Meatstock Melbourne – Music and Barbeque Festival, March 17th – 18th

Two huge days celebrating the sweet love of sweet meats, Meatstock Melbourne is back with a capital B not only for BBQ, but for a weekend full of Butchers, Brisket, Burgers, Bourbon, live Bands and lots of craft Beer!

Meatstock Melbourne

With a selection of barbeque themed food trucks, craft breweries and all of the condiments you could possibly want to add to your juicy meats, Meatstock Melbourne is one for not only the meat eaters, but the meat lovers.

If you’re serious about learning how to prepare and cook your own barbeque galore, make sure to check out the impressive timetable of events throughout the two days of a variety of barbeque classes, demonstrations and workshops with special guest appearances by leading international smokin’ Pitmasters, Big Moe Cason and Hillbilly Wes. You can learn from Big Moe himself how to cook ‘low and slow’ Pork Shoulder, Brisket as well as getting first hand cooking tips for backyard and competition barbecue or watch teams battle it out to chop, smoke and grill for the chance to win the Melbourne Barbeque Wars, Melbourne Butcher Wars and Culley’s King of the Cue competition judging the nation’s best Burger, Wings, Steak and Bacon.

Hillbilly Wes_preview

Serving up the meatiest beats and eats, Meatstock Melbourne music and barbeque festival is back for 2018 and the steaks have never been higher!

March 17th and 18th

Melbourne Showgrounds
Tickets on sale now at:

www.meatstock.com.au

$35.00 for a one day day or $55.00 for a weekend super pass, with children under 12 going free with every adult

For more information on how to get to the event:

https://www.melbourneshowgrounds.com/whats-on/events/meatstock/

BBQCooking_MeatstockMelbourne_preview

 

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Ratio Cocoa Roasters

If Willy Wonka had a sleek design aesthetic and a fine taste for artisian chocolate sourced from the highest quality of cocoa beans from around the world, this would definitely be his chocolate factory.

Ratio Cocoa Roasters, chocolate roastery and cafe has just opened its doors on Sydney Road Brunswick, giving the opportunity for chocoholics and foodies alike to gain a close insight into their specialty small batch chocolate creations, offering intimate tasting tours through the ten step chocolate making process, guiding you from bean to bar.

Cocoa beans - the start of the chocolate making process

Cocoa beans – the start of the chocolate making process

Discover your preferred chocolate flavour profile with the Ratio Roastery Chocolate factory tour

Discover your preferred chocolate flavour profile with the Ratio Roastery Chocolate factory tour

Book in for a behind the scenes chocolate factory tour including delicious tastings for $10 here

Or visit their gorgeous store to shop their selection of chocolate bars before hitting the café for a hot or iced chocolate with one of their delectable sweet treats like the Anzac Marshmallow Sandwich, Earl Grey Truffle or house-made raspberry marshmallow.

Sweet Chocolate treats served in the Ratio cafe

Sweet Chocolate treats served in the Ratio cafe

Debbie Makin – Ratio business owner handing out a selection of her delectable chocolate treats!

Debbie Makin – Ratio business owner handing out a selection of her delectable chocolate treats!

 

The chocolate specially crafted for Melbourne!

The chocolate specially crafted for Melbourne!

Ratio Cocoa Roasters

186 Sydney Road, Brunswick

www.ratiococoa.com.au

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2017 Donut and Beer Festival Melbourne August 19th and 20th

Image via

Image via

Go nuts for donuts this weekend at the 2017 Donut and Beer Festival on this weekend! With more doughnuts than you poke a hole through, Donut Fest: Winter Edition will host every Melbourne made donut worth their glaze.

Make a day of your love for donuts with a walk through the donut art installations and get involved with the live music acts, donut eating competitions  and see who came out on top to win the best donut awards!

Accompany your donut feasting with an official donut-friendly caramel malt ale from local brewery Kooinda, or perhaps one of the signature cocktails from the on-sit ebar hosted by CBD laneway bar Manchuria.

Donut Fest 2017

19th and 20th August

Batman Royale, 14 Gaffney Street North Coburg

Tickets are available for each of the two sessions being held each day: 11am-3pm or 4pm-8pm

Tickets available here

Kids under 12 years old also score free entry!

