Gourmet Venice

our very first trip, more than 25 years ago

I was delighted to see Locanda Cipriani on the island of Torcello reopen in June 2026.   Loved by Queen Elizabeth II and Ernest Hemingway, the inn is the custodian of extraordinary heritage and classic family recipes of the Cipriani family.  The world is in for a treat at this extraordinary Venetian icon.

Because creating cherished memories is why I founded Tastes Travel, here are 2 excerpts from my mother’s letter about the first trip my company organized more than 25 years ago.

In loving memory.

AFTER HOURS VISIT TO ST. MARK’S BASILICA

Out into the almost deserted St Mark’s Square, even the pigeons had vanished – and then the most amazing sight I have ever seen – the Basilica!  At first I did not know whether to concentrate on that amazing mosaic floor or the incredible gold mosaics in the ceiling soaring off into the darkness. Pure theatre – a choir of some sort singing in the square (didn’t notice them on the way in!).

Then the silence of the church, empty of visitors – just us, the custodian and a guard. The lights are all switched off and for a few moments we are in darkness. Then boom, lights play over the amazing ceiling mosaics and we are all spell bound.

LUNCH AT LOCANDA CIPIRANI ON TORCELLO

Locanda Cipriani provided the final stupendous fireworks.  We had no idea, until we entered the restaurant that such a prestigious company had preceded us, all faithfully recorded in the photographs proudly displayed.  But where was Paul Newman, surely the most photogenic? I’m sure we had been given the best table – in the right hand corner of the restaurant overlooking the garden and the cathedral, very romantic. We had daffodils and tulips but the roses look healthy and June should be magnificent.

The meal was superb, a delicious salad of seafood with an excellent dressing and then a huge dish of their classic Torcello risotto  with asparagus in it, so delicious that a couple of us even had a second helping. Then John Dory fillets in a caper and tomato sauce with a boiled potato garnish. A plate of the most delicious artichoke heart that had been lightly sauteed in oil and herbs – exquisite.  Served together with radicchio di Treviso – delicious. A plate of mixed salad leaves completed the main course.  Then when we thought we could not eat anymore a beautiful fruit tart arrived, kiwi fruit, banana, blood oranges, strawberries – a picture of a dish and a burst of fresh flavours to finish.

I must not forget the drinks. The Bellini cocktail was delicious and the wine that accompanied the meal excellent.  Bonifacio himself served the risotto and looked after us as if we were royalty.

Until you start ‘TASTING’ you do not really realize the depth and breadth of the experience available.  Is this a cunning ploy to get us to return? If so, how do you match this stupendous kick start?