Venice

Venice is a visual treat! It's over-the-top, colourful, textured and winding. I took a million photos and still can't decide which are my favourites. Here are a few to summarise our experience in one of the world's oldest theme parks:

Venician masks - imagine going to a ball in one of those!

Gondolas navigating the waterways.

Winding alleys filled with water.

Piazza San Marco.

Amazingly delicious Nutella ice cream

Glass blower demonstrations on the tiny island of Murano.

'Street Food' on the banks of the river.

I got up really early to visit the fish market - what an experience! I could have spent the whole day there, and then the whole night cooking with the amazing produce they sell there. 

One of the many fresh fish stalls.

The building that houses some of the fish market has gargoyles that look like fish!

A rolled tuna pizza and Spritz by the water. 

Taking a Spritz break.

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)