October 2020 Trani : Shopping for food

On Wednesday morning we go in search of the fresh produce market in Trani. We set off early hoping to avoid the traffic, but it doesn't work because it's arriving at school by car time. We had hoped for a market similar to the one in Manfredonia but there are just 4 or 5 fruit and vegetable stalls and one of fish. We buy some tomatoes, which turn out to be excellent, fennel, carrots, some superb potatoes and too many plums. The rest of the morning is spent strolling along the sea front in Trani, in particular the Villa Comunale, or park, which is right on the sea, very well cared for with statues, a fitness area, lots of seating right near the sea or in the shade, very nice indeed, and a beauriful view of the cathedral and port. 

By the time we are wandering back along by the harbour we are getting hungry so when we go into Panetteria del porto to buy bread a piece of focaccia is irresistible. It turns out to be delicious, soft, crunch, cherry tomatoes, dripping oil, sitting on a bench by the harbour.

The plan was pasta for lunch but at the last minute Andrea convinces me to traipse off in search of a special butcher's Macelleria Mazzone, yes they probably do sell chops and steak but are specialized in all manner of prepared meat concoctions from lamb's liver squashed into bits of intestine with herbs and vegetables to the typical 'bombs' of rolled up slices of meat with various fillings. When I express my surprise at such a selection the butcher tells me that this is the future of butcher's shops......We buy some small portions for lunch and supper. Not surprisingly, because we are in Puglia, it's all inexpensive, high quality and delicious.

The afternoon is dedicated to 'shopping'. The area around Cerignola is specialised in Conserves and we need to stock up for the winter. As last year we go to 'Natura e Bontà' since they also have a shop on the premises to sell to the public. I get jars of dried tomatoes, artichokes, dried mixed vegetables, fish salad, aubergines as well as spicier concoctions which are gifts for various people looking after things back at home. We then also stop at a nearby wine producers Cantina Paradiso, they don't usually sell directly to the public but they are kind and friendly and Andrea comes away with six bottles of excellent quality local wine at a reasonable price. Such a nice way to go shopping....