venice food tour

when i booked a venice food tour, i had no idea what to expect.
all over italy the food is different, and a common phrase in
venice is “don’t eat pasta in venice.” though you can obviously
find great italian food here, the locals have their own unique way of
eating – and this walks of italy tour showed us the true venetian cuisine!

we went for the rialto market + cicchetti tasting food tour.
it was truly a peek into local dining, and the only downside
was that since we don’t drink alcohol, we weren’t able to try a
lot of the stops…but our group loved us for sharing with them! ;)
our guide was the greatest – so passionate about local venetian life,
and so full of knowledge down to every detail. she also knew so many of the
market vendors as we walked around, so it was like being with a local friend!
venetians eat in a really distinctive way –  because of the trading history here,
the food is a combination of all different exotic flavors and small plates … all
using the fresh fish from the nearby coast. it truly helps to go around town
with an insider to show you how to navigate the little eateries + menus here.
going around a local market with a local is one of my very favorite things.
we got such insight into the best fruit stands, how locals use certain
ingredients, food culture here, & how to order from the vendors.the beautiful fish market ^^
we couldn’t get over the pretty pattern on this fish ^^
there is a street lined with butcher shops in the market, and
the guide took us through to show us all of the crazy kinds of
of meat, which were interesting until the horse shop :( too sad!
from calimari to rice balls to fried fish to panino, we tried so many different flavors
and had the best time with our cute group. we met such great people that we
exchanged emails after to stay in touch! that always makes a tour even better.
group cicchetti selfie! ^^ (sort of like italian tapas :)
^^ as we walked around we kept seeing these “CE” markers on the sidewalk.. we
found out it’s the electric company here, but i think it’s also for chase & emi ;)
as with every good food tour, we were SO full afterward..
luckily venice is perfect for wandering and walking it off.
here’s how he really felt about being made to take a picture against
this brick wall, but then he smiled because happy wife, happy life ^^ for a little break from the pizza + pasta gastronomy of italy, be sure to try
some unique bites of venice in the markets, cafés, and cicchetti bars.
they are unique and memorable, just like venice itself!

xo