What I love about life in Puglia is the unexpected. You never know what you might find.
I was super fortunate enough this month to be invited to a secret supper party which was held in the castle in Francavilla Fontana in Puglia, just outside the Valle d’Itria where I live.
Now if you had ever told me, that me, a girl from small town Perth, Western Australia that one day you would be living your dream life in Italy and experiencing such amazing events I would have never believed you.
The secret supper was set inside the castle which consisted of a long table surrounded by candles with room for only 30 people. I went along with my dear friend Elisa Doro who organizes bespoke tours around Puglia. No one that I know has such a knowledge of Puglia like her and if you ever want to be taken to some incredible hidden spots you can find her here at : https://www.instagram.com/ciao.elisa/
Dinner at the castle
We arrived at the castle and we had the most incredible aperitivo in the entrance. Local wines, cocktails and the most incredible food. Hors-d’oeuvres of tiny crusty friselli which are a Pugliese delicacy with lightly whipped ricotta cheese, tomatoes, or beef tartare. My mouth was watering. I couldn’t wait to see what was to come.
We entered the castle and sat around the long table, the aim was to mix us all up so we were sitting next to people we did not know to encourage us to get out of our comfort zones and socialise with new people.
New friends were made that night and so many stories shared about our experiences not only in Puglia but life as well.
We were serenaded by a young girl who had the voice of an angel, and whilst our dishes were being delivered the conversation and wine was flowing.
The food was impeccable, all keeping in line with the Pugliese traditions of the bombette, a delicacy from my adopted home town of Martina Franca, plus a sumptuous pasta filled with caciocavallo cheese and an incredible dessert.
Matching wines from local wineries “cantinas” matched each course and the night was truly spectacular.
Saluting next generation’s Female Entrepreneurs
What blew me away the most was the 4 young girls who organized the event. They are all from Puglia but individually had spent many years living abroad and wanted to come back to their home land and really start some innovative projects like the secret supper to showcase their pride for Puglia and the abundance of opportunities that this beautiful region has to offer.
We were so fortunate enough to spend time with these four powerhouse women of https://www.instagram.com/studio_effe/ and https://www.instagram.com/studiosospeso_/ who’s passion for Puglia and creating change amongst the younger generation was totally awe inspiring.
It’s people like this which make me very fortunate to not only live in Puglia but know that this future generation is what is going to be inspiring our younger generation of which my two boys will benefit.
They are hosting another secret supper in December I believe in Bari which I cannot wait to attend. It is really times like this where I pinch myself on the daily that this is my life. Getting to experience a private, intimate dinner in a historic castle in one of the most beautiful places in the world.
Ahhhh……la dolce vita!