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Flavourhood Tours – Sydney Road Food Tour Melbourne

Flavourhood tours is a comprehensive, fun and incredibly fulfilling (pun intended) day out exploring a prime example of Melbourne’s bustling inner city suburbia with plenty to offer in sensory delights offering you tasty and knowledgeable experiences whether you are from out of town or opening your eyes to being a tourist in your own city.

Whether you’re from Austria, Adelaide or Abbotsford, for a wonderful insight into the best of Melbourne’s melting pot of sights, sounds and tastes, for something extremely authentic and unique, look beyond the CBD to Melbourne’s longest continuous shopping strip, Sydney Road. I used to think the peak of Sydney Road’s excitement was merely the offering of hip live music venues and alternative bars that would appear randomly between the plethora of discount $2 shops, kebab stops, glitzy wedding dress stores, fruit markets and Franco Cozzo, but Flavourhood Tours provided me with an unforgettable experience that opened my eyes to discover that there is So. Much. More.

The grand antipasto spread specially prepared and served for our tour group at Meditteranean Wholesalers

The grand antipasto spread specially prepared and served for our tour group at Meditteranean Wholesalers

Come prepared with comfy shoes and an empty stomach and the delightful Raffaela takes care of the rest. I met Raffaela and the rest of my tour group at Coburg library greeted by a goodie bag including information and coupons which were of great value to look back on and remember all the places I had visited after the tour ended. The tour commenced with a short walk to Zaatar Bakery where we were greeted with a grand feast featuring a classic Lebanese breakfast spread. Whilst joyfully munching away, one of the owners, Jeff provided us with some background information on the history of Zaatar, where the food was sourced (their imported Lebanese olives are a must try!) as well as how food is made and prepared on site. This generous and insightful start to the day serves as a great example of what to expect throughout the four hour long tour as you are guided through the local area with six main stops in addition to many interesting points of interest along the way.

Classic Lebanese breakfast spread at Zaatar Bakery

Classic Lebanese breakfast spread at Zaatar Bakery

As part of the tour I went on, some of our stops included Vasili’s Garden and café where local celebrity gardener and star of the channel 31 and channel 7 tv show ‘Vasili’s Garden’, Vasili himself served us Turkish coffee and Greek sweets whilst walking us through his garden and plant store and took the time to answer everyone’s gardening questions with personalized advice.

Vasili providing his ever valuable gardennng advice at Vasili’s Garden and café

Vasili providing his ever valuable gardening advice at Vasili’s Garden and café

I liked that there was absolutely never pressure or even expectation to purchase goods along the tour at any of the stops. The tour was all inclusive and all aspects of the tour were well thought out and taken care of, from a breakfast feast to an abundance of delicious bites and snacks along the way to myki fares and take home goodies, all provided for. We ate the best falafel I have ever eaten, (now I understand why it is known as best falafel in Melbourne) tried an exotic Columbian herbal tea as well as a selection of Italian and Columbian sweets, sampled wines and a grand assortment of Mediterranean cold cut meats in addition to finishing off the day with a ‘Brunswick blessing’ and a Brunswick brew relaxing in the sun, content as can be in our food coma states.

Owner of Half Moon Cafe Nabil Hassan talking us through his famous falafel

Owner of Half Moon Cafe Nabil Hassan talking us through his famous falafel

Dulce de leche scrolls and Yerba Mate at Neruda's Brunswick

Dulce de leche scrolls and Yerba Mate at Neruda’s Brunswick

Not to mention for those who may not be as extensively excited by culinary delights as me, the tour goes beyond food and covers many fascinating and treasured points of interests along the way. Not only did we receive some valuable information on where to buy the cheapest and comfiest custom pair of jeans in Melbourne to where you can purchase hand-made customised shoes to the story behind the original Australian Ugg boots brand, the history of Sydney Road as well as some Sydney Road movie location trivia.

Shelves brimming with Italian sweets at Trivelli Cakes

Shelves brimming with Italian sweets at Trivelli Cakes

Flavourhood tours provides an in-depth and well thought out tour that covers an extensive collection of local treasures that leaves you feeling extremely full and extremely inspired. You leave the end of the tour feeling like a true local, equipped with a memorable collection of places to return to and familiar faces at each store to stop by and speak to again.

Flavourhood tours hosts 4 hour small group tours on Saturdays throughout the year.

