The beautiful (and not so good) surprises two weekends ago Did you know that myself and Amber on 23 October cut the goal of the first year in their love affair. To celebrate the opportunity should be signed with the advance has been equipped to organize a weekend of all respect, and although there has been some trimming at the end (not dependent on me, of course) the result has led to several interesting discoveries.
Friday 23
Amber for the occasion was taken a day of holiday and remember it for the good times, nothing better than a good dinner at Checkmate, our cupid Gourmet where we went to dinner the first time (we were not yet together, but fate was already written). For my love mix of raw fish (excellent), yellowtail and shrimp burger on a bed of broccoli (not bad) and the usual creamy ricotta for dessert. Pour moi ta-ta with tuna ginger sauce, honey and dried tomatoes (valid), red mullet fillets in puff potatoes (delicious) and nougat parfait in Nutella (calorie bomb!), all washed down with fragrant High-Adige Kerner.
fly over, all (or almost) know the skill of Mario Ferrara in that of Broccaindosso ...
After the lunch, suitcases in hand, starting Galzignano Terme, Terme Euganee area, where some time has been reserved a room for us both with the addition of cocker spaniel in tow. The site, one of four resort hotels are surrounded by beauty center, park, shopping mall and golf course, I was highly recommended by my contact Publiscoop, the company of the Sun I work for 24 hours. Parties in torrential rain that lashed all day to arrive at that Galzignano very late and then start smudging. The room where we get comfy, spacious, nice view from the balcony and equipped with every comfort, not the bed but as I specifically requested two queen beds adjoining yet separate. I make my complaints courteous, the concierge can I be sure that arrangements can be made but the next day because by then the staff plans he's already gone ....
humiliated we go to the restaurant, where he would also planning a gala dinner: the menu is inviting and there is a tumbler with some pomposity (pave avocado with shrimp, Grand Duke hat that big ravioli, fillet of sea bream, cut to the aromas, tart flambé Venetian). I choose a good bottle to accompany dinner like a Ribolla Yellow Jermann, but just served the wine reaches the second fatal news: the kitchen is already closed, then all we touch only the appetizer menu (which is unsalted), thinly sliced (good) and a chocolate ice cream instead of the longed for dessert. The icing on the cake the night, not to be separated, we "settle" both in one bed, what the morning will take us to a horrible backache.
Here end the painful note and I will not dwell too much on holiday spa. Suffice it to say that the place is not bad, I would certainly recommend it (
www.galzignano.it ). We were at the Hotel Sporting, 4 stars, certainly the most beautiful of these four hotels, with a bit of elegance 'and certainly a bit chilly' démodé having been built in the 60s of XX century. Excellent health club with a wealth of treatments which both I have abused Amber, a beautiful heated pool and indoor and outdoor (communicating), sauna, steam cave, Kneipp. The kitchen, once you can not taste, is good, breakfast is sumptuous, and Saturday night for dinner we enjoyed the big dog in rice sage, duck breast with honey and cakes buffet, washed down with good Valpolicella. Particular not indifferent: the bar does a great Martini!
said that come the best surprises: Sunday morning started early, we decided to wander through the villages in the province of Veneto. We arrive immediately Arquà Petrarca, a retreat of the famous poet, lovely hamlet where he was all uphill during the festival of the jujube. We readily supplied not only jujube and snow peas, but also delicious chocolates filled with broth in jujube wine bar that is well worth a visit, just opposite the house of Petrarch.
Continuing, and now feeling the pangs of appetite, arrive by chance at Este, and here comes the surprise glad the day. The town is delightful: a majestic castle now used as a landscaped park overlooking the central pedestrian zone, dotted with beautiful churches and ancient buildings. After careful research, by which time their hopes were fading, she stumbles onto Tavern Piero Ceschi, seen from outside the local hardly notice, but inside is warm and rustic elegance, and especially where the menu is full of tradition Local.
a seat, as dog-equipped, under the porch (also because of the beautiful sunny day), we enjoyed a risotto with the first prize and tastasal by an excellent trio of crostini with cod fish, bacon and spiced duck breast smoked at home. Plus two dessert (actually the weak point, shriveled and almost tasteless) and a carafe of the house honest Raboso Piave, total price 30 € (which means that even doing a full meal does not exceed 25 a head).
On the way back, lost between the campaigns of Rovigo, we admired beautiful Venetian villas, some of them in ruins that need more care, then, to dodge the ground depressed that gravitates between Rovigo and Ferrara, we channeled the highway to go home.
PS When you organize something tasty? I am a bit 'in withdrawal ....
impromptu menu: an appetizer of aromatic and spicy sausage from North and South, small penne with mushrooms Field (Alan, Bibi .. thanks!) And filet grilled with fresh sautéed spinach "to Iglesia ". 
