Greg H.
Yelp
Apulia (Italian: Puglia) is the southeastern region of Italy bordering the Adriatic Sea in the east and the Ionian Sea to the southeast. It forms the high heel on the "boot" of Italy.
Bari Ristorante is a perfect representation of Puglia. Every plate, every morsel is a trip to a region of Italy that is overlooked and under appreciated. Puglia's cucina povera (peasant cooking) is legendary. Olive oil, grapes, tomatoes, eggplants, artichokes, peppers, salami, mushrooms, olives and fresh seafood are the regional staples.
Yes, I love Puglia. As a young American, I was fortunate to grow up there. While it has some of Italy's best food and wine, it's rare to hear a foreign voice in Apulia.
Puglia is sun-bleached landscapes, olive groves, picturesque seascapes and memorable coastal towns. It's a lush, largely flat farming region, with a long coast that alternates between limestone precipices and long sandy beaches.
And props to Bari's intimate bar. In a city riddled with substandard "bartenders", Brad Pitts (yes, that's right) is an exceptional mixologist that demonstrates the art, craft and mastery of making cocktails.
Memphis is fortunate to have this stellar example of Italian cuisine. Bella!
FYI...if you're looking for red/meat sauces, unlimited breadsticks and fried mozzarella, this is not your venue. Hustle your way down to your favorite chain.