Tre Confini - MATERA

This may be the first review of a restaurant at a filling station on Trip Advisor. If so, it is high-time excellence is recognised wherever found, not only at recognised ‘restaurants’. The eatery, to give it its full appellation: “ Stazione di Servizio ‘Tre Confini’ Esseffe Energy S.R.L.”, is found just before the turn-off, travelling in an easterly direction, to the mountain village Montescaglioso in the province of Matera, Basilicata, Italy, on the S 380. My wife and I stopped at this spotlessly appointed truck-stop, motorist half-way house on July 19, 2013. But not only truckers frequent the place. It is for anyone using Italy’s often superb Strada and Autostrada, and this one was only about 30 kilometres from the Ionian Sea in the Bay of Taranto. As soon as we had asked for the menu, the chef came to our table introducing himself. I asked that the pasta marinara not be ‘troppo al dente’. And it wasn’t. It was perfectly al dente, not raw, nor spongy. It contained calamari, squid, shrimp and a host of other seafood delicacies mixed in a sauce that could not be improved on by a multiple Michelin starred establishment. Pasta heaven. That pasta dish was never matched in quality for the entire trip of 23 days. Terry’s large slice of macaroni was peerlessly prepared. We had two carafes of vino rosso, introducing a delicate nose, a round full taste and consistent follow through of mellow berries, Sangiovese no doubt. We were offered superlative profiteroles for dessert. Of course the meal was accompanied by salad and fresh bread. A good meal is a symphony of styles, tastes and environmental tone fit for the time and place. As for the last, the ambience was quietly earthy, as for time, lunch time, and as to taste, the food was of the highest quality imaginable wrapped in rustic style. The chef was obviously in a class far above his modest surroundings. The service was efficient, if a touch unsmiling, but then as they thought we were French, not surprising. And the entire area with a large full bar at its centre, was neater and cleaner than spotless. What a find, what a culinary experience. For 30 euros, inclusive of wine. When visiting Matera, take a gander down Montescaglioso way (a fascinating city) and stop over at the 'Tre Confini '. You will not regret it.