Our flight was rather unremarkable and fairly tame, which is a good thing, especially when it comes to flying these days. Except for the over-pressurized water bottle incident, which I will explain later.

After a very long flight and what felt like a long wait in line at the border control passport check, we finally got into Venice.

On arrival, a nostalgic feeling overcame me, as corny as it sounds, it felt like home, I really, really missed Italy, all of it. Venice is sunshine, soft ocean breezes, Venetian Gothic architecture, gondoliers, the turquoise lagoon, Rialto bridge and at this time of year, hordes of tourists. Though for me and most of all, great Venetian seafood... (especially) when you get off the beaten track and duck into that darkened alleyway, you can find some really excellent food.

What we were looking for, was something typically Venetian, something local, something fresh, and most of all something away from the crowds. After sampling a number of menus along the way and staying away from the restaurants with pizza, pasta bolognese, or an unusual German, Venetian pasta special, featuring, hot dogs and octopus tentacles, (I actually saw that). We settled on a restaurant by the name of Carpaccio.

Carpaccio, was along the lagoon amongst a string of grand Venetian hotels but this one looked different and the menu was different ( it was geared for the locals) .... it was exactly what we were looking for ..... and frankly we were both jet-lagged and starving. Well, I must say, the meal was amazing, the food was fresh, local and just as advertised. It was a great first meal.

Carpaccio

Castello, Riva Shiavoni 4088-30132 Venezia

$$$

Molto buono!

Caprese with buffalo mozzarella and aged balsamic. Locally grown tomatoes, basil and locally sourced cheese.

Beef carpaccio with arugula, Parmigiano Reggiano, and extra virgin olive oil. Ridiculously good.

Pappardelle with mixed seafood: mussels, periwinkles, clams, langoustines with tomatoes, garlic, fresh herbs, white wine end extra virgin olive oil