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Italy Gourmet Carnival

Bailliage of Italy
Venice, February 17-19, 2017

Second annual Gourmet Carnival in Venice
" Costumes and food were outstanding "

Over 100 guests from France, Germany, Great Britain, Hungary, Italy, Russia, Singapore, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, United Arab Emirates and the USA attended this second Gourmet Carnival.

After a reception at the Hilton Molino Stucky Hotel we visited the Vetreria Estevan Rossetto 1950 glass factory on Murano Island. Warmly welcomed by owner Lino Messina we had an interesting demonstration on the technique of glass blowing followed by a welcoming cocktail reception which officially opened the Carnival.

For dinner we took a boat to Algiubagiò, the fine, elegant restaurant located in a former warehouse of the 15th-century aristocratic palace of the Donà delle Rose family which cleverly fuses together modern and old.

Two Philippe Starck chandeliers framed the elegant set-up with dark cloths, white china and artistic Murano glasses. Dinner enjoyed, we warmly thanked Chefs Davide Marchetto and Alessandro Marangoni, together with their kitchen brigade. Warm appreciation was equally expressed to the service brigade led by owner Giulio Antonello.

Saturday tours included:
- Classical Venice including the Doge’s Palace and St Mark’s Basilica
- Mocenigo Palace
- Textile and Costumes Museum
- History of Perfume

We met up at Ristorante Do Forni for lunch - always a must in Venice!

As part of the preparations for the gala evening, the staff of Atelier Pietro Longhi opened a temporary “shop” in a private room at the Hilton for the delivery of costumes for the dress rehearsal. Getting ready guests were excited at putting on fine, handmade, historical costumes in damask fabrics with voluminous wigs.

At the reception in the Palazzo Flangini lyrical harp music complemented the multitude of conversations. Three Prosecco wines from local producers (Biancavigna, Villa Marcello and La Vigna di Sarah) - all managed by women - were served with delicious canapés. We tasted a new concept aperitif called S.T.O.P. It is 100% made in Italy by Distilleria Castagner from the purest Suite no.5 grappa, Italian tonic and Prosecco.

The gala dinner was prepared by Chef Corrado Fasolato in collaboration with La Dogaressa Catering managed by Maître Restaurateur Luigino Cassan. The salon, decorated with flowers and golden candelabras, presented the spectacle of elegant golden damask tablecloths setting off exclusive bone china, crystal glasses with gold thread.

We were welcomed by models showcasing extravagant costumes and precious jewels from the Damiani Luxury Jewellery range which were much admired, tried on, and fallen in love with!

The dinner was a real success! Costumes and food were outstanding. Thunderous applause acknowledged the Chef and the brigades. Entertainment followed - a play and minuet lesson.

Sunday saw a visit to a traditional gondola yard and to the so-called “hidden Venice”. A farewell lunch at Antica Besseta, managed by Luigino Cassan, rounded off the exceptional programme.

The final toast was to this year’s Gourmet Carnival coupled with “looking forward to the next one!”

Monica di Molfetta
Vice-Chancelier/Argentier, Bailliage of Venice

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