Food and Wine

05 chapter

F o o d a n d W i n e

Over the centuries, Venice has expanded from a humble village to a powerful maritime empire shifting into an essential getaway between the eastern and western world and crossroads of trade and commercial routes. In fact, the continuous exchange of products with distant places and the richness of the local territory full of gastronomic excellence have created an incredible synergy and a triumphant combination of flavors from the past that last to the present day. Furthermore, the Republic of Venice, with its commercial power, pivoted wine from an austere beverage into a status symbol, writing a remarkable chapter of vine growing and winemaking for the whole European continent.

Risi e bisi

One of the most authentic Venetian receipts, Risi and Bisi has ancient and fascinating roots, dating back to the days of the Republic. Tradition has it that on the occasion of the celebrations of Venice patron - St. Mark - on April 25th, the dish was served at the Doge's banquets. Neither risotto nor a soup, with a wave-like texture, the name literally means rice - the symbol of fertilityand peas - the symbol of the spring.

Cichetti

Delicious small bites, chichetti are not only part of the food tradition of Venice for centuries but also represent the social bonds, the time spent together, and the community life in the Serenissima. A culinary symbol of the city, traditional chichetti is simple and made with the typical for the region's ingredients. Creamed salted cod or baccalà in Italian, and sardine in soar are two of the must-tastes. You'll find those delicious appetizers in the many bàcaro - welcoming Venetian taverns with rustic furnishing scattered all around the town.

Ombra de vin

Drinking a glass of wine in Venice has always been a social ritual. Traditionally an ombra de vin - literally shadow of wine - accompanies the cichetti, and this has been a century-long custom that still endures time. The most widespread legend has it that the many merchants at St. Mark's square in the hot summer months used to move their stales following the shade of the St.Mark's belltower to keep their wines cool. This common expression has no proven artifacts, yet ombra has turned into a popular saying of a small glass of wine to enjoy in good company.

Did you k n o w ?

The Bellini cocktail, one of the most renowned Italian classics, was invented in Venice. It was 1948 when the head bartender of the historic Harry's Bar Giuseppe Cipriani, turned two local genuine ingredients into an iconic drink with fresh and fruity flavors. Two parts of Prosecco sparkling wine and one part of white peach pureè complete each, turning into a sweet overture of a timeless savor.

The name of the cocktails is a tribute to one of the greatest painters of the Venetian Renaissance - Giovanni Bellini. Legend has it that the pink glowing color reminded Cipriani of the remarkable chromatic paintings of Bellini. Hence, the cocktail got christened.