The review of the Masseria Madonna dell'Arco, in Valle D'Itria. Where to eat with quality products and sleep well.
La Valle d'Itria is that picturesque area in the center of Puglia and which includes the cities of Cisternino, locorotondo e Martina Franca, internationally known for its trulli, wine and splendid bucolic landscapes.
I recently had the good fortune to take a walk in this beautiful valley and for lunch I chose to have lunch in one farm. These are structures that allow the visitor not only to have lunch with seasonal, fresh or homemade products, but also, where equipped, to stay overnight in the typical trulli or beautifully restored structures that in the past were used as stables or similar.
In short, they are not five-star resorts but they allow you to have an experience and direct contact with nature and above all with peace and tranquility, really difficult to meet in the daily routine.
The farm where I had lunch is located in Martina Franca (TA) and is called Masseria Madonna dell'Arco, Via Madonna dell'Arco, once a historic residence (XNUMXth century) but today a real farm with animals of all kinds: from goats to cows, from ducklings to peacocks.
The cuisine is really excellent with a wide selection of both hot and cold typical appetizers (knots, capocollo, mushrooms, meatballs and so on) and of course the first courses of the day, all of homemade pasta combined with local season or typicality.
Then the mixed grilled meat is not to be missed: I cannot recommend them to you bowler hats typical of these areas, which will delight your palate. The tagliata, served on lava stone with a cascade of caciocavallo and rocket is also very scenic.
Finally, the desserts, all made on the same day and extraordinarily delicious: I mention for example the bocconotto with cream and black cherries or the chocolate salami.
The lunch then ended with the artisan liqueurs of the farm: nocino, limoncello and the like. In short, I did not miss anything and none of my courses disappointed, even from a quantitative point of view. I must say that the price was particularly adequate for the quality and quantity of food eaten.
Obviously it is possible to buy both sausages and dairy products but also meat raised directly in the farm in Point of sale adjacent to the structure, to take home some goodness enjoyed at lunch. Very nice then the small church from which the farm takes its name.
Finally it is possible to sleep in trulli which are located near the restaurant area; I did not have this experience but the trulli seemed very well kept and well equipped. There are 9 trulli and it is possible for guests to arrange half board in the farm. Consider that the farm also has a large Swimmingpool, particularly useful in the summer season, for those who do not want to get too far from the structure, ideal for relaxing and to fight the heat, thanks also to the sun loungers positioned by the pool. For children there is also a large play area.
