italy – BonAppetour https://www.bonappetour.com/blog Amazing Food Experiences Sun, 04 Mar 2018 07:09:14 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=4.6.1 From Hotel Chef To Home Cook, Alessandro Shares His Journey To Social Dining In Rome https://www.bonappetour.com/blog/home-cook-social-dining-rome/ Thu, 24 Nov 2016 15:00:22 +0000 https://www.bonappetour.com/blog/?p=1138 It may come as no surprise that an Italian childhood is a childhood of memories strongly linked to food and cooking. Our self-styled “authentic Roman” host tells us that this was the most important gift that was passed down to him: “by my grandmother to my mother, and since the age of 4 years old, from my mother to me.”

From Hotel To Home Chef, Why Alessandro Embraced Social Dining

Alessandro, a trained chef and sommelier from Rome, still remembers the dishes of his traditional Italian childhood, which were classics like “homemade pasta, gnocchi, pizza, and Roman dishes.” From there, Alessandro became well-versed in the flavours of his country. The first dish he ever made? Classic homemade fettuccine in a tomato sauce.

Going pro

Rather than let his interest in cooking remain a mere hobby, Alessandro wanted to do something he loved for a living. He tells us how he first entered the food industry:

I worked and studied at the Marriott Hotel in Rome. There I underwent training to become the Chef of the Hotel. Once I had my chef’s diploma I looked into Sommelier qualifications and registered at the Worldwide Sommelier Association, becoming Rome Cavalieri Hotel’s official sommelier.

Being a hotel chef was a fantastic learning curve for Alessandro, but interaction with the people he was feeding was something he felt was missing. This skilful chef decided to take the plunge into social dining, and bring his professional cooking skills back to his own kitchen by opening a home restaurant with a stunning view of the Vatican.

From Hotel To Home Chef, Why Alessandro Embraced Social Dining

“I wanted to organise these social dining experiences where I could see my guests enjoying the fruits of my labour, and I could engage with them too,” he explains, which is something he did not get the opportunity to do as a chef in a hotel.

“I like the social aspect of these dining experiences, and I can get to know different people from all over the world.”

Alessandro now works full-time in his home restaurant. The success of his venture, he says, is owed in part to the fresh ingredients he uses in his dishes, allowing the flavors to speak for themselves. Because of this, he advises to-be hosts to “buy the best ingredients and the best wines; make sure your passion comes through your dishes.”

Putting people first

From Hotel Chef To Home Cook, Alessandro Shares His Journey To Social Dining

As any good host knows, the dishes are only the beginning. To make sure his guests feel at home (particularly important in a home restaurant), Alessandro emphasizes the use of people-skills, telling us to “take an interest in the lives and the experiences of the guests, as they have travelled from all over the world to taste the Italian dishes I grew up with.”

The best way to experience a new country is to taste the dishes borne of family tradition. Host Alessandro wants to help you experience the Rome with dishes handed down by his mother, and his grandmother, and for you to take a little taste of Italy back with you.

Alessandro’s favourite dish

My favourite dish is spaghetti with mussels. This is the recipe:

  • Clean the mussels, put them into a pan with garlic, extra virgin olive oil, and chili pepper.
  • Cook covered until they are opened.
  • In another pan, put fresh tomatoes,  garlic, and extra virgin olive oil.
  • Cook covered for about 5 minutes, add the mussels and a part of their liquid, previously filtered.
  • Cook for another 3 minutes.
  • Cook the pasta in salted water, drain it al dente and toss in pan with the sauce, adding the remaining liquid from the mussels if necessary.

Over to you

Want to enjoy a truly Roman feast with a view of the Vatican City? You can book a seat at Alessandro’s home restaurant over here.

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Why Travel Is About More Than Clichés And Selfies https://www.bonappetour.com/blog/travel-cliches-selfies/ Mon, 07 Nov 2016 15:00:35 +0000 https://www.bonappetour.com/blog/?p=834 Exploration has driven humans to expand to new frontiers for millennia. The pull of the unseen and the unknown has been enough to convince intrepid travelers to give up the comforts of home and set out for the great beyond.

The problem is, the great beyond now seems to be filled with selfie sticks and tour buses.

travel tourists selfie sticks

I stood in line for my first passport at the not-so-tender age of 19 because I could feel the idea of travel weighing upon me. But never having left my home country, that same idea felt completely out of reach. The passport booklet, filled with its 40 pristine pages, was the essential first step to seeing the world that lay beyond the boundaries of my hometown.

