, open roof museums e archaeological digs, submarine itineraries and magnificent hiking trails in nature. Every day – confirms the mayor – can be lived like a different vacation in which the sun and the sea are only one part of the package.”
There are seven treasures for each type of vacation. Stefania Prestigiacomo from the Environmental Department, chose to spend her vacation in a splendid relaxing villa with family members in Panarea. The leader of Api, Francesco Rutelli and his wife, Barabara Palombelli bought a home in Filicudi, a small rock in the middle of the sea. Perhaps they were following the example of Giovanna Melandri, ex minister for Sport.
But Filicudi is also the vacation spot for Giovanni Minoli and Luca Barbareschi, while stylists Dolce and Gabbana have opted for Stromboli, just like the President of the Repubblica, Giorgio Napolitano. He is expected for August. “We are waiting for him with affection – says Mariano Bruno – He is a wonderful person, very kind and discrete. He comes by ferry and stays with friends. No exaggerations; I am often able to chat with him about problems regarding the island”.
