A return to Venice to taste ...!

Venice, unique city in the world ... Some people love it and some people hate it. For me it was love at first sight, Venice because it fills you eyes… Wherever you look you see art, history and beauty. Come dice Friedrich Nietzsche, if I were to find a word that replaces music, I could only think of Venice.

The paths in this magical city are many ... Best History, of art, di culture. In my last visit, however,, I wanted to privilege in a particular location… a path of taste!

That said, as I say ... ready, via!

After my usual walk walking the street in Venice, I went to visit a friend met at a dinner in Milan, Alberto Fol, Executive Chef at the Restaurant La Cusina dell’Holtel The Westin Europa& Regina. This historic hotel overlooking the Grand Canal, born from the union of five ancient palaces of the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries.

Alberto was born in Treviso, but thanks to the hotel of the parents in the Belluno Dolomites, grew up breathing the mountain air. It all started from there, the passion for cooking, by nature, for producers who follow sustainable farming practices, for ancient flavors, for tradition…

As for all of us, There are people in our memory that have influenced our choices. His grandfather, bringing a child in the garden, introduced him to the true taste of vegetables freshly picked. I myself have similar memories and unforgettable, like the taste of freshly picked tomatoes from my grandmother in the countryside in Treviso, Red and meaty… indelible memories etched in memory that take us back to the rural world, Earth.

Together with his second, the shy and introverted Chef Riccardo Porracin,  I spent a pleasant evening tasting the delicious dishes prepared by him, e conoscendo l’uomo appassionato che pian piano le mie provocazioni scherzose hanno fatto emergere. Davanti a noi un suggestivo scenario della Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute illuminata dalla luna.

But that's not all, because my journey of taste is continued the next day all’Antinoo’s Lounge & Restaurant del Centurion Palace Hotel.  Its name is due to a currency Antinoo found during the work that led to the opening of the hotel overlooking the Grand Canal. On arrival I hit the front with a strong Venetian Gothic style, entering the cozy garden with ivy and bamboo plants, and the entrance of the hall a crystal chandelier shaped gondola! Spectacular!

To welcome the kind Micaela Scapin Press Office, and Massimo Livan Executive Chef.  I came back to mind the words of Richard Porracin the previous day: “Cynthia, Massimo is a big talker, your equal say, if not more!” Challenge I said to myself, challenge I won! 😉 But to get me to shut up Massimo easily found the way, its excellent tasting menu has meant that my concentration was dedicated to the creativity of its dishes.

As I often say, sit at a table and enjoy food and wine, is a true celebration of the products of the Earth, led by the cook through experience and wisdom gained.

 I am convinced that we can create a great dish even using only two ingredients. The skill of a chef is also measured in the ability to dare, experience, ingegnarsi. Massimo Livan