donna hay magazine

eat & drinkLike any bucket-list destination, when it comes to eating outin Venice, it’s worth spending time seeking out the bars andrestaurants where the locals eat, rather than succumbing to thetourist traps lining the Grand Canal or St Mark’s Square. Expectto tick off many of the hallmarks of traditional Italian cuisine,and, thanks to the seaside location, plenty of seafood. Signaturedishes of the region are risi e bisi (a simple rice dish with pancettaand fresh peas), and meals such as softened, dried and saltedcodfish served with a side of polenta, which was the originalpeasant food and is generally favoured by Venetians over pasta.One of the hidden gourmet treasures of Venice are the bàcari- tiny neighbourhood bars serving tapas-style bites known ascicheti. It’s customary to pop into one of these hideaways for anafternoon snack of tramezzino (see our recipe, right), and smalldishes such as Venetian polpette (pork meatballs) or grilledcuttlefish, washed down with an ombre (a small glass of wine).ISLAND DINING Dine alfresco and feast on traditional seafoodand pasta dishes under the vine-covered pergolas at La Favorita.This quiet, family-run restaurant on the island of Lido has longcaptured the hearts of locals and tourists alike. (Trattoria LaFavorita, Via Francesco Duodo, 33, Lido, Venezia, Italy). travel.This page (clockwise from left): Lido is one of the few Venetian islands whereyou can drive cars; A local Lido restaurant, La Favorita, is well known for itspasta and seafood; Enjoying a sun-dappled afternoon on the tree-linedboulevards of Lido.Opposite: Picturesque boatsheds on the canals of Lido.