Le Michelin: Dining at Al Fornello di Ricci, Michelin Star Restaurant in Italy

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This weekend, we decided to stay in Puglia, as it has a lot of beauty, delicious food, and experiences to offer. The big event of the weekend was dining at the Michelin star restaurant, Al Fornello di Ricci, run by Chef Vinod and his wife, Antonella. Unfortunately, Chef Vinod, the Chef who came to do salumi day with us in class, was away, but Chef Antonella did not disappoint. Here is a picture of each course with an explanation of each:
 Chef prepared us a tasting menu to try Pugliese cuisine and the different dishes they offer. This was perfect because we were not sure what we wanted! It also added something to not knowing what you were going to get until it arrived. 

Starting on the left (the green sauce):
 A fried squash blossom with a cabbage puree
(the purple sauce):  A thin crostini with a salt cod and potato puree with a local small onion puree 
In the ramekin: A cheese and chicory "quiche" 

 A variety of cured meats made by Chef Vinod and his team 
The cheese was a local cheese that really just tasted fresh. 

 A selection of slices of bread: focaccia, "biscuits", soft white bread 

 Cauliflower and broccoli puree with cheese 

 A local primitivo red wine: Absolutely delicious 

 Pasta course:
incanulate al ferretto saltate con broccoli, funghi porcini, pomodorini Regina e pancetta ABT tostata
Trofle pasta with brccoli, porcini mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, and toasted panchetta 

 Second course:
Filetto di vitello scottato alle erbe aromatiche dell'orto con due consistenze di cime di rape e semi toasti 
Seared veal with aromatic herbs from the garden with 2 sauces of turnips and broccoli 

Soft & Crunchy biscotto Cegliese
Almond, cherry marmalade, and rosemary cookies 

 Almond, sabayon, ice cream, chocolate, and mint 

Coffee flavored digestivo 

This was an absolutely incredible meal and we were very grateful that we got a table. Logan and I had been to Ai Fiori in New York, another one Michelin star restaurant. We used this experience to compare the differences between the two:
Al Fornello di Ricci is very rustic, homey, and welcoming; the food was excellently tasting, with a lot of love 
Ai Fiori is a lot more about service and the way you would expect a Michelin star restaurant to be; everything was done perfectly, but was a lot more modern; they were very nice, but there was not a homey feel to the restaurant. 

All and all, this was a great experience: not many people can say they went to a Michelin star restaurant, nevermind in a different country where they were taught a class by the chef. 

If in the area, this is a must! Warning: it is in the middle of nowhere so do not be alarmed! 

With love, 
Baylee 



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