Friday was bright and sunny, though very breezy. We decided to drive over to Martina Franca, one of the larger of the town in the area. Like others, it has a beautiful Baroque core, with elegant piazzas and winding, tiny streets. Using Jonathan’s directions, we easily found a parking space. We enjoyed walking around, and got thoroughly lost.
Our plans for the afternoon had been for heading back to Pilone to sit on the beach, but with the wind so strong, we didn;t think that would be too comfortable. So instead, we had a lazy afternoon of reading up on the terrace, using the time to relax before heading to Matera tomorrow. Just before six, we began hearing air gorns and cheering, as the Italy game was about to start. From the terrace we could hear singing, groans, cheers, and at the end of the game, silence as Italy lost. Our neighbor’s cat was unimpressed.
For dinner, we had reservations at Osteria Piazzetta Cattedrale, one of the nicer places in Ostuni.We wandered down the hill and then climbed up to the restaurant. It”s a beautiful room, and the owner very charming and helpful. We began with a special antipasto of stuffed eggplant, really delicious. Larry had scallops and their roe, glazed with balsamico and served over greens. I had baby lamb shops, simply grilled with herbs. We had a bottle of wine that was much better than what we’ve been buying, and ended with a torta della nona, with dark chocolate in addition to the usual nuts. Wonderfully enjoyable meal, and extremely reasonably priced.
Good night, Ostuni!
Destination Anywhere 