Jaunted

Travel Snapshot / Italy Travel / Puglia Travel / Alberobello Travel / Hobbit Houses / → All Tags

Meeting a Family-Friendly Godfather in Southern Italy

Pandering to stereotypes is one thing; pandering to stereotypes that involve violence, another. And violence that’s been destroying lives for a couple of centuries? Hmm.

Italy’s making huge strides in its fight against the Mafia – Sicily’s Addio Pizzo campaign (where they stand up against Mafia intimidation) is one of the bravest things we’ve seen from a community in years.

Which is why we were surprised when, during our recent trip to Puglia, southern Italy, we were in Alberobello one night when we saw this childrens’s shooting game based on, uhh, the Mafia. The pink colors. The fluffy toys. Doesn’t really seem to go with “Honor and respect”, does it?

Alberobello is one of the most touristy towns in Puglia. Perhaps that sheds some light on it. Or perhaps we should have a bit more “respect”. Ahem.

Photo: Jaunted]

Eat-n-Sleep / Europe Travel / → All Tags

Eat 'n Sleep Brindisi :: Ristorante Menhir and Hotel Venezia

Our Eat 'n Sleep feature profiles a restaurant in a random city and a hotel nearby. It's kinda like that old show "Dinner and a Movie" but you know, with restaurants and hotels. And better jokes.

If you're traveling through Italy and hopping on a ferry to somewhere like Croatia or Greece, chances are you'll spend a night in the not-really-hip-yet port city of Brindisi.

One advantage Brindisi really does have is the availability of fresh fish that comes with the territory of being a major port. At the Ristorante Menhir there isn't even a regular menu--the dishes of the day depend on the catch of the day, and perhaps the whim of chef Ernesto Palma, who has this to say:

My cuisine is born from instinct and passion. It is vivacious. It is influenced by the weather and the seasons. It's modern, for modern people who eat less but better!!!

According to all reports, it's also delicious, so we've already turned your boring evening in Brindisi into a feast for the stomach.

Where to sleep in Brindisi can be a tough choice, but we recommend the Hotel Venezia not far away on Via Pisanelli 6. It's right next to the city market and can get noisy early, but at least you'll get to feel a bit of the Brindisi atmosphere. Rooms start at only €36 ($51) per person, so you'll still be able to get a good night's sleep knowing you outsmarted the pricey Euro.

Related Stories:
· Ristorante Menhir [Official Site]
· Hotel Venezia [TripAdvisor]
· Brindisi Hotels [HotelChatter]
· Italy Travel coverage [Jaunted]