“For me it was important to have this beautiful example of generosity from my family, from people in Puglia. And even if they have nothing, they always want to share what they have. And of course they always want to know everything about you.”
We’re in great company with Chiara Tommasino, who alongside her brother, Walter and parents, Maria Grazia and Paolo, steward Masseria Potenti, a 16th century farmhouse set on a 320 acre estate amongst endless olive groves and vineyards on the Apulian coast.
As a family living two lives between the North and South of Italy, the Tommasino’s dreamt of returning to a sense of home where they could share laughter and love with their guests paired with refined hospitality, a strong agricultural identity, and the culinary traditions of their region.
In this episode, Chiara eloquently tells how Masseria Potenti is the realization of this dream - passionately made with life’s sweetest ingredients - her family’s recipe for “La Dolce Vita” that they share with guests from all around the world.
Top Takeaways
[1:45] Chiara grew up with her time and her heart split between Puglia and Milan. As a multi-passionate herself, she shares the beauty of that life enjoying the best of the North and South of Italy.
[4:30] Puglia is full of authenticity and tradition - from the agriculture to the cuisine, the habits of the people to the festivities throughout the year.
[8:30] “I always thought we dream if we are missing something. If you need to believe in something and push towards that idea.” Chiara explains how Manduria called her family home.
[12:30] There are a lot of lively conversations and expressive arguments around the Tommasino’s family table when discussing how to run the masseria, but one thing is for certain…no one sits down until everyone is in agreement.
[20:30] A day in the life as a guest at Masseria Potenti starts with a bountiful breakfast of fresh fruit cakes, a morning enjoyed by the sea, lunch exploring the surrounding area, and upon returning home, an al fresco dinner sitting under their iconic fig tree.
[24:15] There are many ways to discover a hidden Apulia, connecting to its traditions and terroir - from courses in mediterranean cooking to wine, cheese and olive oil tasting, from a stroll in the countryside to a picturesque setting for a yoga retreat.
[31:20] Chiara is cooking up a retreat and residency program for those slow travelers looking to stay, to refresh, to make, to learn and to connect with the local community.
Notable Mentions
La Scarcedde Pugliese - traditional Easter bread with egg in the center
Mandarinetto Liqueur - Pugliese digestif made of mandarin oranges
Mirto Liqueur - Pugliese digestif made of the berries of the myrtle plant
