The prestigious Accademia Maestri Pasticceri Italiana (Italian Accademy of Master Pastry Chefs) has conferred on Santi Palazzolo from Cinisi (province of Palermo), the meritorious award of “Pasticcere dell’Anno 2018-2019” (Best Pastry Chef 2018-2019). The Trofeo Pavoni was bestowed on Santi Palazzolo “in recognition of his commitment and constance in pursuing his objectives and his extraordinary professional accomplishments.” Plus his “great professionality in reinterpreting the pastry traditions of his territory, giving a constant impulse to all Italian confectionery”.

I feel lucky in being able to catch him for an interview as he is continuously travelling around the world promoting the best of Sicily’s patisserie traditions. “Best Pastry Chef of the year, what does it mean to you”? I ask Santi. “Receiving an award,” he answers, “means there are people who appreciate what you do. When these people are your fellow colleagues, the value of this recognition is even greater. The merit of an award, however, is never one-handed but shared. For this reason I want to share it with my collaborators and my family.”