Bari's New Restaurant-Gallery Vettor Blends Art and Cuisine

Michele Spinelli, founder of Bari's Doppelgaenger gallery, has opened Vettor, a restaurant-gallery in central Bari that merges his passions for art and food. Designed by architect Simone Esposito, the space features two purple dining rooms, a bar, and a chef's table. Chef Nicola Ricci offers a menu fusing local Pugliese traditions with Japanese techniques, including items like uramaki with fried polenta. The restaurant also functions as a cultural hub, with a gallery space in the bar that will host rotating exhibitions visible from the street. The first artist featured is Jamie Sneider, an American based in Lecce, who created a large canvas using food stains and traditional colors. Permanent works include a drawing by Vettor Pisani from Spinelli's private collection and bathroom interventions by French duo Facon-Facon. Spinelli aims to select artists without constraints, including chance encounters, and hopes to use video art in the future.