To break in my new found freedom, I booked a trip to Italy. The 10-day tour took us from the canals of Venice, through the Renaissance streets of Florence, and straight into the picture-perfect ancient mishmash of modern Rome.

Everything was new, exciting, and borderline infuriating.

travel tourists tours crowd

Here’s why: around every corner was yet another line for yet another monument. The sites themselves were stunning, but being forced to wait behind throngs of tourists destroyed some of the grandeur.

Our attempts at dining sometimes fared no better. White-aproned hosts beckoned to us with tempting English language menus, but we left the red-checkered tables unconvinced we had really been served authentic home cooking.

We walked the cobblestones streets wondering if this was really what travel was all about – selfies and social media check-ins.

travel tourists food pasta

Following that fateful trip, I have since moved to Rome and stood in line at the embassy to add more pages to that same passport. On a plane or a train nearly every two weeks, I have realized that there will always be other tourists.

However, I prefer to leave them to the bucket list sites and chart my own path in every new city.

Dare to say yes

Travelling has taught me that a lot of the experience is about taking a risk and saying yes. Yes to the plane tickets, yes to the off-the-beaten track neighborhood, and yes to the invitations to see sites that are off the beaten path.

That was why I said yes to the lunch invitation from the front desk girl at my hostel in Marrakesh. One hour and one horse-and-cart ride later, we were watching her brother’s wedding video, sipping mint tea and eating couscous with her entire family in their 800-year-old Berber home.

Able to communicate mainly through pointing and smiles, it was one of the best meals of my life.

travel tourists morocco

Wandering through countries and continents, I have learned that I prefer to skip the typical guidebook must-sees and take a seat at the table. And food is undeniably the best gateway into a new city.

The dinner table is where you go to be nourished, but also where you can learn the norms of a new culture, including how to fare la scarpetta (sop up the sauce) at the end of your homemade pasta dinner.

travel tourists home cooked food pasta

The flavors on the plate in front of you represent the history and traditions of a given place. At the same time, each meal is a chance to simultaneously make very new and very modern real-world connections.

This simple travel tip holds true away from the table as well. I have found that the best place to feel the pulse of a city is at the market rather than at a museum. While you will find few Romans waiting in line at the Vatican, I guarantee you will find every local sitting down for a meal each day. The next step is to be invited to join them.

Social media (and selfies) keep us connected to home while traveling, but it is the unpretentious of act of eating that makes the experience of escape more unique.  That’s why my FOMO (fear of missing out) has more to do with tracking down a rare craft beer than it does with a major monument.

travel tourists tours colosseum

Plus, everyone knows that the best way to see the Colosseum is from a private dining room table.

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Tired of doing the typical touristy stuff? Go beyond clichés and selfies in your travels by dining in a home restaurant instead. 

Image credits: 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5

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Here’s Why Your Next Fine Dining Experience Will Probably Be At Home https://www.bonappetour.com/blog/fine-dining-experience-home-restaurant/ Thu, 03 Nov 2016 15:00:35 +0000 https://www.bonappetour.com/blog/?p=782 Eating out has become a spectator sport: the buttoned-up chef has become the star, with patrons lining the halls in hopes of a table at this year’s hottest restaurant. While farm-to-table-molecular-gastronomy trends are tempting, the truth is that the best food is still usually found at home.

In fact, your next best meal is likely hidden away behind a simple front door. Here are 6 reasons why your next fine dining experience will most probably be at home.

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1. Rise of the pop-up dinner

With a focus on speed and precision, professional kitchens can feel more like well-oiled machines rather than centers of artistic freedom. Now, chefs are moving out of the fast paced environment in order to focus on quality rather than the number of meals they have to deliver in a single evening.

Here’s Why Your Next Fine Dining Experience Will Probably Be At Home

Hence the rise of the pop-up dinner, which is usually hosted at home. The temporary nature of pop-ups gives chefs the creative space to constantly re-invent menus without having to worry about covering the rent on a brick-and-mortar restaurant space.

This way, you know for sure that the food in front of you was borne from passion, rather than a paycheck.

2. When in Rome, eat with the Romans

When visiting a major city, it can be easy to get a bad meal. Even TripAdvisor sometimes gets it wrong. High turnover from tourists who come and go frequently can lead to lackluster offerings at local restaurants.

Here’s Why Your Next Fine Dining Experience Will Probably Be At Home

For this reason, you’ll have a far better chance of trying the best local foods in Rome if you actually eat with the Romans. In a Roman kitchen, you’ll not only be able to help prepare the meal, you’ll also have the benefit of dining without a tourist menu (or a tourist) in sight.

