My Trip to Puglia, Italy - Part 3

“Even as an #UnFoodie, I was looking forward to having the world-famous Spaghetti all’Assassina”

By Day 5, my forearm was sporting a rather lovely bruise in all shades of purple and green, perfectly on brand for the Puglia’s countryside, right? I snapped a pic (yes, another bruise selfie) before we headed out to see more local suppliers. This time, the spotlight was on kitchen and furniture manufacturers. Essentially, if it’s something you’d find in a dream home, we were seeing how it was made, who was making it and all the ways it could be customized.

Kitchens, for me, are the heart of every home. So getting a backstage pass to meet the artisans and designers who meticulously craft cabinetry and countertops was nothing short of magical. Maiulari welcomed us into their expansive showroom, filled with displays that combined traditional Italian aesthetics with a modern twist. The best part? They were so open to collaboration and the technology they had was amazing. It felt like walking into a luxury boutique where each Kitchen and display was more impressive than the last.

We made a quick stop at Di Gesù Bread in Altamura, a fifth-generation, family-run bakery that’s been kneading dough since forever (like... 1st Century BC forever!). Their signature bread? Golden, crunchy crust on the outside and cloud-like softness on the inside.

And Altamura’s old town was stunning. Impeccably kept and full of jaw-dropping architecture that’s been beautifully preserved through the centuries. Seemed like around every corner was another centuries-old church, just casually existing like it’s no big deal which it clearly was.

This day ended at Risto Pazzeria (crazy pizzeria) where the pizza was possibly one of the best I have ever had. And it truly was crazy there with the owner and staff singing to entertain everybody. It made it a truly unique experience that I won’t soon forget.

Day 6 offered an entirely new level of hands-on discovery. Our guides took us through the city of Grottaglie—famous for its legacy of pottery, clay, and stone craftsmanship. We toured local studios and met designers creating everything from handcrafted ceramic lamps to whimsical clay sculptures and intricately carved stone bowls.

One fascinating detail, many of the artisans share the same last name, Fasano. That’s because ceramic work here has been passed down through generations, with family traditions continuing for centuries.

I absolutely loved this city. The weather was perfect, the streets were spotless, and the atmosphere felt both vibrant and serene. While every artisan studio had something special to offer, the one that left the strongest impression was Francesco Fasano’s. His sculptures, when lit, cast mesmerizing shadows across the walls, like art that came alive the moment it touched light.

Of course, we had to take a food break and this time to try the world-famous Spaghetti all’Assassina in Bari. Let’s just say the name might sound dramatic, but one bite and I understood its lethal deliciousness. Spicy, tangy, and perfectly al dente. After that meal, I felt simultaneously energized and like I needed a nap. Too much pasta and too much of a good thing!