FLAVOURS OF VENICE

Bite your way through Venice’s streets on this private food tour. You will unveil the yummy side of the city and get to see where locals eat, drink and purchase food. Away from the dreaded menu turistico, your local epicurean will show you where to find mouth-watering treats and explain the history and traditions behind Venetian cuisine. Tasty insights into the city’s past and a delicious glimpse into Venetian way of life today are among the unforgettable flavours that you will take away with you.

Whilst Venice’s foodie reputation may not be as well known as that of Florence, Rome or Naples, the city does boast its own particular centuries-long culinary heritage, significantly different from other cuisines of Northern Italy. The absence of farmable land on the island meant no meat, dairy or wheat. Surrounded by water, until the 19th century – when railway and vehicular bridges from the mainland to the island were built – everything had to be brought to the city by boat.

However, this once powerful maritime republic, supreme ruler over Mediterranean trade routes for centuries, was also an efficient, thriving port. Some of the most valuable and sought-after goods that passed through its harbour were spices and ingredients from the Middle East and Asia which strongly influenced local cooking. Of course fish is the city’s major pride, as you will now have the chance both to see and to savour.

A visit to the bustling fresh food market of Rialto, for almost 1,000 years the financial and commercial heart of the Serenissima, will let you feel the pulse of daily life in Venice, both past and present. Indeed from here it only takes a tiny step of the imagination to glimpse the sights and scents of exotic wares and oriental goods that merchants of old would have traded on this very spot. As you feast your eyes on brightly coloured displays of succulent, seasonal produce and a wide variety of fish and seafood, your food expert will paint a vivid picture of the scene in medieval times, when this site was Europe’s most important business centre.

Your eating adventure also includes a selection of bacari, popular gathering spots where locals come to socialise and relax. Here you will find tempting cicchetti, small plates with finger food which are Venice’s answer to Milan’s aperitivo and Spain’s tapas. The Epi-curious might want to try – and discover the history behind – Venice’s most famous speciality, baccalà mantecato – creamed dried cod. This age-old delicacy dates back to 1432 when captain Pietro Querini brought back to Venice dried stockfish from the Lofoten Islands in Norway. A terrible storm and a shipwreck are also part of the story. Much courage and fortitude were needed to carry this dish back home so be sure to make the most of your baccalà!

Scrumptious highlights of your food tour might include fried snacks, beans, slices of bread with a variety of toppings, and an array of fish dishes such as anchovies, cuttlefish, octopus and sardines. Top it off with a glass of wine, spritz or prosecco… cheers to the Serenissima!