In the heart of the Apulian capital, Bari, it is still possible to immerse yourself in the atmosphere, flavors, and smells of times gone by.
Those almost forgotten smells, reminiscent of grandma's house, especially in the streets that make up the old part of the city.
It's in Bari Vecchia that the tradition is still alive, in the same environment where Grandpa Michele was born and raised, an environment from which he learned so much and from which he draws inspiration for his ideas, recipes, and advice.
It is here that he learns to use simple, high-quality raw materials, grown locally or sourced from small local producers, to produce authentic flavours that have nothing to do with industrial products.
The "old" part of the city is a place where time seems to have stood still. In fact, it's still possible to admire the ancient art of pasta making, thanks to the women who pass it down from generation to generation. You can watch these housewives at work in the characteristic "Via delle orecchiette" (the street where orecchiette are kneaded), a rigid steel knife, ingredients (durum wheat semolina, salt, and boiling water), and everything is ready to make this delicious pasta. In the past, it was almost a sacred moment, allowing the family to be together, a moment of sharing.
Furthermore, there are many different typical Apulian pasta shapes, just think of the symbol, by now, of the region and in particular of the capital: orecchiette.
From the orecchiette with turnip tops that every tourist wants to try when they set foot in Puglia, to the aroma of orecchiette with ragù, which fills the streets, especially on Sundays, making everyone feel at home. Ragù requires a slow, long, and careful preparation, following grandmothers' recipes passed down and guarded as if they were a secret, a true delight for the taste buds.
Indeed, a typical Apulian lunch, especially on Sundays, can last for hours, with the whole family sitting together at the table. But tourists who want to participate in this moment can join in and enjoy a unique experience!
And if you have a sweet tooth, you can't miss the traditional Apulian desserts. For example, during the Christmas season, regional specialties include susamelli and carteddate: a fried pastry covered in honey or cooked wine; and scarcedda, a typical Easter dessert.
Traveling in Puglia is undoubtedly a unique and unforgettable experience, a true source of personal and cultural enrichment.