VENICE REDISCOVERED

INA AYALA

Venice gives a vibe like no other city anywhere in the world—so elegant and rich in history but, at the same time, highly contemporary.

I particularly loved standing outside the palazzo balcony at different times of day. Watching the activity on the Grand Canal and appreciating all the other beautiful palazzos against the sky was magical.

I also loved the Menu Bucintoro at Ristoteca Oniga. Market-fresh seafood is brought to you in a deep pan, swimming in a delicious tomato sauce—heavenly! I am so glad you guys discovered this restaurant because I would go back again just to have this!

I was especially celebrating Anton, Ling Ling, and Patty. After what they have been through, their unspoken bond is palpable and their determination to celebrate life to its fullest is most definitely inspiring.

ROSE ANNE BELMONTE

Venice is known for its beauty and history, but when I visited with my adventurous friends, we had experiences filled with both the old and the new.

We dined with a contessa who entertained us on the top floor of her palazzo. She told us that she baked the cookies and cake herself because she heard it was someone’s birthday. How adorably sweet!

We cooked together. We also explored the market and hurriedly rode a water taxi to get back to make our lunch of anchovies, squid, spaghetti with fresh tomatoes, and artichokes with local cheese.