Updated July 2026 TREATS TIPPLES TASTE REST VISIT
Tag: 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…
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 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…
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…
Discovering Questione di Gusto: An Iseo Gem
On a beautifully, unseasonably warm Friday afternoon, we stumbled across the adorable Question di Gusto, a wine bar and bistro on a side street in Iseo. We took a table outside with a lovely view of the lake and struck up a conversation with the owner who had a real passion for wine. After the…
Iseolago Hotel Review: Vintage Charm by the Lake
On the return journey from the trip to Bologna, we decided to stop in the Franciacorta region to taste some favorite bubbles in their home region. What a better way to celebrate a first anniversary than with a celebratory glass. We opted to stay at the budget-friendly, yet old school Italian charming, Iseolago Hotel, right…
Solo Dining Delight: La Trattoria del Tempo Buono in Bologna
On my “fancy lady day” in Bologna I needed a break between Renaissance art and gift shopping for the family, I stumbled on La Trattoria del Tempo Buono. After a quick glimpse of the menu posted outside, I thought I’d try my luck with a table. Luckily, the crowded restaurant had one for and all…
Il Portico di San Donato: A Hidden Gem in Bologna
In the need for a cheap and cheerful, but generously caloric meal after the long trek to Santuario Madonna di San Luca, we found the wonderful Il Portico di San Donato in our neighborhood. The hospitality was lovely and the main owner/manager of the restaurant didn’t speak English, but his warmth was felt during our…