My sweet husband had arranged to have us picked up at the airport when we first landed in Venice. How lovely it was after that long trip not to have to worry about taxis or translations or water ferries. Instead, we were met by a most handsome Italian in a well-cut suit, holding a sign that read “Monetti.”
(I am going to like this country was my reaction, I might as well say it.)
As Carlo* moved us briskly toward a spotless Mercedes (wow), he spoke to us with that beautiful, heavy, lilting Italian accent (wow again).
Mo-net-ti, he said, recognizing my husband’s Italian name. Do you speak I-tal-i-an-o?
Unfortunately, no, said Tim. Then I saw him smile rather slyly. But I eat and drink Italian, he said.
And that set the tone for Venice.
Prosciutto and melon for days. Yes. Yes. Yes.
Bellinis at Harry's Bar
the best pasta I've ever eaten
Tim's dinner, night 1
We felt like shouting to the other patrons: Get the cheese plate!
See? I ate healthy.
spaghetti with mozzarella balls
Grappa. Well, we gave it a shot.
arugula on pizza? heck, yeah.
Close enough to Birra Monetti, don't you think?
I feel the need to offer proof we did more than eat/drink. We also walked to and from the restaurants.
Still, I must leave you with this.
Next up: the beauty and mystery of Venice
*May or may not be the name of this handsome Italian. Let’s just agree it suits him.
{ Trip of a Lifetime, Venice: food and drink }
THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THE TASTE OF VENICE. IT WAS DELICIOUS. I WAS THERE IN 1993. WHY HAVEN’T I RETURNED. NOW, I ACHE FOR IT. LOVE, CARMIE
You must go back. Soon.
Thanks for commenting!
Oh yes, the grappa. It keeps you warm in winter. Not sure of the effects in summer. And the Monetti verdict?
We kept wanting to drop a match into the glass to see what would happen.
The nice guy in the Mercedes….that’s a Caroline thing….how nice it is to have someone meet you in a strange place.
Yes, we were very grateful.
You cannot beat a well curated cheese plate!
Exactly!