Southern Visions Travel – DUCO Galleria

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Puglia

INSIDER TIPS

FROM OUR KITCHEN
Antipasti della Casa

Expert local DMC Southern Visions Travel shares an aperitivo tip: Antipasti della Casa, a dish that will never lead you astray!

The concept of the antipasti is known across Italy, but here in the south it has its very own character and constitutes a meal in itself. In northern Italy, you might expect a small plate of cured meats or bruschetta as an antipasto. In Puglia, if you order the Antipasto della Casa, you will probably find fourteen or fifteen different delicacies on your table. Grilled vegetables, fava bean pureè, capocollo from Martina Franca, the freshest burrata cheese, crispy meatballs, marinated anchovies and parmigiana are just a few of the dishes that might be included – plus, lots of house specialties that you would never know to order.

The best way to sample the most delicious dishes in Puglia in any restaurant is simply by ordering the Antipasti della Casa. Don’t even look at the rest of the menu. No need to decide anything. Just sit back and relax while the restaurant brings you their best dishes using the finest ingredients of the season.

There is always something to suit all palates, from vegetarians to carnivores. What’s not to like? 

For more information about Southern Visions Travel, click here.

outdoors insider
Olive trees

Local experts at DMC Southern Visions Travel give us a little background on Puglia’s iconic olive trees, offering their tasty “liquid gold” olive oil for centuries. 

The Story
Puglia’s olive trees have deep roots – metaphorically and physically. As one of the world’s first producers of organic olive oil, the region is home to 50 million olive trees and produces over 80% of olive oil in Italy. Known for its strong, distinctive flavor, the olive oil from Puglia is globally recognized for its exceptional quality. What’s more, the olives themselves are extremely tasty, and no aperitivo in Puglia is complete without a bowl of juicy olives to nibble on alongside crispy taralli, the famous ring-shaped bread snacks. 

While the produce is all very delicious, the most incredible thing about Puglia’s olive tradition are the trees themselves: from the coastal plains of Monopoli as far south as Carovigno, you’ll find the highest concentration of ancient olive trees anywhere in the world. The oldest trees are more than two thousand years old and can only be described as monuments of natural sculpture. 

Although these magnificent trees are majestic all year round, the most breathtaking time of year to see them is in the spring, when carpets of bright wildflowers create a truly magical landscape.

For more information about Southern Visions Travel, click here.