We often talk about food when we think about travel. To taste local specialties is to experience the destination in a new way and gain a greater understanding of the people who live there.
Travel feeds the soul, and we hunger for escape, so traveling to experience culinary traditions makes perfect sense. A few years ago, I went to one of the culinary hearts of Northern Italy – Venice. Food is no joke here; the Veneto region is responsible for beloved Italian foods like gnocchi, tiramisu, and risotto.
Thankfully, food needs no translation, and all are welcome at the table. And, let me tell you, did I ever eat in Italy! Bubbly wine, cheese, and fresh seafood filled shop after shop. In Venice, you’ll taste homemade deliciousness and meet locals proud to share their tasty traditions with you.
There are so many delicious food choices in Venice; it’s hard to decide where to start. So, just in case you’re not sure where to begin, here is a list of some wonderful culinary delights…
Spaghetti in Nero di Seppia
This charcoal-colored pasta looking dish is pieces of squid slow-cooked in tomato sauce. The charcoal color comes from the ink of the squid, which as added after the preparation is complete.
Sarde in Saor
Over a reduced flame, onions are cooked until they become transparent and fragrant. Pine nuts, raisins, and lastly, sardines are then mixed in with the onions to create this delightfully tasty dish.
In Venice, Italy, sarde in saor is an antipasto that consists of sardines marinated in white wine, raisins, and vinegar.
Fritto Misto
This divine dish is simply shrimp, fishballs, and calamari all breaded and deep-fried to perfection. Although many restaurants serve this dish, they all add their own flavors, bread topping, and touches, so don’t hesitate to try them all!
Baccala Mantecato
For hours, dried codfish is cooked until the bone is nearly dissolved. It is then creamed with oil to the most impeccable consistency. This makes a great late-night spread for bread and is even better paired with some Venetian wine.
Bigoli in salsa
Onions, anchovies, and fennel seeds are added to the sauce of this magnificent Venetian whole wheat pasta dish. This is one of Venice’s signature cuisines and a must-try!
Frittelle
Overfilled with cream or raisins and candied orange peel, and dipped in sugar, these delectable doughnuts are the perfect mid-day treat.
frittelle is a popular sweet of dought and cream eaten during carnival season
Moeche Fritte
These small crabs are breaded and fried whole without the shell. You will find this delicacy served at many fancy Venetian restaurants.
Fegato Alla Veneziana
This dish is a Venetian past-time. In fact, it’s a past-time for many cultures. It is liver fried up and laid over a bed of slow-cooked onions.
Castraure
These vibrant colored violet artichokes are picked prematurely then boiled. You won’t even have to peel it, take a bite, and enjoy!
Tramezzino
This snack entails using pieces of bread in the shape of a triangle and filling them with all sorts of delicious foods such as cheese, tomatoes, artichoke, olives, and more. The options are endless!
Close up pictures of small pieces of sandwich loafs with salmon and smoked swordfish
Are you hungry for Italy? Let me show the real Italy, because every good story starts with an adventure. Contact me here to get started.
Ciao!
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