Trieste

We continued our road-trip from Venice up north to Trieste.

The view from our room in Trieste. The “Arco di Riccardo” is an Augustan gate built as part of the Roman walls in 33 A.D.

The Triestian historic sites. Its artistic and cultural heritage is linked to its “border town” location. You can find some old Roman architecture, Austrian empire architecture across the city centre and Mediterranean styles.

How is this for an italian picnic; mozzarella balls, artichokes, tomatoes and of course, in Trieste, with the central european influence, ham. No picnic is complete without some Vino.

Another Spritz stop ;)

Meandering around old-town Trieste.

Trieste is situated on the crossroads of several commercial and cultural flows: German middle Europe to the north, Slavic masses and the Balkans to the east, Italy and then Latin countries to the west and the Mediterranean Sea to the south. So, it is natural to have sausage with sauerkraut and melanzane with polenta at a typical Triestine restaruarant.

The food in Mestre

Our first dinner in Mestre was an amazing seafood feast at Restaurant da Bepi. We weren't sure what to order, so our (very) friendly host took the liberty of ordering enough food to feed an army! We started with mussels and clams in a tomato sauce served with pasta (this would have been enough to satisfy the both of us for the evening!). That was followed by a grilled seafood platter, and that was followed by a fried seafood platter, both served with polenta. Needless to say we couldn't finish everything, but were then treated to free tiramisu and prosecco - we waddled back to our hotel. Great atmosphere, friendly hosts and delicious food. 

Mussels and clams served with spaghetti. 

Seafood platters.

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Our second supper was had at an unassuming restaurant off the main piazza called Osteria Cuccagna. The restaurant sources all its ingredients within a 100km radius and put creative twists on classic dishes. Fresh, high quality ingredients and the perfect flavour combinations made for one of the most memorable meals we have ever had.

Carpaccio with smoked ricotta and black truffle butter.

Piemontese - steak tartare (Raw Italian beef with tiny cubed vegetables)