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3. No hidden ingredients

Between food blogs, cookbooks, and online instructions, all the information you need to construct a gourmet meal at home is literally at your fingertips. With sous-vides for sale on Amazon, even the most high-tech kitchen tools are within reach. The space between the professional kitchen and your own dining room table has shortened, meaning you no longer have to rely on cooks hidden out of view.

Choosing a home restaurant means you know exactly how much of what goes into your dish. Plus, you can leave with the recipe to recreate the meal any time – no dress code required.

4. Demystifying the plate

Not very confident in the kitchen? You can now take a class with an experienced home cook to beef up on your culinary skills (and eat it, too). Once you have chopped, sautéed, and served, you will find that meals are about more than just throwing ingredients together.

Here’s Why Your Next Fine Dining Experience Will Probably Be At Home

Taking the time to learn from a home chef and sit down to dinner with a local family is the best way to understand a new food culture.

5. Dinner parties without the artifice

Passing on the restaurant reservation is also a practice in ditching the pretense. Without Michelin stars, crisp white linens, or bow-tied waiters in the way, dining at home places the spotlight on the experience without sacrificing the menu.

Home restaurants concentrate on what matters – the food, and the company.

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6. The most exclusive reservation in town

That new restaurant everyone is trying to get in to? Well, literally everyone is going to be there. Why wait months for a meal that has been served to a thousand other instagramming patrons?

Here’s Why Your Next Fine Dining Experience Will Probably Be At Home

Unique dining experiences don’t happen en masse, they happen one-on-one (and preferably on private terraces).

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Ready to try out your first fine dining experience at a home restaurant? Find your city here to get started right away.

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7 Non-Touristy Things You Should Definitely Do In Rome https://www.bonappetour.com/blog/nontouristy-rome-italy/ Wed, 02 Nov 2016 13:00:16 +0000 https://www.bonappetour.com/blog/?p=771 As a newly minted college graduate, I headed to Italy with my Italian art studies class in the summer of 2001. Our group visited cities such as Pompeii, Rome, Florence, and Venice, and I also detoured to Munich, Germany from Venice on a free day.

While these three weeks were among the best of my life, I experienced massive art overload. On some days, it felt like every other building in Rome was a church, with gelato shops taking up the other half.

If I return (and I’m determined to), I plan to do a lot more non-touristy things such as eat like a local in Rome. Here’s my hit list below.

1. Head over to the Parco Degli Acquedotti

7 Non-Touristy Things You Should Definitely Do In Rome

The antique stone aqueducts – or waterways – found in this park make for one of the most tranquil spots in the Roman environs. It’s a spot frequented more by the locals as opposed to tourists.

If you want to practice your photography skills, you’ll get an excellent head start right here.

2. Dine with locals

The food in Rome is amazing, but my experience was limited to restaurants. How awesome would it be to dine with actual Roman families and to enjoy authentic, non-touristy food?

You can find unique home restaurants (such as a meal on a rooftop home) with BonAppetour, and then kick back and relax with host families for a truly Italian experience. Their Rome page includes many awesome food experiences happening in the Roman capital.

While most of the tourists are busy rushing to “top-rated restaurants” they’ve seen in their cliché tourist guides -so they can tick off one more item on their “must-do lists”- you can sit down with home-chef Alessandro and enjoy his truly Roman feast overlooking the Vatican City or join a 3 Course Pasta Making Cooking Class in Rome.

7 Non-Touristy Things You Should Definitely Do In Rome

Don’t worry about language barriers. Many of the hosts speak English – there is always at least one person present who speaks English. Besides, if you are looking to improve your Italian-speaking skills, this is a fantastic opportunity to grab.

3. Go to San Lorenzo

Local culture flourishes in the trendy San Lorenzo neighborhood. College students and alternative forms of art (think graffiti and street art) proliferate here.

4. Explore Rome’s gay culture

Rome has a fabulous gay culture that is fun for all types of people. Clubs such as Glamda will spice up your nightclub experience, and be sure to explore Gay Street, as the gay area of Rome is known. It’s near the Colosseum, and easy to get to.

5. Take in the Municipal Rose Garden of Rome

The Municipal Rose Garden of Rome (Roseto Comunale di Roma in Italian) is another spot that tourists tend to skip. Which is great for you, as it is one of the most enchanting spots in Rome, even if you are not a huge flower lover. But if you are, all the better!

