BEBOP: A ROMANTIC AND PALATE-PLEASING CULINARY EXPERIENCE IN PALERMO
The Cost - $60
The Atmosphere – Nestled in a charming corner of Palermo not too far from the city’s cruise ship port, Bebop is an intimate and adorable restaurant, perfect for a romantic evening. With dim lighting and a cozy interior that seats about 20, the ambiance is warm and inviting. Smart casual would be appropriate in terms of dress and the restaurant does take reservations, which are recommended, especially for weekend evenings.
Chef Benedetto Buccheri of Bebop, a Sicilian restaurant in Palermo, opened the fine dining eatery in 2017. Since then, it has become a popular place for locals and tourists alike on its way to earning Michelin Guide recognition. Bebop is only open for dinner and offers both tasting menus and a la carte options, but unlike most restaurants, the tasting menu is a better value (and better overall experience), than ordering from the regular menu.
The Order – 5 Course Tasting Menu.
The Fantastic – The Splash, Caprese! was the first course out and it was a winner. Featuring shrimp, fresh mozzarella, pomodoro, and swordfish, this dish was a fresh and innovative take on the classic Caprese salad. The mozzarella, more liquid than solid, paired beautifully with the exquisite extra virgin olive oil and shrimp, while the swordfish added a flavorful touch. It was a refreshing, creative, start that set the tone for the meal.
The Great – The Sicilia to Bangkok was another testament to the chef’s creativity. This dish combined barbequed pig head, apricot, and pickled vegetables, with an apricot sweet chili sauce. The playful nod to Thai cuisine was evident, and the apricot sweet chili provided a perfect balance of sweet and spicy for the meat. While a couple of pieces of pig meat were a bit tough, the overall textures and flavors were wonderful, showcasing the fusion of Sicilian and Asian influences.
The Risotto Acquerello was equally impressive. Served with a rianata sauce that contained pecorino, garlic, oil, tomato, and oregano, the risotto was a good portion for a tasting menu. The olive crumble on top offered a nice texture contrast and was very tasty while the sauce evoked the flavors of a classic pizza, making it both comforting and delicious. A lovely risotto with a sauce not commonly found outside of Italy.
The Rooster BBQ brought beautifully cooked meat accompanied by a sauce with chilis as well as zucchini and leaves. The sauce, which the restaurant refers to as a diavola, did give the veggies a slight kick. The dish was flavorful and well-executed, showcasing the chef’s abilities, and the meat sourced was quite good. It was a very nice way to end the savory course portion of the meal.
The Okay - Dessert was Tiramisù Bebop, which was a mascarpone cream with coffee granita, chocolate crumble, and cacao on top. While the chocolate crumble and cacao were good, the granita, typically a Sicilian slushy-like dessert made from fruit, water, and sugar, made the dessert a bit too watery for my liking. It was an interesting concept and I love the nod to the classic Sicilian treat, but I would rather try some of the other delicious-sounding desserts on the menu next time.
The Verdict – Bebop offers a wonderful dining experience that combines the romance of Palermo with innovative and flavorful cuisine. From the charming atmosphere to the creative dishes, every element of the meal is crafted with care by an incredibly personable, self-taught chef who has a fantastic team around him. Bebop is a great option for those looking to explore Palermo’s high-end culinary scene in an intimate setting.