Price: $99 inclusive of breakfast and generous tastings and bites at 6 locations throughout the tour, take home samples and myki fares for travelling on the duration of the tour.

Book online at www.flavourhoodtours.com.au

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Oktoberfest in the Gardens 2016 – Melbourne

Bretzel, Bier, Boogie, Repeat…

While Oktoberfest may have finished up in Munich, the Bavarian beer celebrations are in full swing around Melbourne!

Oktoberfest in the Gardens Melbourne

Oktoberfest in the Gardens Melbourne

Oktoberfest in the Gardens has fast become the ultimate Oktoberfest festival for those of us residing in Australia with its sell-out events getting bigger and better each year. This October is no exception with Oktoberfest in the Gardens back again, bringing along over 20 imported German beers, ciders and wines to ‘prost’ in your dirndl or lederhosen get up amongst the riverside beer halls and German food stalls.

B-lenty of Bretzel at Oktoberfest in the Gardens

B-lenty of Bretzel at Oktoberfest in the Gardens

The event will take you from a fun-filled afternoon to evening with themes roving performers, live music, carnival rides and on-stage events (sausage eating competition anyone?) as well as DJ sets and the ever fabulous silent disco (don’t diss it until you try it – I promise).

Silent Disco at Oktoberfest in the Gardens

Silent Disco at Oktoberfest in the Gardens

All  ticket  holders  to  the  2016  Oktoberfest  in  the  Gardens  events  will be treated to a commemorative  event  stein  (550ml) and complimentary beverage on arrival. Be quick to secure your tickets as Saturday’s event has already sold out but you can avoid being the ‘wurst’ by reserving the last of the final release tickets for Sunday here:

http://www.moshtix.com.au/v2/event/oktoberfest-in-the-gardens-melbourne/86899

 

VENUE Birrarung Marr, Melbourne CBD

DATE     Saturday 22 & Sunday 23 October 2016

TIME      2pm – 10pm (Sat), 12pm – 9m (Sun)

http://melbourne.oktoberfestinthegardens.com.au/

https://www.facebook.com/OktoberfestInTheGardens

 

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Melbourne Cup Spring Racing Brunch at Como House and Garden

Melbourne Cup Spring Racing Brunch

If the weather this week has yet to put a spring in your step then a visit to the lavish site of Como House and Garden this Saturday appears to be your best chance to kick off this year’s Melbourne Spring Racing season.

For what is shaping up to be our last day of lovely sunshine for the first month of Spring in Melbourne, giddy up to the beautiful Como House where The National Trust of Australia (Victoria) will be hosting a luxe brunch affair.

Grab your tickets to the Como House Spring Racing launch party for a day of old fashioned fun including vintage fashion and activities amongst the charming scenery of the heritage ballroom and lush croquet lawn. The event will include plenty of fashion to see, prizes to be won, bubbles to sip, croquet to play and live music to hear. Try your luck in the vintage fashion raffles and take up the exclusive opportunity to take a snap with the special honorary guest, the official 18 carat gold 2016 Emirates Melbourne Cup!

Croquet Lawn at the Como House and Garden

Croquet Lawn at the Como House and Garden

Tickets: $65 (includes complimentary bubbles upon arrival)

Book tickets online via: https://www.nationaltrust.org.au/event/comos-spring-racing-brunch/

or call 03 9656 9889.

Date: Saturday, 24th September 2016

Time: 9.30am – 1.30pm

Address: Como House and Garden, Corner Williams Rd & Lechlade Ave, South Yarra 3141 VIC

Dress Code: Smart Casual (spring racing themed)

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New Beginnings Fair – Melbourne

New Beginnings Fair

New Beginnings Fair

Small business owners, budding entrepreneurs, innovative thinkers and business leaders of tomorrow, the New Beginnings Fair is one event not to miss.

Australia’s leading small business fair is coming to Melbourne for one day only, Friday 19th August 2016 with a spectacular line-up of inspiring speakers and insightful masterclasses. Take up the opportunity to hear from an incredible selection of guest speakers including:

  • Justine Flynn, Co-Founder of social enterprise, Thankyou
  • Aaron Smith, Founder & CEO of KX Fitness Group
  • Susannah George, Founder of The Urban List
  • Michael Ellis, Head of Culture at Vinomofo

Take part in think tank sessions and interactive classes on issues from law to PR to social media and everything in between to inspire, challenge and encourage your entrepreneurial endeavors.

