In my past days in Carovigno I met a family owned a small restaurant on the sea. Even if someone finds it hard to believe, I can not say a word unless I'm in a good place, while unlike, if I am comfortable, is a river in flood. Well, The first time I went to this family restaurant I met Nini, his wife Franca, ed Elena, their daughter.
TARDI Era, there were few people in the local. I ate sitting at a table, and Ninì to another, a short distance. I have seen silent and with sad eyes. Maybe that's why I asked him what he had in the pot. With the puzzled look told me that unfortunately could not enjoy what he wanted because of a disease. I do not know why, perhaps to send a bit 'of my enthusiasm for that moment passed them, but I moved and I sat down to eat next to him for a chat. He told me of his meeting with Domenico Modugno…
Nini has left us Wednesday 23 Last July after a long illness. I promised to write to him and Franca of our meeting. In verità lo avevo già fatto, before you even get the news. This is my way to remember.
“I nu faci Piattu of honeycombs?” It 's so that you ask Specchiolla, fraction of Carovigno in the province of Brindisi, one of the typical dishes of Puglia. How I found out? Andando Jude, a small restaurant on the sea that drew my attention to the flowers and plants placed in beautiful frame around the local. Those who love nature in itself is already a special person, per me, I love the green, the best presentation.
In fact the exact name of this refreshment is TAV. (shooting), restaurant as well as being the headquarters of clay pigeon shooting Specchiolla. There are entry a day after, riding a bike on the boardwalk, appetite was felt. Inside a simple typical trattorias family, and on the back, all'esterno, a porch from which I admired the beautiful view of the sea.
In addition to familiarize yourself with the environment I like to do it with people, that's how I met Nini and his wife Franca, the owners of the restaurant. You're the queen of the kitchen, e lui, with her daughter, room attendant. The first time I went they told me of his past in Milan, when he worked at the Piccolo Teatro. He took care of the transport of the sets and everything else needed for the preparation of comedies.
One day, having to deliver the costumes to the dressing room before a performance of Domenico Modugno, decided to inserirgli shirt in a ticket with a simple wish of good luck. Domenico, nativo di Polignano a Mare, I went to look for before going on stage to thank, pleased to have on staff a co-worker of his land.
It 'so who knew him, but not only, the comedy was so successful as to induce Domenico Modugno to make a habit of greeting to Nini before the beginning of each show. Beautiful atmosphere of a past time that I listened to on a hot summer afternoon, facing the beautiful sea of Carovigno and a plate of mashed fava beans.
- Soak in the water a handful of beans per person for an entire night.
- Then drain and transfer them in a pot of water covering them. In addition to combine the salt and a potato head, cut into cubes.
- Once you come to a boil, cook over low heat for an hour removing the foam that gradually form.
- Stir occasionally moving the pot vigorously, without the aid of spoons.
- Once absorbed the water passing the mixture into the strainer in combining contemporary of extra virgin olive oil.
The mashed beans thus obtained can be accompanied by chicory country, from hot chili peppers, or from the white. It is also good warmed up the next day with the fried onions.
A legume among the oldest that can be used fresh or dried. It 'a good source of phosphorus, iron, zinc, magnesium and vitamin E.
Restaurant by Nini T.A.V. – Avenue of Tamarisk, Specchiolla - Carovigno (BR)