7 Non-Touristy Things You Should Definitely Do In Rome

Living here are more than 1100 rose varieties donated by many different countries. This is an ideal spot to walk, relax, and catch your breath from the busyness that can be Rome.

6. Watch a film flick at Cinema Farnese

Cinema Farnese is a family-run theater with balcony seating. It’s popular with the locals, and you can choose from both artsy movies and commercial successes. If you want an authentic Italian experience, this is one that you shouldn’t miss.

Show up during a festival or premiere at the movie house, though, and you may also experience a bit of glamour (as well as films in languages other than Italian).

7. Simply wander

One thing I do whenever I am in a new city is to start from somewhere – anywhere – and just walk and wander. It’s one of the best ways to find spots off the beaten path, and to become familiar with a place. You never know what adventures await around the corner.

7 Non-Touristy Things You Should Definitely Do In Rome

If nothing else, walk or bike along Via Appia – and if walking is not your thing, you can still do a spot of wandering via the bus or subway.

Image credits: 1

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A Travel Blogger’s First Experience with Fresh, Home-Cooked Italian Cuisine https://www.bonappetour.com/blog/an-experience-with-fresh-home-cooked-italian-cuisine/ Fri, 12 Aug 2016 20:51:37 +0000 https://www.bonappetour.com/wordpress/an-experience-with-fresh-home-cooked-italian-cuisine/ A Travel Blogger's First Experience with Fresh, Home-Cooked Italian Cuisine

In February 2015 I was offered the job of a lifetime; to use my skills in theatre and drama to tour Northern Italy teaching at a different school, in a different location each week. The best part of this job was that for each school I worked at, I was hosted by a family of one of my students or teachers!

As you can imagine, this was a once in a lifetime experience. I saw some amazing cities, from Verona to Venice, Milan to Marotta. I also met some beautiful people and enjoyed beautifully authentic, home-cooked meals made for me by the families I stayed with or the quirky, rustic Italian restaurants in a far-off village somewhere like Emilia-Romagna.

My embarrassingly clichéd idea of Italian food was based around the two “P’s” (Pizza and Pasta). Which, to an extent is very much at the heart of Italian dining (although the Pizza’s in Northern Italy are far from a Dominoes Deep Crust! And Spag Bol doesn’t exist!) 

But after learning to avoid faux pas such as cutting my spaghetti or coffee with milk after dinner, I settled into Italian dining most comfortably. I learnt to love herbs such as sage which is amazing after being crisped-up in the oven or pan. I tried horse meat for the first time (which was an interesting experience, being such a horse lover). I learnt how to make gnocchi from scratch and which cheeses go best with pasta and how to store them. I found a love for authentic homemade tortellini and which pizza toppings are my favourite to top the crispy stone-baked bread (Quatro Stagioni or anything with rocket, goats cheese and prosciutto).

When I was by the sea in Marotta-Mondolfo, I stayed with a family who owned a sea food restaurant, so one evening we indulged in a fishy feast, something I had never experienced before!

I learnt a lot about “real” balsamic vinegar when staying in Modena. I had no idea that the runny, tangy stuff we buy in the supermarket is not real balsamic! Real balsamic vinegar is thick, sweet and €20-€50 a bottle!

Surprisingly, I enjoyed the best kebab in the whole world overlooking Lago Maggiore, just outside of Milan. I was exploring by myself for the day and found myself in this little kebab cafe near the train station. I took my meaty sandwich to the lake-side and tasted one of the best things I have ever tasted in my life! It was a delicious doner kebab filled with salad and sauce.

I even got to sample the delights of an Italian “school dinner” with my frequent in-school dining experiences with the children. In Italy, Lunch is considered the main meal of the day and usually consists of two courses. The main meal is often carb-based with a meat option. For example, chicken and potatoes with vegetables or salad plus some fruit and bread rolls on the side. And if I was lucky, I’d even get dessert.

Speaking of dessert, I haven’t even mentioned the dreamy, creamy Italian gelato that I often still lust for! From Kinder Bueno flavour in Marotta and Rome, to Vanilla in Venice, I love the Italian ice cream. There are often many flavours to choose from and are extremely inexpensive when compared to a similar shop in London!

After three months of travelling, the most surprising discovery for me, was a new found love for coffee. I had never ever liked coffee before Italy. I had tried it and disliked it from a very young age. However I felt that if there was going to be anywhere I liked coffee, it would be Italy! I found that the “macchiato” was my favourite with a little sugar. I took home some bags of proper Italian coffee along with a moka pot and little espresso cup set! 