Check out the jam packed schedule for the day here and don’t forget to pre-book your tickets online before attending tomorrow!

Tickets available online now at:

newbeginningsfair.com.au

New Beginnings Fair, Melbourne

Friday 19th August, 2016

Venue: Lauren’s Hall

183 Laurens St,

North Melbourne

VIC 3051

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Melbourne Darling Abroad – My top picks for Positano

The Amalfi Coast was my favourite seaside area of Italy. I stayed in Sorrento but the area can be quite pricey so I was also suggested that next time, for a quieter, less touristy area that will still allow for easy transportation around the Amalfi Coast to also try looking for accommodation in Salerno. While staying in Sorrento I did day trips to Pompeii, Positano and Capri. The Amalfi Coast was my next stop after finishing travelling through the Cinque Terre, and I am glad I did it this way around as while Cinque Terre was very pretty, I thought in particular, Positano and Capri were on another level was just taken away by the astonishing beauty of the Amalfi Coast.

Terrace views of Positano

Positano

My top picks for Positano:

Positano was extremely picturesque and relaxing. The strikingly colourful and dainty bougainvillea set against the clear blue ocean and pastel coloured patchwork wall of hillside homes is a truly stunning site reminiscent of the opulence and elegance that this wealthy seaside town exudes. Positano is a perfectly pretty town to stroll through and shop for handmade sandals and stylish beachwear, dine on creatively presented food, stop for a dip in the ocean and explore the hidden pathways and trails. The roads that lead to Positano are extremely narrow and windy. Unless you are a very experienced driver in Italy with these windy roads and are accustomed to the seemingly cavalier local Italian road rules as well as willing to tackle the restricted car parking available, I suggest catching a local coach or a ferry to Positano.

Picturesque Positano

Picturesque Positano

Enjoy exploring the town but also include a stroll beyond the bustling main streets with a walk across the ‘Sentiero degli Innamorati’ or Lover’s Path that leads from Spiaggia Grande (the main beach of Postiano) to the more secluded beach of Spiaggia del Fornillo. On the other hand, if you’re up for a more active hike, try the climb up the Path of the Gods, running along the mountain side with wonderful coastal views along the way.

Sentiero degli Innamorati / Lover's Path, Positano

Sentiero degli Innamorati / Lover’s Path, Positano

Stop in to Capricci for a slice of heart shaped pizza and a glass of wine. Alternatively, for beautiful waterfront views while you dine, head to Chez Black or Le Tre Sorelle. For a vegetable loaded fresh feast, try Casa e Bottega or for a romantic dinner high on top of the mountain, head to La Tagliata.

Heart shaped pizza from Capricci, Positano

Heart shaped pizza from Capricci, Positano

For a droolworthy and delicious refreshment, head to Ristorante Covo Dei Saraceni for a frozen lemon sorbet served inside of a lemon!

Lemon Sorbet from Covo Dei Saraceni, Positano

Lemon Sorbet from Covo Dei Saraceni, Positano

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Melbourne Darling Abroad – How to see Capri in a Day

Island of Capri, Italy

Island of Capri, Italy

When planning your trip to Capri, the first thing you should consider is whether you would like to include a visit to the Blue Grotto / Grotta Azzurra. It is advisable if you want to see the Blue Grotto to book it first thing and try and do it first thing in the morning (or check in the morning for tide times and the weather as the ability to enter the Blue Grotto is extremely dependent on the tide and weather so access times will change day to day.) There are a few different boats to take to Capri, I took the public ferry from where I was staying on the Amalfi Coast – in Sorrento. First things first, when you arrive in Capri, if you want to take a trip to the Blue Grotto, dart your way to join the line in the Marina as soon as you get off the ferry. If not, then trust me when I say do not waste any time on the ground level of Capri nearby the marina. The best and most beautiful way to see Capri is by heading straight to the very top of the island first, to Mount Solaro then spending the day making your way back down again. You will find this will be the least busy and this will be the least tiring method as there is lots of walking to be done exploring the island, and it is much easier to make your way down then try and make your way up the mountain.

First thing to do is make your way right to very top, to Mount Solaro. This involves 3 stages and 3 methods of transportation that will cost you €17.20 up and back (unless you want to walk but I sincerely suggest that if you only have the one day, save your soles and follow the below steps. Hang in there, I swear it’s worth every bit!)

