tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4406252458975415348.post2142195046046661203..comments2022-11-09T06:57:27.904-08:00Comments on Eating Every Day: From the ovenCharles Sherehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10480432901356490235noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4406252458975415348.post-66645268085608822102011-05-29T13:25:41.687-07:002011-05-29T13:25:41.687-07:00I don't think we really expect the best in coo...<em>I don't think we really expect the best in cooking; we do hope for characteristic Venetian (as opposed to Veneto) fare: in general, </em>cichetti<em> — tapas with an Italian twist: salt cod, little fried things, savories. Those and of course sea food from the lagoon, which I dearly love (except for the sea food with legs, shrimp and crabs and the like, which I do not eat).<br /><br />It's looked to me like the places we've patronized so far do in fact see their share of locals: retired old-timers, kids, workers, even gondoliers; though there are of course lots of tourists too.<br /><br />Yes, we recall Al Ponte di Diavolo on Torcello very fondly, and look forward to going there in a week or two. I hear it too is under new management: we'll see. I'll let you know, of course…<br /><br />Plumbing and electricity in our apartment have been reliable and convenient. Everything's up to date in Kansas City, and here in Venice, too.</em>Charles Sherehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10480432901356490235noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4406252458975415348.post-59190933059711732272011-05-29T09:22:41.428-07:002011-05-29T09:22:41.428-07:00It's odd that--in a place such as Venice--whos...It's odd that--in a place such as Venice--whose existence seems to totter uncertainly, and exclusively, on the tourist dollar--one should expect the best in vernacular/indigenous cooking. In America, heavily touristed locations tend to become tawdry, as much of the Eastern coast of Spain is said to have become--maybe like Sausalito (with its $5.00 per hour parking meters, etc.)--and so "genuine" local fare should by rights become compromised. After all, if your only customers are unsophisticated foreigners looking for excitement, it's unlikely you'll aspire to the highest standards of excellence, or even the familiar fare that's considered desirable by the locals. How many locals actually eat out in Venice??<br /><br />I recall we had both so-so meals, and couple of very nice ones when we where there. The best one, oddly, was under grape arbors on Torcello. Do you know that one? The only problem was that nearly everyone around us was smoking like chimneys, making the taste experience somewhat compromised.<br /><br />You've not mentioned the plumbing and electricity. Is it as weird as we remember it?Curtis Favillehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06213075853354387634noreply@blogger.com