While we were enjoying exploring our new neighborhood of Castello, on a leisurely stroll one evening, a waitress popped out of a restaurant and handed us a card for the establishment. Not thinking much of it, it certainly did help us remember the osteria buried among the meandering dark alleyways on the backside of Castello….
Tag: Italy
Dining by the Canal: Ristorante Riviera Experience
This is the third review of Ristorante Riviera and it still racks up as one of my top favorite Venetian restaurants. We scored a canal-front table on an unseasonable warm October afternoon and started with a glass of Franciacorta. Why does wine always taste better on the water? The first course is my absolute favorite…
Liassidi Arco: Affordable Comfort in the Heart of Venice
Buried in the heart of the sprawling Castello neighborhood is the group of Liassidi properties. For the Venice Marathon we elected to stay at the four room Liassidi Arco due to it’s proximity to the race’s end. The room looked lovely online, but I wasn’t certain they’d live up to the main hotel. Luckily, they…
A Taste for Travel: Venice
Updated June 2025 TREATS TIPPLES TASTE REST VISIT
Experience the Eccentric Charm of XS Venice
Just around the corner from other notable hotels on Dorsoduro is the small, but living large, XS Venice. The name fits the crazy interior design, and wilder hotel uniforms (by Dolce & Gabanna) well. It feels like a step into a palace run by your eccentric uncle if you had either of those things. The…
Sina Centurion Palace: A Hidden Gem in Venice
My favorite hotel in all of Venice might have to be Sina Centurion Palace. While the rooms are very nice, the last one in particular, it’s the whole vibe of the hotel that really just feels right. Local art, friendly service, a bit of fun (and never stuffy) glam. I just love it here. One…
Palazzo Veneziano
If you’re going to show up to Venice for a bit of a romantic whim (or a rather planned whim, 9 months on the calendar, make Palazzo Veneziano your first stop! I can’t tell you how much I love this hotel (also The Gentleman). Next level on all accords. x Gorgeous Venetian glass in a…
Al Profeta- Venice
Ahead of a special birthday, we took it upon ourselves to test drive the restaurant, Al Profeta. Tucked away on a very quiet side street on Dorsoduro, this place is always packed and reservations are essential. I talked the Gentleman into starting with pizza bread as we’d walked 30K steps that day. He hungrily agreed…
Salute Palace- Venice
Few photos of the Salute Palace as it was hands down the worst Venetian hotel we’ve tried. That’s saying a lot given that we cashed in points to book it at no cost during carnival! Despite saying we were celebrating our engagement and looking for venues for a wedding meal- the hotel did absolutely nothing….
Majer- Venice
Part wine bar, part chichetterie, part sweet bakery (across the street), this Venetian chain can handle any craving thrown their way. We found it by accident one evening, stopped for a quick apertivo, saw the gorgeous charcuterie boards they were seving and knew we had to return for one. And that we did. Lucky to…
Palazzo Giovanelli- Venice
Moving far too often in recent years, it’s basically all down to a science and part of the formula is pushing to get everything packed and ready a week before is needed for peace of mind, but more importantly to ensure a relaxing weekend escape. This year’s pick was the quick flight to Venice and…
Updated: Pistachio Cream Pasta
Update: After returning from Puglia this summer, I had yet to find strachiatella in any grocery stores in Switzerland. But lucky me, I stumbled across some in Geneva last weekend and pistachio pasta would have to happen. I made a GORGEOUS pasta and forgot to add the damn strachiatella cheese I’d been after for months!!!…