Arriving at Capri by ferry

Arriving at Capri by ferry

  1. Marina Grande to Capri centre - When you arrive by boat to the island of Capri, you will arrive at the Marina Grande, from here make your way to the ticket sales offices and purchase a ticket to the Funicula. At a cost of €1.80, this railway cable cart is the fastest method to get you to the main centre of Capri, arriving att the Piazzetta.

 

Entrance to the Funiculare from Marina Grande

Entrance to the Funiculare from Marina Grande

  1. Capri to Anacapri – The Piazzetta is quite busy and filled with many high fashion stores, souvenir shops and touristy restaurants and cafes. But I recommend not spending much time here at first, as there is still a much prettier pocket of Capri awaiting. Once you reach the Piazzetta, purchase a bus ticket for €1.80 at the bus terminal in Capri located in Piazza Martiri d’Ungheria (along Via Roma near the Piazzetta). Take the 15 minute bus ride bus from Capri up to Anacapri. You will notice the buses here are tiny, fitting about 10-15 people in each, but luckily they are pretty quick and run regularly. My favorite part of Capri to explore was Anacapri. Stop by for a quick bite to eat or a short break to soak in the beautiful environment and then make your way up to Mount Solaro (as there is only one café on the top of the mountain with limited refreshments and facilities on the top of the mountain).

 

Island of Capri

Island of Capri

  1. Anacapri to Mount Solaro – The final stage is a climb to the top of Mount Solaro via the chairlift. Fasten yourself in for a breathtaking 12 minute ride with your feet dangling over rooftops and vegetable gardens as you ride up to the 589m ascent above sealevel. The price of the chairlift is €10 roundtrip or €7 one way and I believe it is worth every cent.

 

Mount Solaro Chair lift

Mount Solaro Chair lift

Once at the top you can enjoy the spectacular views above the clouds along the observation decks before making your way back down the chairlift. We decided to spend the majority of our time after this in Anacapri which was filled with local boutiques and independently owned stores run by locals as well as lots of limoncello and local produce.

My must-do list for Capri / Anacapri:

-         Take a boat ride to the Blue Grotto (I was unable to during my stay which is why I suggest making sure you check before you visit on the day)

-         View the Faraglioni sea stacks from the top of Mount Solaro

View of the Faraglioni rocks from the top of Mont Solaro

View of the Faraglioni rocks from the top of Mount Solaro

-          Try a refreshing Limoncello granita as your browse the stores and laneways in Anacapri

Limoncello store, Anacapri

Limoncello store, Anacapri

-          Find the Phoenecian steps and see how far you can manage to walk down (and back up!) the incredibly steep steps but don’t forget to stop and take in the astonishingly beautiful view.

The Phoenician Steps, Island of Capri

The Phoenician Steps, Island of Capri

-          Stop by Pizzeria Aumm Aumm for a slice of their lemon pizza and their Sfogliatelle Napoletane (flaky pastry shell filled with a creamy, sweet ricotta filling)

 

Lemon Pizza from Pizzeria Aumm Aumm

Lemon Pizza from Pizzeria Aumm Aumm

-          If you have time also visit the Villa San Michele

I would absolutely love to spend more than a day in Capri, so will definitely be planning a return trip to explore even more gems in the area.

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Melbourne Darling Abroad – My Favourite Places in Venice

VENICE

Beautiful Venice

The smallest ‘island’ in Venice

La Bussola – Free walking tours of Venice

http://www.venicefreetours.com/

I cannot recommend this free walking tour company enough – La Bussola free tours of Venice were by far our favourite tours of the whole trip. They went beyond the typical sites that you can see on your own and opened up a whole new view of the beautiful city, unveiling many hidden secrets of Venice that we would otherwise have never found. The spots we were shown on this tour ended up becoming some of our most favourite locations! When we took the tours (we ended up taking both the morning and afternoon tours – you can do either or both as they take you to different parts of the city) our tourist guides were young, engaging, extremely knowledgeable and clearly very passionate about the city of Venice. As these are ‘free walking tours’ there is no pressure on how much to pay the tour guides at the end. They were honest and said they work hard because obviously this is their job and they want to impress their tour group to tip them well at the end of the tour, but we were never felt pressured into this, and ended up being very impressed by a tour that we felt the tour guides had put a lot of heart and effort into. The tour guides claimed they do not work with any partnerships with restaurants or places of interest, but instead we found they recommended their own personal favourites spots in the city and places they go to themselves and take their friends to. This was proven the next day when we just so happened to bump into one of our tour guides on his way to meet his friends for drinks at one of his own favourite bars, one he recommended to use the day before. The tours were extremely insightful but at the same time, comfortable like meeting up with a friend and having them take you around their home town.

