Since the last year or so has been a constant, wonderful ping pong to Venice, the travel guide is now updated with the best and brightest spots for your next trip. Bon voyage!
Category: Italy
A Culinary Find: Wine and Fine Dining at Al Parco in Friuli
Bibendum strikes again with his excellent Michelin recommendations of local spots that are exceptionally well done, but without some of the fuss of a star. After reading about Al Parco and its sister, the Hotel Del Parco, we knew this could be a solid overnight visit for us and it more than delivered the delicious…
Hotel Del Parco, an Exceptional Stay in Buttrio
After a week at a trade show in Nurmberg and ahead of a long weekend in Venice, we needed a place to crash for a night with the only real requirements being it was between the two cities and offered a great meal. Hotel Del Parco in Buttrio did exactly that- and more! The somewhat…
Terrazza M22, the Best Pasta at Venice Lido
The views of Venice Lido are pretty unmatched- a peaceful swath of soft brown sand and usually tranquil sea. I always like to look across the Adriatic for Croatia, thinking I’m closer than I probably am, as it has yet to happen. Couple these idyllic views with some exceptionally delicious pasta and you will find…
Dining Delights at La Tavernetta in Venice Lido
Since we were celebrating two(!) 70th birthdays this trip, one late, the other early, I needed to find a truly delicious restaurant on Venice Lido. I landed on a reservation at La Tavernetta because literally everything on their menu looked wonderful. It’s a rather long walk from the main drag of Lido, maybe 25 minutes…
A Local’s Guide to Osteria Pancin on Venice Lido
Staying on Venice Lido has its perks, like staying clear of the crowds in the height of summer, proximity to a gorgeous swath of beach, and a few hidden gems of local restaurants tucked into the quieter parts of the island. One evening, I dragged my parents through said neighborhoods to land at Osteria Pancin,…
A Review of Ausonia Hungaria: Luxury or Letdown?
Recently I enjoyed my third stay at the quirky Ausonia Hungaria property on Lido. When I thought back to the time prior, so much had happened as last visit I was trying to enjoy the city in the sweltering heat, attempting to protect my sensitive skin from the sun, while rocking both a headscarf and…
Exploring the Chihuly Over Venice Exhibition
As an impressionable 14 year old, already with a strong taste for travel and art, I fell in love hard for the exhibition “Chihuly Over Venice.” Desperate to see the gorgeous glass baubles tossed into canals and displayed juxtaposed in crumbling courtyards, I poured over books and articles, enjoying each delicious artistic morsel. Never did…
A Memorable Stay at the New BoTree Hotel in Mayfair
Where do I begin with the beautiful BoTree Hotel in London? New to the Hilton collection, we used points to test drive this jewel of a property in the Mayfair neighborhood of London. The day started with a glass of champagne in the light and airy lounge and exchanged a brief chat with the front…
Osteria Ca de Cindri: A Perfect Dining Experience in Iseo
Ahead of our trip to Iseo, I read about Osteria Ca de Cindri and knew that The Husband would love it as he has a penchance for anything “grill.” The simple exterior and iron signage set the scene for a rustic, but delicious meal to follow. The Husband selected a Tomahawk steak with with a…
Exploring Iseo: Market Vibes and Lakefront Dining
On an unseasonably sunny Saturday afternoon, we took a stroll through Iseo and despite the bustling market throughout the town, we decided that we must dine on the lakefront, so we “landed” at the Idrovolonte (sea plane) restaurant. While not always my vibe, it seemed like the perfect vibe for an Aperol Spritz and (always…
Cascina Doss, A Culinary Gem in Iseo
My favorite meal of our trip was at Cascina Doss, an easy (though dark) five minute walk from the Iseolago hotel. The simple farmhouse facade opens into a courtyard and exceptionally cozy restaurant with white table cloths and wood burning fire. The vibe was very romantic and was full of locals and a waitstaff whose…