So what about the food??

I thought it would be a good idea to spend some time talking about the food, after all, we have spent a considerable amount of time on the Itallian Cousins tour eating and drinking. The Family dinners organised by Tour Leader Julia, have been fabulous and we have attempted to showcase the regional favourites in each area, but as well as the set meals, we have all had ample opportunity to frequent local cafes and bars to have a truly local experience.

The meals that have been etched in our memory so far:

The wonderful meal at Hotel Victoria in Verona, including steak tartare and those magnificent eggplant ravioli.

Black spaghetti with squid in Venice was simply superb. We tried some by the fish markets which we thought was appropriate, but later we found just as good a plate nearby St Marks square, you must try it. At the markets we also tasted a magnificent Porcini and Scampi tagliatelle....yum!!

The home made pumpkn gnocchi as well as the Tagliatelle with Porcini served at Ciarnie I  in Asolo was also a family favourite with the group and now we are all going to try and make it at home.

In Turin at the Grand Sitae, the mushroom and eggplant ravioli was a hit with its smooth texture and flavour.

Seafood features in many of the favourite meals and in the Piazza Erbe in Verona there was a wonderful, simple seafood dish at al Lamberi (lots of candles) it was delicious.

 

A special mention must go the restaurant La Botte di Bacca in Radda where we enjoyed a magnificent 6 course meal for our Family Dinner that included the most sublime ravioli with Pear sauce. Our very generous host Gian Luca and his chef came out to ensure that we were enjoying the food and we cheekily asked for the recipe. Hopefully, we will include it in an Italian Cousins newsletter soon, but give us some time to perfect it.

You know even the simplest of foods, including the pizza and panine are delicious and it is because the ingredients are either home made of fresh from the producer just down the road. Australians could learn a thing or two from this great way of eating.....not too many supermakets here, I can assure you.

And then there is the gelato.....

Well this is a list of our favourites so far, by the end of the trip, I am sure we will have lots more to add.