Last day in Austria, First day in Italy

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Yesterday was our last day in Austria. Today we flew from Zurich to Venice to start our four week trip around Italy. 

Before leaving Austria, we had dinner at Franz's Dad's place. A traditional cooking method in this part of the world is based on raclette cheese, The raclette grill (see pic below) has an upper level in the form of a hot-plate for grilling raw items (meat, fish and any veggies) - and a lower level with individual trays used to grill the raclette cheese atop any pre-cooked items (like slices of boiled potato). Some salads and a range of mustards and other sauces, provide the accompaniments to complete the dish.


Diners help themselves to their preferred ingredients and load them on the grill. You cook just a few items at a time, and eat them while the next lot are cooking. It's a lot of fun and very sociable way of dining. Much like the old fondu sets but with a lot more variety of ingredients and taste. It was delicious, and we thank Franz and his Dad for the time and effort in putting it all together. 

I might be shopping for a Raclette grill (and tracking down some raclette cheese) when I get home. Maybe a candidate for our next Romina neighbourhood dinner gathering!?

So after a truly great time in Austria (Switzerland, Liechtenstein and Germany too) - we say goodbye to our wonderful hosts (Ellen and Franz) and leave for Venice.

For me- it is soooooo good to be back in Venice again. And judging by the big grin on Brenda's face when we step of the water taxi and take our first look across the massive St Mark's Square at the impressive Basilica and neighbouring Doge's Palace - I am guessing she is feeling pleasantly overwhelmed with it all.

A view down the grand canal from our taxi - having just passed under the Rialto bridge.

You see what I mean by the "big grin" on Brenda's face!

As you can see - we have mixed weather here. Sunshine now, after a brief heavy downpour (fortunately while we were under cover on the boat), that has helped to polish this pic some.

We are scheduled to do a tour of the Basilica later this week - so will hopefully have further info and pics from that. Right now, we are off for a walk along the waterfront in search of the "Bar al Vecio Calice" - our well-researched choice for our first dinner here in Venice. Our assessment of this to follow!



Comments

  1. Veronica Lund29 August 2023 at 13:50

    The fabulous trip continues. Love your updates. BTW I spied a raclette set for sale here in Marty.....

    ReplyDelete

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