Review written by JM (aka Malibubuoy).
This is a must stop…read moreto eat and savor local Barletta food. The restaurant is in a great location and close to the beach. This is a close knit family run restaurant. If you are lucky enough to be alone traveling you may be treated to having lunch with "Mama Nona". Mama is my new Italian friend!
On Sunday I decided to drive out to Barletta from Lucera (100kms) with the objective to eat lunch at Vecchio Forno (recommended by the staff at the Grand Hotel Vigna Nocelli). Upon arriving and presenting myself on Sunday, I was told that unfortunately they were full and did not have a table for me. Believe me, the place was packed and they were turning people away. Imploring that I drove from Lucera to have lunch, I was reminded again that they were full. Disappointed, I in my broken Italian language I asked if there was any other restaurant he would suggest within walking distance. At that question the owner told me to wait, I misunderstood him and started walking away. Within 50 feet of the restaurant I hear someone calling to me and it was the owner beckoning me to return. He told me that he had a spot for me. Following him I see that I am heading for a corner and could not see the table. I thought I was going to be seated by the toilets or kitchen sink. As we turned the corner, he points to a chair and I look at the table and I see a very beautiful elderly Italian lady sitting at the table surrounded by her grandchildren (very polite children!) eating local hard cheese, prociutto, and sipping white wine. The owner says to me " this is my mother, you will have lunch with her". I could not believe my great fortune! The chair backed onto the patrons, I was looking at Mama Nona, and the kitchen was right behind her. The food smells were orgasmic! What a fantastic spot! Mama Nona's son introduced me to the chef who is also his brother. The chef is a real crack! He is so funny! The chef looks at me and says "you are not allowed to pick up my mother", then he laughs!!! He asks me what I would like to eat and I say to him " What ever you wish to give me I will eat," he says " then I will give you house specialties". The following 3 hours were filled with wonderful Italian conversations with Mama Nona (I did my best at learning Italian very quickly), accompanied with the most delectable antipasti plates of food. The first two plates were raw fish slightly pickled with vegetables and a nicely prepared cold salmon appetizer, Suddenly 2 different types of mousse appeared, this was paired with home made foccacia bread which Mama Nona had made, YUM! Next was grilled octopus, the best grilled octopus ever! The followed by grilled eggplants with local slightly smoked melted cheese. Another plate was grilled local fish. All of this was washed down with their local Puglia red house wine made for Vecchi Forno. We even had grilled olives (awesome)! My mouoth was swimming with so many flavors. I think I was experiencing a palatable orgasm!!!The chef had more coming and I pleaded for him to stop, Basta!!! Mama Nona suggested that we eat some cold, freshly prepared fruit, and insisted that we also have some of their homemade cake. The lemon cake is a must have!
This experience was incredible. This family accepted me into their home, fed me, and cared for me. For me it was a holy moment.
Yelp friends, this is a foodie must stop location. Do make a detour and come by to eat the best local Puglia food ever! Hopefully you will meet Mama Nona. If you do, please give her a big hug for me. And remember, she is my best Italian friend...
Reservations recommended.
