Rome, Naples, Tuscany, and Sicily are the “must-see” destinations for most folks considering a trip to Italy. They are all wonderful destinations that entice travelers with outstanding history, breathtaking scenery and phenomenal food and wine. You can experience a truly authentic, fine dining, Northern Italian feast by visiting fine dining Orlando establishment, Christini’s Ristorante Italiano, right here in the City Beautiful! Puglia is the region known as the heel of Italy’s boot and should not be overlooked as a “must see” city.
Comprised of the regions of Foggia, Barietta-Andria-Trani, Bari, Taranto, Brindisi and Lecce, Puglia is a diverse and rich in history. It boasts of architecture from the Roman, Greco and Messapian periods, and is widely known for its beautifully whitewashed towns, conical shaped homes (Trulli), balconies and archways.
Its best kept secret is no longer a secret, and that is that Puglia produces approximately one-tenth of all the wine that Europe consumes. Its climate of mild, wet winters and hot, dry summers provides the perfect atmosphere for producing varietal grapes that are fermented into some spectacular vintages. In earlier times, the wines produced in Puglia were not well developed and were transported to the northern regions of Italy for fortification. As the wine process evolved, the quality and quantity of production became serious competition for other European wine makers.
Puglia’s prevalent pasta is orecchiette, which means “little ears” in Italian. There are other simple, regional pasta favorites that are made with just flour and water.
- Troccoli-a thick spaghetti
- Cavatelli-resembles a small shell
- Curti e gruessi-a short, fat piece of pasta, to name just a few.
Traditionally, orecchiette is served with a simple sauce made with cime di rape (we call it Broccoli Rabe) sautéed in olive oil with red pepper flakes, garlic, salt and grated Pecorino cheese. Other favorite pasta toss-ins include mussels (cozze), aged ricotta (ricotta forte or scanta), white beans (cicerchie), wild chicory, and wild fennel. Fresh and light dishes in true Mediterranean style is the favored cuisine of Puglia.
Olive groves grow in abundance throughout Puglia. Its climate once again conducive to solid agriculture which sustains these beautiful fruit trees. This region produces approximately 40% of all Italian olive oils.
The hilly landscape is replete with herds of sheep and lamb, which is the most prevalent source of hooved protein in Puglia. Its long coastline provides a wealth of fresh fish and shellfish.
There is something for everyone to enjoy when you pay a visit to Orlando’s fine dining establishment, Christini’s Ristorante Italiano! Come savor the flavors of Italy in Orlando’s premier fine dining restaurant. Call us today for reservations.