 

Cicchetti – (Venetian style tapas – small appetizer servings of finger food like variations of bruschetta usually eaten with an Aperol spritz and potato crisps!) Trying cicchetti is a great way to tap into the Venetian lifestyle. Most Venetian bars will serve cicchetti from late morning to until well into the afternoon.

 

Cicchetti (Venetian style tapas)

Cicchetti (Venetian style tapas)

Jewish Ghetto – If you have a spare afternoon or morning this is a beautiful residential area to walk through. It is moreso a residential area but there are beautiful homes and canals to see.

 

Jewish Ghetto, Venice

Jewish Ghetto, Venice

 

Antica Adelaide

Calle Priuli Racheta, 30121 Venezia, Italy

http://www.anticaadelaide.it/

Great spot for apéritifs / drinks before dinner – Aperol spritz for €2, need I say more.

 

€2 Aperol Spritz at Antica Adelaide, Venice

€2 Aperol Spritz at Antica Adelaide, Venice

Gelateria Suso

Calle della Bissa, 5453, 30124 San Marco, Venezia VE, Italy

http://suso.gelatoteca.it/

My favourite gelateria in Venice, serving seasonal flavours. I can’t go past their specialty flavour, the ‘Manet’ Pistachio with Salted caramel and Gianduia (the Italian dessert spread made from chocolate and hazelnut).

 

Gelateria Suso

Gelateria Suso

Ristorante Al Giardinetto da Severino

Salizada Zorzi 4928, 30122 VE, Italy

http://www.algiardinetto.it/?lang=en

Stumbling upon this place on my first night in Venice was wonderful, such a beautiful setting and delicious, traditional Venetian home style cooking served in a beautiful courtyard. Reasonable pricing, good servings and excellent service.

 

Al Ponte Del Meggio

Santa Croce, 1666, 30135 Venezia, Italy

https://www.tripadvisor.com.au/Restaurant_Review-g187870-d1500560-Reviews-Trattoria_Al_Ponte_del_Megio-Venice_Veneto.html

Very picturesque location perfect for a beautiful night when you can enjoy a table outside. Serving homestyle pasta and meat dishes. This is also nearby the extremely popular restaurant ‘La Zucca’ which I heard recommended multiple times but was unable to try myself as it was booked out, so do book La Zucca if you can, otherwise if you turn up and don’t get in like I did, I am sure that Al Ponte Del Meggio will not disappoint.

Al Ponte Del Meggio

Al Ponte Del Meggio

Bar la Toletta

Dorsoduro, 1191, 30123 Venezia VE, Italy

Wonderful inexpensive sandwich place – 1.60 euro for a sandwich. Just be aware they sell sandwiches containing horse meat but have these clearly identified!

Bar alla Toletta

Bar alla Toletta

Liberia Acqua Alta

Calle Lunga Santa Maria Formosa, 5176/B, 30122 Venezia, Italy

https://www.tripadvisor.com.au/Attraction_Review-g187870-d2208448-Reviews-Libreria_Acqua_Alta-Venice_Veneto.html

 

Libreria Acqua Alta

Libreria Acqua Alta

Probably the best example of creatively embracing the unique environment of the city of Venice.

Unmodestly dubbing itself as ‘the most beautiful bookshop in the world’ I am happy to say that so far I would not beg to differ. During Venice’s period of high tide that causes flooding throughout the city, also known as ‘acqua alta’ this charming second hand bookshop designed the bookstore in a way to embrace the high tide occurrence by cleverly shelving books higher than usual above the ground in addition to stacked in bathtubs and gondolas within the store to keep the books afloat during floods. This store is a maze of books which lead to outdoor areas featuring piled up books that had been the victim of flooding, now used as decorative walls and steps. The friendly resident cats quietly strut throughout the store and make sure you head to the back of the store to see their creative fire exit – an entire outdoor staircase made out of old books which lead to the top of the wall to overlook the back exit onto a canal. A magical and creative place to visit and get lost amongst the books (maybe even literally).

