After an issue with another airbnb host and a last minute cancellation, I contacted Salvatore in the afternoon on the day we were arriving in Catania. He accepted immediately and by the time we arrived a few hours later everything was ready and prepared. His brother Giovanni welcomed us and realising that we (especially our 2 year old son) were tired and hungry called a few takeaway pizza places for us - when he discovered that the wait was too long he walked with me to the closest pizzeria - just to make our first few hours in Catania as easy as possible. He had real genuine hospitality and his efforts were much appreciated.
The flat isn't on the most glamorous of streets, but is really well located - 2 minutes walk to Carlo Alberto produce market (lots of fresh fruit/veg/cheese), 5 minutes walk from Savia and Spinella (between them said to be the best arancino, cannoli and ice cream in catania), we also liked Fud for picking up some good olive oil, anchovies, jars of pistachio pesto, olives, dried tomatoes. Salvo has a good website with local tips - we had a really good lunch at one of his recommendations (Corte dei Biscari).