(From April 2nd, our first night in Venice)
Our first night in Venice and I’m trying to avoid the “tourist trap” restaurants that try to rope unsuspecting visitors into spending lots of Euros on mediocre food. These establishments line the Piazzas and canals, hoping to attract the unsuspecting eater into a nice view but less than average meal.
So after wandering around off the beaten path a bit ( and passing by what was probably an excellent eatery) we ended up at Osteria Leon Bianca.
After pouring us a red that was far too sweet for our liking, the proprietor suggested the Morajo Cabernet, a wine that suited our preference for richer, bigger, reds. This was no Note Been, but for €26 it did the job nicely.
We decided to share an appy and a main as it was getting late and jetlag was starting to kick our butts. Who wants to eat lots before passing out? We went with the house made gnocci with what is today a tomato sauce
And a grilled seafood platter.
The gnocchi was decent, though not pillowy soft, with a tomato sauce that didn’t scream fresh. I’m guessing canned tomatoes.
The grilled seafood was very nice. Though too much Calamari for my liking. Though for Calamari it was excellent. Not chewy at all. I particularly enjoyed the sardines. But since everything was coated in the same batter, before too long I ran into tastebud fatigue.
So our first meal in Venice. It did not blow me away. It wasn’t awful though either.