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Pierfaone: La Baita

Near Abriola , Phone: 0971.722996

Reviewed by: valerie from Italy, review #2709

When: 2007

Welcoming place in a cozy cabin in the mountains serving delicious traditional Lucanian food

Directions: Up in the mountains above Abriola across from the little ski area

On the mountain above Abriola lies a humble ski resort area. Just across the street is the cozy log cabin restaurant called La Baita where one finds traditional Lucanian food very well prepared and served up with pride by the friendly owner.

We were lead to this place, literally. We were ravished and searching for a restaurant. We asked a lady we happened upon where to find a good restaurant. She told us to follow her and her colleagues to La Baita, where they would be lunching that day. We obediently tailed her up the mountain road, and thanked for her profusely for it. They took back roads we would never have found. (We later found a state highway that she said is “the long route” but is the easiest way to reach this place.)

The cute cabin snugly houses about 12 tables. Everything is rustic and homey. Our guide immediately informed the owner that she had brought a few Americani in tow, and he greeted us enthusiastically if not a little surprisedly. He immediately laid out bread and local wine then suggested that we allow him to select our meal. Fine by us, we have usually met our best meals this way.

He began with a selection of antipasti. Basilicatan fare usually includes several plates of antipasti so this was very typical: prosciutto and salami, cheese, olives, pickled vegetables, grilled eggplant and the yummy fried sweet peppers known as peperoni cruschi.

He suggested a tasting portion of two primi instead of just one plate. The thick strascinati had the flavor and texture of homemade dumplings and were dressed with olive oil and topped with crumbled peperoni cruschi. Then came the ravioli (in dialect, cauzenciedd’) which were heavenly with fresh ricotta, topped with a light tomato-basil sauce. Both of the pastas were hand-made on site. The flavors were simple but perfect. We enjoyed every bite of both.

After the primi the owner asked if we were still hungry, but we opted out of the meat course and finished off with just a salad. Coffees and smiles from our guide, the owner and waitress rounded out the delectable meal. This place is worthy of a detour just to dine here. Really.

A very filling lunch for four with wine and coffee came to 67 euro. Really.

This review is the opinion of a Slow Travel member and not of slowtrav.com.

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Pierfaone: La Baita

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