Food, Prosecco and Gelato!

Chow Venice - I purchased a great book called, “Chow Venice”, which was written by two Slow Travlers, Shannon and Ruth. One of the great reasons I love their book is because it had such a personal touch to it. The book is light, easy to read and provides some excellent recommendations that would meet everyone’s needs. From budget and informal to higher end and formal, it is ALL good. So where did I go? Sorry, you’ll just have to purchase their book to find out. The names for some of the great places that I ate at may have slipped out here and there throughout my report, but if you want details, then I’d highly recommend that you get their book! If you don’t care about your dining experiences then roll the dice and take your chances, However, if you really want to guarantee yourself great dining experiences, while in Venice, you need to get Shannon’s and Ruth’s wonderful book, “Chow Venice.”

How to Buy your copy: Chow Venice, 2nd Edition

La Piscina Restaurant – This is a fabulous restaurant that is located on the promenade (Fondamente Zattere al Gesuiti) with a superb view of the very large and lively Giudecca Canal. It is connected to a small hotel called Pensione La Calcina. There are indoor and outdoor seating and is very casual. I selected one of their outdoor tables for the beautiful view on my first evening in Venice. First, I started with a nice glass of prosecco. It was my first introduction to this wonderful drink and I loved it. Next, my entree. I ordered a nice sole filet draped in this indescribably delicious sauce and accompanied with some fresh steamed vegetable. The waiter also gave me a bowl of very soft bread. I left nothing behind! While enjoying my meal I was able to watch as people walked by and then I witnessed this very beautiful sunset and it just made the skies over Venice look like a beautiful painting. Spectacular first meal in Venice! I really should’ve gone back—maybe next time!

La Piscina Restaurant

Zattere, Venice 30123, Italy

Tel: 0412413889

Bar da gino - This is a small and very popular café/bar located very near to my apartment. It has very tasty panini, pastries, prosecco and most importantly a very charming and local feel to it. They opened very early which was great for me since I liked to go on morning walks and then stop by for a little snack and pick me up before the long day of sight seeing began. I thought the service was excellent. I actually got to visit with some regulars while there and had the pleasure of observing daily life. Here’s an example, one evening I stopped in for a cup of coffee and a pastry. In walks in an older gentlemen with a cute little dog. He goes up to the counter pulls out a few coins, places an order for an expresso, and spends the next few minutes sipping it then walks off for the remainder of his evening walk. Sometimes I wish there was great local café or bar just like this near in my neighborhood.

Bar da gino di Scarpa Emilio

Dorsoduro, 853/A Venezia

Tel: 041.528276

Accademia Foscarina - Now that you've read (hopefully) my initial pages, maybe you'll remember my quest to find the pizza restaurant located by the popular Accademia Bridge in the Dorsoduro district. You'll be happy to know that I finally did find the restaurant and enjoyed several great pizza meals thee during my stay. The reason that I never saw it the first night on my arrival was it was closed. When I did stumble upon it one long day after sightseeing I finally got to enjoy my first pizza in Venice and it was fabulous! One evening I actually got the table in the corner with the views of the canals and that was probably one of the great meals that I enjoyed in Venice. I had a great conversations with a really friendly couple sitting next to me. And their hours really suited my eating habits a lot.