Leely, oh sure, give me more to consider! 😀 I'm kidding, additional information is always good. However, Bari is the place where I only have three nights, so I won't want a day trip from there.
Actually, I'm not great at day trips in general. I get to a city, like it and am having a good time, and I don't get around to doing them, even if I have all the information for them. So, I have more planned for this trip than usual.
Thanks!

I’m sure I’ll get some hate from the purists but when we were in Puglia in 2022 some of the best pastries we had were from Martinucci, the chain, especially their pasticciotto, filled with a variety of creams. In Lecce we ate at La Cucina di Mamma Elvira and we just walked in without reservations and they made room because they’d had a cancellation. Every single meal in Puglia was optimal and fresh. Burrata on salads etc and we never eat salad at home.

No hate from this direction! 😁
Thanks.

One of my regrets regarding earlier trips to Puglia was that I never got to Ceglie. I will make it. point of staying near there if I'm fortunate enough to go again in the future.

Another eating hotspot in Puglia (besides Ceglie) is the area in and around Minervino Murge. Last September we had a marvelous dinner at ANTICHI SAPORI in Montegrosso, not far from Minervino. It was just as wonderful as I had remembered from about 10 years (or more) ago, and Chef Pietro Zito is still very much on the scene. But Montegrosso is a tiny hamlet so I doubt that there are easy options for public transport.

I bet there are some superb places to eat in Bari; I regretted that we did not spend a few days there last fall, but Vieste in the Gargano won out for that trip.



SusanP:I'll be eager to read your opinions of Brindisi; I've flown into the airport several times but never entered the city. I can't wait to read about your upcoming trip!!

ek, I think I read about Anticha Sapori in your report. I wouldn't mind going there from Bari for a meal, but it takes either a bus or train plus taxi to get there. Not sure I would want to do all that.
At the beginning, I think I'm going to stick with Brindisi. If I find I want a day trip from there, Ceglie Messapica is only 1-1/4 hour by bus.
Thanks! I will definitely do a report after the trip.

Bari itself seemed hip and happening on a Friday [? maybe Thursday or Saturday, can't recall] evening in May 2023. I think Bari is well, well past its days of rough reputation and I would bet the same is true of Brindisi.

In Bari, I stayed in Murat near Teatro Petruzzelli and liked it a lot--very walkable to the old historic core but felt lively and now. I would happily return for a longer stay, especially because the train connections seem so easy. While in Bari I met some Leccesi who were visiting/dining/clubbing for the weekend. A lot of fun.

A beautiful day in Bari.

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Leely, sounds good! Thanks for the pictures.

Leely. How was the Assassina pasta? I need to try to make at home. It was shown on the Tucci CNN segment on Puglia. Probably will become trendy in the US if it hasn’t already.

I have the same question. Just how spicy/hot is it? I like spicy food, but not necessarily burn-your-mouth hot dishes!

For me, it was an acquired taste. First bite: "Kinda weird, tastes burnt." Second bite: "Mmm, not bad. It's growing on me." Third bite: "Delicious. Addictive. This portion is too small."

SusanP, I didn't find it spicy at all, but I love spicy food so may have a jaded palate. Anyway, definitely worth trying when in Bari along with focaccia Barese. And sporcamuss. Not all at the same time. :D

I'm ready!! Thank you for that delicious, spicy bite!!

I'll definitely be trying it all!

Susan, I'm researching a lot of the same places for our upcoming trip. I haven't seen anyone mention Eating With Ziggy. I enjoy reading his humorous commentary and there are loads of good suggestions.

Italy | Eating With Ziggy