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Cicchetti {n, pl. pronounced “chee- ket-tee”} very small bites usually served on a crostino (small piece of bread) and accompanied by a glass of wine.
One thing I love about Venetians is that they know when and how to take a break. Case in point, cicchetti, unique and small savory snacks served on a crostino and preferably accompanied by a glass of wine. They are served in bacari, a tavern or bar where patrons traditionally order and eat at the counter, and happily, there is no “cicchetti hour” nor “cicchetti etiquette”. Just order and eat. In the early 2000s, I lived in Venice on a food budget of 7 euro daily – 2 euro for my cappuccino and bombolone and 5 euro for my cicchetti, which when planned well, supported a hungry art student throughout the entire day. Times have changed, and 5 euro no longer can feed me for the day, but with 15 euro and great bacaro, I’m good.
For the Record
Cicchetti have been compared to Spanish tapas, but they are absolutely not. Ask Monica Cesarato , an expert Venice tour guide, she’s been catering to culinary delights with her delicious food tours CookinVenice. With an expertise and a passion for cicchetti, she’ll tell you that cicchetti are not small dishes but tiny bites showcasing tradition and creativity. Yes, bacari will feature favorite Venetian recipes like bacalà mantecato (creamed cod) on polenta, folpetti (boiled octopus), and sarde in soar (sweet and sour sardines), but every bacaro owner loves to show off his and her flair so expect some surprising combinations.
In this Travel Bite, Monica and I talk about the history of cicchetti, where we love to eat them and more on Venice.
IN THIS EPISODE
[01:18] Introducing Monica Cesarato, cicchetti expert
[02:21] Cicchetti basics
[05:11] When and how?
[07:59] Let’s talk bacalà!
[10:12] Monica’s favorite bacari
[14:19] Cicchetti etiquette
{15:56] Venetian spritz
[18:05] Venice today
[20:07] Get in touch with Monica Cesarato
RELATED LINKS
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See La Serenissima Through the Eyes of James Bond
Gastronoical Mindfulness: Massimiliano Alajmo
Gondola, Campi, Markets and More: The Top 10 in Venice
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