One of the best parts of staying at Hotel Giorgione, our “home in Venice” is the warm hospitality of the quiet corner of Cannaregio where it’s found; this short video shows that Venice isn’t just the hustle-bustle crowded experience many folks complain about. If you know where you’re going, you’ll see the Venice that Venetians themselves experience: a post-work nip of prosecco, a quiet calle, and some fantastic cicchetti prepared with fresh local ingredients.
It’s Match Time!
Forza Italia!
A tough match ahead, but hopefully the Azzurri make a strong showing. I have a feeling it’ll come down to which Super Mario shows up–the angry upstart, or the soccer savant we hope Balotelli will keep being?
A Fading Dream
Our friend Jim Brandano put together this wonderful short video of images from his Venice visit a couple years back. Enjoy! I think he captures the feel of the place quite nicely.
Orsoni
Wish I could say this was more of a surprise, but unfortunately graft and corruption tend to dissuade investment in developing Italy’s future and taint public works projects like this.
In other news, I’d like to announce my candidacy for Mayor of Venice. Be sure to write me in, i Veneziani!
Hannah’s Italian Adventure
Check out my cousin-in-law’s blog of her summer adventure teaching English to a young boy in Italy and staying with his family. It’s a fun read and man, I wish I’d thought of a way to do this when I was her age! Hope to catch up with her and her host family in Italy sometime soon.
Gardens in Venice
This is lovely (thanks to Dream of Venice for sharing). Reading about how gardens are tucked into Venice’s various nooks and hidden corners just makes one want to wander around finding them. Anthony Bourdain observed in Italy once that if Americans could get vegetables like he was enjoying there, we’d find it easier to get Americans to eat them, and I think he’s right. Herbs, spices, locally sourced produce from the lagoons little islands–they’re why the flavors you enjoy there are just so much more dramatic than what generic chain grocery store food can offer, and why the food you enjoy in Italy is just that much more captivating.
Gondola and Vaporetto
Sharing space on the Grand Canal in spring…lovely.
Chianti Cool
Ever wonder exactly what the designation Chianti actually refers to?
Here’s a great write up.
There are many great grape varieties in Italy but it if I was forced to choose a favorite, it would be Sangiovese. Wines made from the Sangiovese grape are the perfect wines to go with food. The have bright fruit flavors, a hint of violets, and good acidity. The best wine made from the Sangiovese grape is Chianti from Tuscany.
“It’s time for wine—Chianti wine,” was the theme of the Consorzio Vino Chianti tasting held on April 28 in New York City for the trade and media. It has become an annual tradition and this year 46 different wineries were present. I could not wait to go.
The daylong event began with a guided tasting and presentation of the Chianti Riserva 2010, which I attended. Six wines were tasted blind.
Giovanni Busi, President of the Consorzio Vino Chianti
Giovanni Busi, president of the Consorzio Vino Chianti and owner of Villa Travignoli, introduced the…
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Cooking Classes On German TV
Our good friend Mama Isa’s cooking classes were featured on a German show; I recognize that kitchen!
Gondola Pic!
Thanks to Venice, Italy’s Facebook page for sharing my gondola picture! I love looking at this picture and thinking about the next time I’ll be standing in that spot. Standing there you feel the vibrations, the ripples from an ancient culture echoing for all time. Come see it with us!
Sassi Italy Tours 