17 Jun 2015
Masseria Petrarolo: The Blossoming Land
London UK, 17 June 2015: Rich with produce from both land and sea, Puglia is renowned as one of Italy's most abundant regions. Surrounded by olive groves and just 5 minutes from the coast, a stay at the family-owned Masseria Petrarolo offers the chance to discover the unique tastes and wonderful flavours of authentic Apulian cuisine.
One of the poorest, yet agriculturally rich areas of Italy, Puglia's cuisine has a hearty, rustic feel with many traditional recipes created by simply throwing together the ingredients available. But, what ingredients! With a sun-drenched climate and mineral-rich soil, an abundance of fabulous produce is grown throughout the land, from mouth-watering tomatoes, plump artichokes and tasty peppers to flavourful herbs, fat olives, juicy figs, sweet almonds and of course, wheat. There are 200 types of pasta made in Puglia, the most famous of which is orecchiette, the ear-shaped shell used in simple, yet delicious dishes such as orecchiette con le cime di rapa, pasta served with turnip greens.
This sun-kissed landscape blessed by an abundance of fruit and vegetables is also ideal for livestock, and while pork and beef are increasingly popular, it's lamb that you'll see on many a menu, with wonderful dishes such as Agnello e patate al forno, roast lamb baked with potatoes. There's also an abundance of cheeses such as rich pecorino, creamy mozzarella and delicious ricotta, all waiting to be tried, while burrata di Andria, a soft cheese to be consumed within 24 hours of production, is a local classic.
Only a short drive to the coast, Masseria Petrarolo is also ideally located to sample the fish and seafood that Puglia is famed for. Lobster, sea bass, red mullet, mussels, cuttlefish and anchovies are just some of the catches that feature in recipes such as Risotto alla pescatora (seafood risotto) or are served as antipasto such as salt-cod fritters and boiled octopus. Sample just-from-the-sea fish drizzled with olive oil or try raw fish dishes washed down with prosecco at a local hotspot, dine out at a Michelin-starred restaurant such as Ristorante Angelo Sabatelli in Monopoli or enjoy an al fresco lunch at places such as Corte in Fiore in Trani or the chic Coccaro Beach Club at Savelettri.
Producing around 17% of the country's wine, Puglia is also one of Italy's most prolific wine producers with 25 DOC areas and some wonderful local vintages. Some of these can be sampled at Masseria Petrarolo, where the wine and food is as good as anywhere else in the region. Stefania, a local chef skilled in the art of Puglian cuisine, is available to cook as little or as often as you like, creating all types of meal from intimate lunches to large, celebratory dinners. And if you enjoy the local wines and cheeses served, you can rediscover them in London at Ostuni, the only restaurant serving traditional Puglian cuisine in the city.
For those with a strong interest in cooking, tours can be arranged, with advanced notice, to local producers specialising in salami, cheese and olive oil, as well as to vineyards and the vibrant market at Fasano.
With so much pride taken in Puglia's culinary heritage, shaped over the years in family kitchens and small, local restaurants, Apulian cuisine is on the cusp of becoming world-famous. And by staying at Masseria Petrarolo you will have the chance to discover it and experience the authentic, delicious and wonderful tastes of Puglia.
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Set on a 75 acre estate only a few miles from the Adriatic coast, Masseria Petrarolo is a stunning 17th century farmhouse converted into an exquisite modern retreat. Sleeping up to 16, the Masseria has eight en-suite bedrooms (including one with an outdoor bathtub), three kitchens, a hammam, children's play area, drawing room and dining room. Outside, the property is surrounded by picturesque olive and almond groves, and is home to a restored Airstream caravan, small chapel and herb garden. The Masseria is staffed and a private chef is available on request.
Masseria Petrarolo sleeps up to 16 people and costs from €11,500 per week.
For further press information please contact: Cedar Tree Public Relations Ltd
Frangelica Flook frangelica.flook@cedartreepr.com
Henrietta Quicke henrietta.quicke@cedartreepr.com
T: +44 (0) 20 7978 4534 M: +44 (0) 7747 606 898