 

Libreria Acqua Alta

Libreria Acqua Alta

Enoiteca Mascareta

Calle Lunga Santa Maria Formosa, 5183, San Marco, Venezia VE, Italy

http://www.ostemaurolorenzon.com/

 

Enoiteca Mascareta

Enoiteca Mascareta

Upfront I will say that this place was my all-time favourite ‘fancy’ restaurant on my whole Italian trip. Our wonderful travel guide suggested this place to us as this was one of his all time favourite places. It did not disappoint, it was one of my most memorable meals in Italy (the others being in Sorrento and Santa Margherita as well as my relative’s home cooking of course!) Partner your meal with a gin and tonic, as not only does Enoiteca Mascerata serve up amazing meals but they also specialize in serving the best range of gin.

3 unique flavour spins on Gin and Tonic at Enoiteca Mascareta

3 unique flavour spins on Gin and Tonic at Enoiteca Mascareta

The lovely Paolo came over and asked what tastes we like to drink and magically whipped us up 3 completely different but equally extraordinary gin and tonics each featuring different flavour varieties whether it was citrus and spice, berry and floral or peppery and tart. Our main meals also featured Venetian specialties including baccala, ox cheek and polenta.

Enoiteca Mascareta

Enoiteca Mascareta

Top three viewpoints of Venice:

1. Campanile di San Marco

2. Church of San Giorgio Maggiore (told to watch the church change colour during sunset)

Church of San Giorgio Maggiore

Church of San Giorgio Maggiore

3. Scala Contarini del Bovolo (not for the faint hearted or anyone who isn’t whiling to trek it up the long spiral staircase to the top!

Scala Contarini del Bovolo

Scala Contarini del Bovolo

Where to ride a gondola in Venice

Venice now has a fixed rate of €80 for a half an hour gondola ride, but the fixed rate does not mean that all rides are equally as enjoyable. There are many overcrowded and not so friendly spots and gondeliers you may see on your walk through Venice, but from what we saw and heard, one of the best (more quieter) places to catch a gondola ride was right in front of the Querini Stampalia in the Campo Santa Maria Formosa – one of the best places to catch a gondola (a bit of a more quieter spot with less traffic, but always ensure to ‘interview’ your gondola driver before you choose them to ensure they are going to provide you with a worthwhile experience and not just ignore you and use their phones during the whole journey. As you are selecting a driver for a memorable (and expensive) experience, there is no shame in taking the time to select a gondola driver, you might want someone who will talk (or sing!) to you during the ride or may be able to provide you with some local knowledge and travel tips for the city or is at least friendly enough to make your €80 half an hour trip an enjoyable one! Alternatively, if you are not too fussed on travelling on a gondola ride for half an hour but would still like to enjoy an even more authentic water travel method in Venice, read on about taking a quick trip across the Grand Canal on the Traghetto below.

 

Campo Santa Maria Formosa

Campo Santa Maria Formosa

Travelling around Venice

I learnt the hard way and lugged my suitcase around for the half an hour walk from the train station to my hotel, across a total of 10 bridges. I would not recommend this. Of course this is dependant on whereabouts you are staying but instead of paying for a gondola I recommend looking into another two different methods of public water transportation:

1. Traghetto:

The Traghetto is a public gondola that offers short rides across the Grand Canal. There are only four stations along the Grand Canal where you can take the Traghetto which travels to and from stations across the Grand Canal continuously throughout the day for approximately €2 per single ride each way. The functioning stations and their daily times vary depending on the season so it is advisable to check which stops are in  use as well as the hours of operation during your stay in Venice.

2. Il Vaperetto:

The Vaperetto is the Venice ferry which takes the most wonderfully scenic route via the Grand Canal. I would recommend taking the Vaporetto for the entire route the whole way through from the St Marks Square through the 40 – 60 minute ride it takes via the Grand Canal to the train station at least once. It is a beautiful ride where you can enjoy the best views of the front entrances of all the places situated on the Grand Canal, what is technically the ‘main street’ of Venice. As the front entrances in Venice face the canals, this ride offers you a beautiful different point of view as opposed to walking through the laneways.

Gondolas on the Grand Canal

Gondolas on the Grand Canal

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