4 girls, 1 boy and the "Tasty Tomato": Day 3 - Departure for Orsara di Puglia

Today was our last day in Rome. We left our gracious hosts and friends as we loaded into the van for Orsara di Puglia. Orsara is a small town located up a big hill in Puglia. This region is known for its Olives and Olive Oil. Because it used to produce over 50% of the pasta in Italy, it was known to be the Breadbasket of the country. Today you see this rich food history in the care of their ingredients.

Our drive to Orsara takes us through the beautiful countryside. Imagine the road starting from Rome and driving directly East. This is our route.

Orsara is also town of our ancestors. Both our mother and father's families came from this town. So when we return to this hill town, we run into many cousins from both sides of our family. It is really a homecoming if you will. Our father's parents were married in the town church. Family history is written all over there roads.

Arriving at Paradiso, we are greeted by our culinary hosts! Find out more about Peppe Zullo and Paradiso by clicking here. Peppe Zullo is well known slow food chef all over Italy. He has taken his love of food and its cultivation back to its roots. In the process, he has elevated the ingredients to make something otherwordly! When you have pure ingredients, the outcome has to be heavenly! We love returning to this place. It is a truly spa for your senses!

After checking into our rooms, we enjoy a nice espresso before heading down for dinner. What awaits us is only the beginning of a wonderful food journey!

Antonio and Peppe present us with fresh mozzarella, arugula and tomatoes. Mostly, everything we eat here in terms of herbs and produce come from the surrounding gardens here. Peppe makes everything from scratch, and tends to the estate with such care.

Here is our Borage Parmesan, followed by Orrechiette with Broccoli Rabe.