CANTINONE STORICO
I first stumbled upon Cantinone Storico on a trip to Venice with Bud to experience Carnival. One night while meandering back towards our apartment after taking in all the sumptuous Carnival costumes people were donning throughout the city, we came upon Cantinone Storico.
Mixed Grilled Vegetables at Cantinone Storico
Photo: Arthur Wooten
Located on a side canal off of the Grand, it was peak dining hour so we peered into the restaurant through their ancient wavy glass windows and a waiter from inside encouraged us to come in. We entered into a glass vestibule and I could see that the restaurant was full except for one table for two. Tentatively, I opened the inner door so as not to disturb the diners and suddenly there was a very loud and startling crash. I had made my inconspicuous entrance. The head waiter rushed to my side and assured me all was fine. A stack of heavy leatherbound menus had been placed on a table next to the door haphazardly and I clearly knocked them over by opening the door. The restaurant, once realizing what had happened cheered. That’s one way of breaking the ice.
We were greeted with open arms, sat down and were immediately offered an amuse bouche of deep fried tangy olives served on a stick. We ordered the house white wine, which was crisp and refreshing. and then decided to share an order of the appetizer of mixed grilled vegetables. What appeared was a gorgeous platter of the freshest local ingredients. It was a feast unto itself!
For entrées Bud ordered the fish of the day, which was a gorgeous red snapper served with vegetables and scallops, and I had lobster with spaghetti and red sauce. The pasta was al dente so it had just enough bite while the lobster was cooked to perfection and had such a sweet, buttery quality. To top off the meal, the restaurant offered us glasses of limoncello on the house.
The food was delightful, the owners and waiters were warm and friendly; it felt like we were welcomed into a friend’s home. Fondamenta Bragadin 661. Tel: +39-041- 523-9577. www.cantinonestorico.it
