“Some people who come and cook, they have never been to Italy or they have never been to Sicily. So it's also very interesting how people with little idea of the produce, are creating things with their heritage, with their memories, with their experience, with their creativity, how they approach the same tomato in a different way. And I must say that after two years, I’ve been blown away by so many people and what they create. How inspiring is that?”
We’re in great company with Lukas Lewandowski the Founder & Creative Director of Casa Lawa, where he merges work and play, creating a community for artists and guests alike with a dynamic and unique stay, intentionally shaped by those who visit.
Casa Lawa is a playground for creativity, entertaining, relaxing and reconnecting, situated at the doorstep of Mount Etna in Sicily. Redesigned in a former grape press made of lava stone, Lukas and his husband have transformed this vibrant space with delicious detail to accommodate their residency, kitchen and retreat while tending to their garden and orchard brimming with goodies.
In this episode, Lukas shares his passion for Italy as a foreigner, his appreciation for the lifestyle found in Sicily, and the pride he shares in welcoming a global community who, like him, admires this sense of place while wanting to leave a lasting legacy.
Top Takeaways
[1:55] When Lukas looks back at his 5 year old self, growing up in the new capitalist Poland, he sees the same values he cherishes today - pride in his creativity, care for his land, appreciation for simple meals, and love felt around the table.
[8:35] It was both the similarities and the differences between Italy and Poland that attracted Lukas and his husband to settle down in Sicily.
[17:25] How Lukas stumbled across his long standing lavastone home, originally built in 1812 as a formerly operating grape press surrounded by its own small orchard and vineyard.
[26:55] To stay at Casa Lawa is to experience intimate private space paired with dedicated attention. Like being welcomed to a friend’s dinner party, Lukas invites guests to feel seen and heard.
[34:45] From residencies to retreats, workshops to events, Lukas is creating a stay that is shaped by those who visit - inviting guests to partake in some local and many globally inspired experiences - from baking to painting, fermenting to shaping.
[42:15] Lukas has so much creativity in store, from a cookbook sharing a taste of the Casa Lawa community with the world to setting the table for future residencies, he is sure to leave a lasting impression through these collaborations.
Notable Mentions
Alessandra Lauria Pasta Retreat
Granita Siciliana
Spaghetti alle vongole
Sicilian Catarratto white wine
