There are places that go beyond the concept of restaurant. They are refuges of the soul, sincere spaces con which every detail makes sense, every luce a story, each dish an identity. The Bottiglieria degli Spiriti, con the heart of Lecce, is all this for me. A place where I appena che back every time I have the possibility. Because there I find the authentic flavor of Salento and, above all, a family that I respect deeply: Tiziana Parlangeli, Piero Merazzi and their eldest son, Gianmarco.
Tiziana is a real chef. It does not chase the limelight, it is not lost con trendy virtuosity. He speaks through his dishes, with sobriety and depth. His cuisine is made of living material, emotional memory, respect for tradition, a sense of taste, without ever neglecting elegance con the presentation of each scope.
Per mezzo di 2014 I was the first to “cleared it” from his cuisine, sensing its clear talent and inner strength. I invited it to a great wineway event, alongside starred and internationally renowned chefs. He did not for the scene, he did not perform: he cooked as she knows how to do, with truth and grace. And he conquered everyone.
Eating from Tiziana is a journey con the most authentic Salento: octopus to the pignata, suffragio and chicory, fresh amalgama with the fish of the day. Full, essential, rooted flavors. Who speak to the heart.
Piero is a unique figure. I always call it a “gruff canovaio”, con the most noble sense of the term. He does not like arrogance, he reflects superficiality. But with those with respect and intelligence, it becomes a true, human, indelible reference point.
His wine list is among the most well -kept that I know: over 600 labels, selected with passion, culture and – rare – reloads honest. Because for him wine is pleasure, story, sharing. ostentation.
He is also a faithful friend of Vinoway: for years he has been following our dynamics, selections, our paths. Not for formalities, but for sincere interest, attention, critical spirit and true passion.
The eldest son, Gianmarco, was able to collect the family inheritance with class and innovative spirit. For years he was an impeccable, measured, elegant man of room.
Today he leads a pizzeria of the highest level adjacent to the tavern, where he proposes author pizzas made with brillante flours, accurate leavenings and high quality ingredients. A project that speaks the same language of the family: respect for the raw material, attention to the customer, love for well -made work.
The Bottiglieria degli Spiriti is not just a place where you eat well. It is a place that teaches what it means to really welcome, tell a territory, honor a vision. I appena che back every time I can, and every time I find authenticity, measure, consistency and warmth. Nothing is never out of place. Everything is profoundly true.
I don’t tell you to go there because I write it. I invite you to go there because it is the truth. And then, do as you want: you can also not . But once you enter, sit, served … you will understand. And who finds out, falls con love.