What an adventure for my career and taste buds! I can't wait to re visit Italy and maybe head further south for a different kind of cuisine. 

 

Read more about Eboni's travels on her site here, or get social with her on Facebook l Twitter l Instagram l YouTube

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Spotlight on: Marotta-Mondolfo, Italy https://www.bonappetour.com/blog/spotlight-on-marotta-mondolfo-italy-1/ Mon, 30 May 2016 17:00:10 +0000 https://www.bonappetour.com/wordpress/spotlight-on-marotta-mondolfo-italy-1/ Spotlight on: Marotta-Mondolfo, Italy

So last February, I was working on tour in Italy for three months and experienced some really lovely cities and met some wonderful people. One of those people was my good friend Alice who I was working alongside. Last September, we decided to return to Marotta, a place we had worked together, to visit our old host families and to take a little break away from London. Marotta isn’t one of the places that initially springs to mind when you think of Italy, which is why I want to do a “Spotlight on” this quirky, costal town. Flights to Marotta are very inexpensive. With Ryanair flying directly to Marotta airport, and things to do all year round, there is no excuse not to visit Marotta!

With that said, here is a round up of things to do in Marotta-Mondolfo, Italy!

1. Hit the beach

The town is parallel to a long beach that stretches for a few miles. Where I was staying was just a short walk from the beach. In fact, the train station is about 30 metres from the beach!

The beach itself is extremely long and not very wide (so the sea is fairly close). It is a sand beach, so perfect for long walks, sunbathing, or playing a game or two. In September, the weather was still hot enough to be in t-shirts and shorts, with the best “beach-time” being mid day. We even had a swim in the sea!

2. Rent a Bugsy Malone-style rickshaw

Just a short walk from the station, I came across a hotel that was renting out these pedal cars. I loved the idea of renting one and driving along the beach so we had a look at prices. As September is technically “off-season” (even though the weather is great, it is a really quiet time of year) the prices to rent the rickshaws were really low! It was €5 for an hour’s ride!

Neither myself, nor my companion drives, but that didn’t matter! We were able to take our new toy out for a little cruise along the strip, right with the cars and everything! We felt so grown up! It was a really fun experience that we loved so much we even went back and purchased another hour! You do have to be very careful as you are pedalling alongside cars and pedestrians so a little knowledge on road safety goes a long way. Also, don’t do what we did and accidentally end up on a motorway slip road :/ oops!

3. Shopping Mall

If you’re like me, a little bit of a shopaholic, you will definitely need to head to the local shopping mall for a browse around Italy’s hottest high street shops. From Kiko to Calzedonia, the “Le Befane” shopping centre has a great range of things to see and buy. It makes for a perfect trip on a milder day or just an escape from the mid-day sun. There is even a cinema inside if you are in the mood for a chill activity. http://www.lebefane.it/

4. Corn Labyrinth

Our host Nicole and her boyfriend Andrea were really kind to take us to this amazing Corn Labyrinth experience just outside of town. It is basically a huge corn field (with corn twice your height) that has had paths cut out of it to create a maze (think Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire when RPatz dies type thing- without Voldemort, obvs).The Labyrinth costs just a few Euros to enter, then you are left to find your way out! We went in the evening when it was completely dark, which gave it a scary feel, however if you are more inclined to a ‘sunshine and daisies’ experience, you should check it out during the day. The maze is not easy to navigate at all (which is great as you want to be challenged). There are lots of “left or right?” decisions and I think a group of four of us was perfect. It took us just over an hour to complete, which I felt was just right.

Tip: If you are a horror fan or like scary attractions, this Labyrinth did have a themed night the next day with actors hidden around corners to jump out and scare!   

5. “Il Chiostro Dell’ Avis” Restaurant

I couldn’t recommend this restaurant enough! I have been twice now and they are always so welcoming. The restaurant itself is really traditional of all the proper Italian, family run, no tourist to be seen restaurants. The host is so funny and speaks perfect English. He always makes us laugh.

The pizza is traditional Italian stone-baked pizza with a huge selection of toppings. I always go for the 4 Stagioni topping or anything with goat’s cheese and rocket. Yum! They even cater for gluten free diets, just call up in advance : )

Tip: This restaurant serve some wonderful desserts, so make sure you leave some belly room!

