If Lecce is the sophisticated historical center of Puglia and Bari is the rough and tumble port, Monopoli is the chill seaside city featuring a lovely Lungomare (promenade) and Blue Flag certified beaches.
But, there’s a lot more to Monopoli than just flopping on the beach. After all, the beaches aren’t that big, facilities are sometimes scarce, and the terrain can be rocky.
Foodies will delight in the Rustico served at local bakeries, the abundance of fresh seafood, and an adult coffee drink invented nearby.
Here’s an excerpt from my Monopoli, Italy Foodie Travel Guide.
Between Lecce and Bari in the region of Puglia, Monopoli is a chill beach town with some terrific food and a unique coffee drink to recommend it.
Rustico is a snack that is made by filling a cup of puff pastry and topping it with another piece of puff pastry. Easy to hold in your hand, Rustico is a great street food since it’s portable.
Traditionally, the Rustico filling is bechamel sauce, tomato, and mozzarella. Today, there are all kinds of Rustico fillings. I’m partial to the spinach and ricotta.
Rustico is found all over Salento (the southern part of Puglia), especially in Lecce. But, my favorite place to get Rustico is in Monopoli at Fortunato, an incredible bakery just a short walk from the historic city center.
Instead of making little individual Rustico, it is baked in a sheet pan and cut into giant slabs, Rustico Grande, if you will.
I can’t recommend Forunato highly enough. Their pastries are divine as are their savory dishes and snacks like Taralli (little round crackers). Plus, the staff is super friendly. The best!
Speaking of puff pastry, there’s a sweet treat from Puglia that also uses the flaky dough. Take an oval piece of puff pastry, drop a dollop of jam and/or cream in the center, fold it over, and top with an egg wash and crystalized or powdered sugar. Crispy, crunchy, sweet and delicious!
Brent Petersen is the Editor-in-Chief of Destination Eat Drink. He currently resides in Setubal, Portugal. Brent has written the novel “Truffle Hunt” (Eckhartz Press) and the short story collection “That Bird.” He’s also written dozens of foodie travel guides on Destination Eat Drink, including several in Italy,. Brent’s podcast, also called Destination Eat Drink, is available on all major podcasting platforms and is distributed by the Radio Misfits Podcast Network.
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