TRAVEL 39
a taste of
The Land
Smell, sound and taste: our senses provide
the impactful, long-lasting memories and
unique money-can’t-buy experiences
when travelling abroad. As the ‘Experience
Economy’ is shifting to a ‘Transformational
Economy’, travellers are increasingly looking
for authentically local and immersive
interactions that capture the essence of their
vacation in a foreign land.
No fine dining experience can compare to
the feelings of warmth and generosity that a
traveller gets when dining in a local’s home.
Italian chef Alessandro Paiano is one of a
growing number of farm-to-table hosts that
now offers the guests of premium escorted
journeys, like Insight Vacations, a taste of the
true flavour of the destination they visit.
“In summer, I’m up at 4:30am, out in the
fields harvesting fresh vegetables before
the trattoria opens each day,” says Chef
Alessandro. “No pesticides, no chemicals, no
preservatives, this celebrates the true taste
and quality of fresh seasonal produce. This is
the taste of Italy I want to share.”
Housed in the conical stone “trulli” huts of
Italy’s Apulian region, Alessandro’s restaurant
celebrates family history and sustainable
cuisine. The trattoria goes back to his Nonna’s
house, where Chef Alessandro grew up eating
the same seasonal dishes that he now offers
in his restaurant.
“Nonna is still a big part of my restaurant to
this day” he continues. “She loves to meet
the guests and even gives them a lesson on
how to hand make Orecchiette pasta before
joining us for a dinner that celebrates our
family traditions.”
Chef Alessandro wants visitors to understand
that good Italian food takes time and
patience. It’s meant to follow the seasons –
zucchini in the summer, and turnip greens
in the winter. He speaks passionately about
the loss of these traditions due to corporate
restaurants.
“Our trattoria is meant to be small, to avoid
having a big industrial kitchen and to ensure
fresh plates and personal service for the
select small groups we welcome every year”
he concludes.
Don’t miss the Thornley and Turner Travel
Associates Travel Info Evening to find out
more about authentic travel experiences
and dining in style with Insight Vacations,
Trafalgar and Uniworld.