 

My Hints and Tips

 

  • Travel – If you have no reservations about travelling with Ryanair, I would suggest booking with them for a short stay as they fly directly to Marotta airport. You can fit a week’s worth of things into your free carry on and it is only a short couple of hours on the plane. Ryanair fly from Stanstead airport which is super easy to get to from London via train, taxi, coach or the “Easybus” which I usually use for a low cost journey. A great thing about Easybus, is your ticket is valid for the trip directly before and after your booked trip (as long as there is a space for you). So if you are running a little early or late, they will still let you on.

  • Self Catering Tips – My tip for anyone staying in a self catering place like we were, would be to stop off at the large Conard supermarket on the way from the airport, or take a short walk to the Lidl which is on the same main road as the train station. It is a large Lidl with everything you could need from food to toiletries.

  • When to Stay? – As I said before, I arrived in September for the short break, and before that I was staying in March; both off-season. Although it was really quiet in September, the weather (for a Brit) was more than satisfactory. It was sunny with a light breeze most of the time, and the beach was always really quiet. The flights are also significantly cheaper, as well as better accommodation options. If you want guaranteed burning-hot sun, I guess I would suggest a summer stay.

  • Visiting Nearby Cities- Italy have a great train system and it can be really affordable to visit nearby towns and cities. Check www.trenitalia.com to see where you can go.

 

I hope you enjoyed this post and feel inspired to check out beautiful Marotta Mondolfo!

For more Travel posts, including a full Northern Italy Sum-up, check out my Blog EBONI + IVORY: www.eboniivory.blogspot.co.uk

 
 
 
 
 

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The Most Romantic Things to Do in Venice https://www.bonappetour.com/blog/romantic-things-to-do-in-venice/ Wed, 11 May 2016 09:23:48 +0000 https://www.bonappetour.com/wordpress/romantic-things-to-do-in-venice/ The Most Romantic Things to Do in Venice

Venice is one of the most romantic cities in the world. If you are to spend your honeymoon, or even just a vacation there with your loved ones, you should consider yourself very lucky! Here are some of the activities that you can do with your romantic partner- let us know if you have any recommendations in the comments below!

1. A ride on the Gondola on the Grand Canal

While a Gondola ride may sound like a very touristy thing to do in Venice, it is still inevitably one of the most romantic things that you can do with your partner and definitely something to tick off the bucket list. Breeze down the river and enjoy the sights in this two-person romantic capsule. One of the more popular paths to take is the route from Barcino Orseolo, through the more scenic smaller waterways and then arriving at the Grand Canal.

2. Watch the sunset

Be sure to catch the sunset in Venice if you are there for a romantic getaway. The golden hues of the sunset can transform Venice into a perfect backdrop for a proposal, an early dinner or just a cuddling sesson with your other half. Catch the sunset from Giardini Pubblici in Castello ot from the park at Sant'Elena. Even better, kill two birds with one stone by watching the sunset while on your gondola ride.

3. Take a stroll in the evening

Stroll along the Lagoon or wander along the streets or piazzas in the evening after the crowd has receded. The night will transform Venice into a magical kingdom. The shimmering reflection of light from the water, music playing from Piazza San Marco and the tranquil atmosphere are the reasons why Venice is one of the most romantic cities in the world. Waltz or slow dance to the music at Piazza San Marco by the river to end your night.

4. The Stone Heart at Sotoportego dei Preti

Venice is a city full of stories, histories and legends. This stone heart is a result of an old Venetian love story between a fisherman and a mermaid whom he caught during one of his fishing trips. The two fell in love, got married and had three kids. However, the mermaid was cursed and would turn into a viscious sea serpent once every week. She died but rose from the dead and still returned everyday to clean and cook for her husband. However, not knowing that the sea serpent was his wife, he killed her. The stone heart is a symbol of their eternal love at their love nest. Couples come here to touch the stone in hopes of blessings for eternal love whereas singles come here to find the love of their life.

5.  Enjoy a private dinner on a rooftop

Nothing kills the romance more than a crowded restaurant filled with buzzing tourists. You will feel like you are sharing your special moment with a hundred outsiders. Even worse, you might be asked to share a table with someone else. This will not happen if you have a dining experience with Walter at his private rooftop. As a professional chef, the dishes prepared by him display the long and rich history of Venice. You can have the choice of customizing your menu as he will prepare dishes based on what is fresh in the market. Do tell him that you want a romantic experience and he will decorate accordingly. 

