Day Trip to the Sea and Manfredonia

We traveled to San Giovanni Rotunda and visited the Shrine to Padre Pio. I was here back in 1993

with my mom and oldest niece.  It is quite an experience to visit a shrine.  There are a few in the United States.  If you have a chance, you may want to explore one for yourself. 
We continued our journey and enjoyed a lunch at one of Peppe's friend's restaurant, Tenuta Chianchito.  The owners Massimo and his wife, go to the seaside every day to see what is fresh.   This was a full on exploration of fresh seafood from this region.  There were some amazing dishes.  Unfortunately, my brother Mike and nephew Rocco, didn't eat as much as the rest of us.  You would think after all these years, they would have grown to like more fish and seafood.    

Shrimp Tartar

Octopus Salad

Pasta and Mussels

Fried calamari and fresh shrimp.

Tiramisu, with a crumbled biscotti top and a scoop of coffee gelato and marscapone cheese. 

Hanging Pink Peppercorns

As we left, our hosts were so appreciative for our visit, they sent everyone home with a bottle of their homemade pasta sauce.  What a treat!  We even were able to see the pink peppercorns growing on the trees, grapefruits, lemons, and of course the beautifully lined olive oil trees. 

To continue our day, we head to the sea and the new port in MANFREDONIA. So many sites to see experiences to have. 

Sea

Manfredonia

It was a full and beautiful day by the time we headed by to Paradiso.   Per the Italian way of life we had a small meal prepared by Biagio. It was a baccala, cod fish, prepared two ways and a little pasta dish with squash and fresh tomato.  Mike and Rocco just couldn't escape the fish today! 

Bacala two ways fried and with fennel, onions and herbs.

Almost brittle, filled with custard and fruit.