Venice - The Cichetti Experience

One of the highlights of my trip to Venice was discovering The Cicchetti Experience

Cicchetti are a staple of Venetian social life and are usually enjoyed during the aperitivo hour (late afternoon to early evening), often with a small glass of local wine, referred to as an ombra (meaning "shade") or an Aperol Spritz. The experience is informal, with locals often standing at the bar or spilling out into the narrow streets and campos (squares). 

Common types of cicchetti include:

• Baccalà mantecato: Creamed, whipped salted cod spread on a slice of bread or polenta.
• Sarde in saor: Sardines marinated in a sweet and sour mix of onions, vinegar, raisins, and pine nuts.
• Polpette: Small, fried meatballs made from meat, fish, or vegetables.
• Crostini: Small, toasted bread slices with various toppings like cured meats, cheeses, or seafood patés.
• Mozzarella in carrozza: Battered and fried mozzarella cheese, sometimes with an anchovy inside. 

The goal is to sample a variety of flavors, often by hopping from one bacaro to the next, a practice known as a giro d'ombra or "cicchetti crawl". Afterwards, we were off to the restaurants where I never seemed to be able to have too much fried seafood.

Ironically, the one thing I never had was pizza, even though it most                                                                                                                                                                        certainly looked 

certainly looked quite delicious. Maybe next time.

Everyone who has  been to Venice will also know what                                                   the black stuff is.