 

Image credits: 1|2|3

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Exploring Venice as a Vegetarian https://www.bonappetour.com/blog/exploring-venice-as-a-vegetarian/ Fri, 18 Mar 2016 09:42:09 +0000 https://www.bonappetour.com/wordpress/exploring-venice-as-a-vegetarian/ Exploring Venice as a Vegetarian

It is not easy to find vegetarian restaurants in Venice amidst all the seafood, pizzas, cicchetis and gnocchi. But We like a challenge here at BonAppetour, so we have dug up the best vegetarian restaurants to satisfy all your veggie needs.

1. La Zucca

 

With a rating of 4.5 on Tripadvisor, La Zucca is easily one of the best restaurants that offers vegetarian food. You can start your meal with a Tagliatelle with tomatoes and eggplant from its ever changing menu and finish with mouthwatering strawberries and cream topped with chocolate sauce. If your companion isn't a vegetarian and would love a fix of meat, there is also the choice of a juicy duck thigh with apples.

2. Bar Rialto da Lollo 

This is the place that you need to go to for breakfast if you are in Venice. Bar Rialto da Lollo has the best tramezzini (sandwiches with white bread). Located near the Rialto Bridge, it is the perfect place to start your day of adventure. It has a wide array of sandwiches with very affordable prices of around 2 euros. Not to mention the serving size is huge too.

3. Bone Robe

 

In a cozy cafe setting, each order is cooked on the spot. With fresh and seasonal ingredients, their food is healthy and hearty. Their handsome chef is an added bonus. *wink wink*

4. Le Spighe

This is one of raved-about vegetarian places to eat. Le Spighe is not solely a restaurant. It is mainly a health food store that also sells vegetarian foods. You can choose from the dishes on display which changes everyday according to what the chef cooks. It is priced based on weight. If you have a specific allergy, don't be afraid to tell the chef so that you can work out which is the best dish for you.

5. Walter's Cooking Class

Why eat out when you can customize and learn to whip up your own venice-inspired vegetarian concoction using the freshest ingredients right off the market. Walter, a professional tour guide, chef and blogger, can take you on a tour of the local Venetian markets, choose the best vegetables and teach you how to make your own gourmet vegetarian meal. Doesn't that sound fantastic?

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The Ultimate Foodie Guide to Milan https://www.bonappetour.com/blog/must-try-food-in-milan/ Wed, 09 Mar 2016 09:51:38 +0000 https://www.bonappetour.com/wordpress/must-try-food-in-milan/ The Ultimate Foodie Guide to Milan

As the second most populous city in Italy, Milan is often dubbed as the fashion capital. It is also well known for its fine cuisine and world-class restaurants. As of 2014, it has 157 Michelin-starred restaurants. Therefore, Milan can really be described as the city of decadence where shopping and eating never ends. We are going to introduce to you some of the Milanese food that you can't miss out when you are in the city.

1. Risotto Alla Milanese

Milanese cuisine features less pasta and more rice. Usually served as the first course, the use of the precious spice saffron gives the rice a rich golden color while it is cooked with other ingredients like white wine and onions. As simple as it seems, this dish is the true embodiment of Milanese cuisine: simplicity and elegance. Try this dish with our host Barbara, who serves up classic Milanese delicacies like this one!

[MILAN-BEST-RISOTTO https://www.bonappetour.com/barbara-bs/classical-milanese-evening-in-a-peaceful-home-in-navigli]​

2. Cotoletta Alla Milanese

 

Every city has their version of meat chops. Milan is no exception. The meat of choice, usually pork, fish or veal, is thinly sliced and dipped in a beaten egg It is then coated with bread crumbs and deep fried. The bread crumbs give it a crispy texture while the meat inside is tender and juicy. Squeeze some lemon or lime juice to top it all off with a refreshing citrus taste. Simple, but certainly not short of anything amazing, this dish is not one to be missed out on. So why not try it with our host Susanna, who offers a homey Italian Meal in the beautiful province of Pavia, just 20 minutes from Milan's City Center!

3. Cazzoeula

This pork and cabbage casserole is a distinctly Northern dish. If you are looking for comfort food or something that will surely warm you up during the cold winters in Europe, this casserole is the dish for you. The unique taste of this dish goes perfectly in winter with a polenta and strong red wine.

