Gourmantic recently celebrated its second anniversary, and with nearly 400 articles under its belt, it’s time for a little navel-gazing. The purpose is not to ascertain how much weight has been gained from delectable food and drink experiences but to review the progress and reminisce about good times in travel writing. My 7 Links is [...]

There is more to the Veneto region than seeing Venice and the islands of Murano, Burano and Torcello. The area in the north of Italy is home to several towns that can easily be explored on day trips. You could either base yourself in Venice or stay just outside of it as we did in [...]

You’ve taken the obligatory photographs. The view of the Grand Canal in Venice from the top of the Rialto Bridge is certainly a classic sight. You’ve meandered your way past the Mercato Turistico with souvenir stalls selling anything from Venetian masks to Murano glass jewellery. The Rialto Mercato di Frutta e Verdura, or produce market [...]

Where does one look for romance on Valentine’s Day? Is it in front of the Hotel Danieli in Venice? Away from the giant billboards in Piazza San Marco? In a stolen moment in the back alley near Calle del Ridotto? Or in the wandering hands of an Italian stallion? Perhaps love can be found among [...]

Stepping through the revolving doors of the Hotel Danieli in Venice, you can’t help but marvel at the luxury of the grand lobby. Pink marble columns are at home with the opulent staircase and the lavish lounge. Your eyes glaze over the glass top roof and the elaborate Murano glass chandeliers dripping from adorned ceilings. [...]

Venezia Bella. You broke my heart. When the vaporetto approached S. Zaccaria stop near Piazza San Marco, I was filled with anticipation. It was my second trip to Venice. The first was a whirlwind stay and I could barely wait to revisit some of the iconic sights that had captured my imagination. Until I saw [...]

Si mangia prima con gli occhi. It means, you eat with your eyes first. At the Rialto Food Markets in Venice, or Erbaria as it is known, you feast on the colour, texture and scent of the fresh produce. With an abundance of fruit and vegetables, some of which is unfamiliar, you no longer wish [...]