4. Ossobuco

Ossobuco consists of veal shanks braised with vegetables and white wine broth. This hearty dish is an excellent selection if you are looking for a flavourful meal. The veal shanks are soft and fall apart easily. Cooked with white wine and broth, the vegetables in the stew soak up all that taste. This can be eaten with Risotto Alla Milanese or polenta and mashed potatoes. Do not miss out on this dish delectable delicacy with our host Susanna, who offers an extensive Italian menu with a welcoming atmosphere that will certainly make you feel right at home

5. Panettone

This pastry is normally served during Christmas. It is extremely fluffy and has raisins, citrons and lemon zests which give it a tangy flavor. If you are hungry on an afternoon in Milan, hop into the nearest cafe and order a panettone with a cup of hot chocolate. It will give you an instant boost and satisfy your sweet cravings.

6. Mondeghili

Ground beef is the main component of this dish, though pork or salami may be added to it. The meat is seasoned and dipped in a mixture of eggs, milk and breadcrumbs before being fried until it turns a lovely golden brown. Traditionally a poor man's dish, leftover meat was used to make this dish back in the day, but it is now the perfect snack on the go while you are touring Milan.

Are you tempted by these Milanese delicacies? Why not join our hosts at BonAppetour for an authentic Milanese dining experience. You can get to taste all the traditional Lombardy dishes prepared by our hosts and some even offers a tour of the city at night. What are you waiting for? Discover your next meal with one of our hosts today!

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Eat Like A Local In Venice: 5 Places Without Tourist Traps https://www.bonappetour.com/blog/eat-like-a-local-in-venice/ Mon, 08 Feb 2016 09:20:01 +0000 https://www.bonappetour.com/wordpress/eat-like-a-local-in-venice/ One of most common things that will happen when you are travelling is that you end up in a ridiculously expensive restaurant after being ushered in by an overly enthusiastic waiter. Experienced travelers will tell you to avoid such tourist traps with menus that are in more than 3 languages and with blatant picture displays. But where do you find best non touristy places to eat like a true Venice local?

While some of the Venetian restaurants might have accumulated a bad reputation for themselves as having exorbitant prices, we want to introduce to you some of the places where locals eat to get a taste of good, authentic local food without burning a hole in your pocket (or falling into a tourist trap!).

1. Trattoria Alla Rampa

Castello, 1135, 30122 Venezia VE, Italy (Via Garibaldi)

Telephone: +39 041 528 5365

Lunch only, closed on Sunday

Located in a working-class neighbourhood, Trattoria Alla Rampa is a popular lunch spot for the residents who live in this neighborhood. Their wallet-friendly “worker’s menu”, which consists of pasta, main course, wine and coffee, is excellent value for €13. And it probably explains why they are always packed with locals for lunch. At 1pm, the menu switches to offering home-styled Venetian dishes. Dishes can include veal scaloppini (similar to a veal cutlet),  risi e bisi (Venetian rice and peas) and squid ink pasta. Pasta costs €10 and main dishes around €14.

2. Venetian fish cooked by a true Venice seaman, Massimo

The reviews on his page to book speak for themselves and you cannot get more local than enjoy a freshly cooked fish in a Venetian’s own home. Venice’s widely popular home-chef and seaman Massimo offers the freshest seafood cuisine and guarantees a taste of the 7 seas with his meal in an ancient home in central Venice. Feel free to check him out here.

3.Osteria Al Portego

Castello San Lio, 6014, 30122 Venezia, Italy

+39 041 522 9038

When you are in venice, you definitely need to try out their cichetti, which are small snacks or side dishes typically served in bacari or also know as cichetti bars in Venice. Osteria Al Portego has a wide selection of cichetti such as fried stuffed zucchini flowers and bread with baccalà (dried salted cod). If you are in for a drink, join them for their happy hour and choose from their large selection of wines.

4. Ristorante Dalla Marisa

Cannaregio, 652, 30171 Venezia, Italy

+39 041 720211

Given its appearance, this restaurant might not attract your attention but it sure did catch the eyes of editors at Jamie Oliver’s travel magazine. This intimate, cozy restaurant does not have an a la carte menu but instead offer dishes that change daily, depending on what ingredients are available. If you are up for good seafood and would happily go where locals would go, then you are at the right place.

5. Osteria da Alberto

osteria-da-alberto

Calle Giacinto Gallina – Cannaregio, 5401, 30121 Venezia, Italy
+39 041 523 8153

Located between Campo San Giovanni e Paolo and the Santa Maria dei Miracoli, Osteria da Alberto is a local’s favourite, especially around lunchtime. They serve authentic and classic Venetian cuisines such as risotto and spaghetti with squid ink. Their daily specials menu is ever changing based on the season and what the chef can find in the local seafood market, so you can be sure that everything is fresh. Go in, grab a table and let them surprise you.

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