After having placed our orders we were busy catching up - and drinking some wine- when the waiter returned to our table, inviting us into the kitchen to watch the chef prepare a risotto. We grabbed our cameras and made a dash to the kitchen, quite in disbelief to be granted such an opportunity!
Having thoroughly enjoyed the lunchtime entertainment- the chef was certainly happy to be sharing his cooking skills, but wouldn't share any secret recipes- we made our way back to our table. Just as we sat down, the waiter arrived with a large bowl of steaming hot risotto "Da Romano". We had no idea the chef was literally cooking our meal as we watched! Lunch couldn't have been any better- good friends, good food, good wine.
For me, it would have been unthinkable to leave Burano without stopping in at my favorite pastry shop to buy some Buranelle cookie, those delicious S-shaped treats. Carmelina Palmisano's shop is right in the main square.
Here are a few more photos of Burano from that afternoon for you-
Karen's tip- when you are planning your trip to Venice, give yourself a little treat and stay one more day, just so you can spend it on Burano. You won't regret it!
25 comments:
Makes me hungry just reading this, Karen. You were lucky to be invited into the kitchen, What is Da Romano risotto flavoured with?
Burano was the icing on the cake on our visit. We spent much longer there than I thought we were going to. My daughter and I walked all over, up and over the wee bridges, down very quiet streets...we were tickled pink with this island and spent 1/2 a day there easy. Still could have stayed longer with all my photo taking.
We didn't try the cookies...had I known...
I fix a lot of risotto at home but I do not know the technic he had. Wow!
Hmm, Burano, haven't been there for years.
That long boat ride isn't fun in December though, is it?
But saw it last week on Venice 24/7, yep, some production company have done a 'behind the scenes' of Venice's emergency services. In the first show we got the meet the Woman Fire Chief (who was roundly ignored by all who worked for her) and the South African/Italian A&E consultant at the Ospidale.
Exciting? No, Interesting, Yes?
1 Fire, Vd F took 20 minutes to find the place, then the same with the Ambulance on another call.
Finally, and the reason I'm writing this, a heart attack on Burano, where there are no emergency clinicians or paramedics based. You'd think they'd have an ambulance station?
Rob
What a beautiful place, next time in Venice I shall go to Burano!!
I don't think I'll try that risotto making method at home!
Ciao Andrew! The restaurant has a couple of different risottos on the menu, one with shrimp for example. The "Da Romano", their house specialty" is just a standard risotto- lots of butter. The fish stock used is made with the Go fish, which you can see at the Rialto market. One of the best risotto's I've ever eaten!
Ah, Rob, you are right about the long boat ride, but worth it, secondo me! Here in Venice there has been a huge uproar this year about closing the Ospedale here in Castello also. Finally after large protests they came up with some money to keep it going. I agree, they need some sort of emergency facility out on the islands as well.
Yvonne- I understand that this flipping motion you saw on the video puts air in the risotto and makes it light. At home I just stir!!
Ellen- do try the cookies, they are my favorites. You don't need to go all the way to Burano though, they are found in all the pastry shops and groceries here in Venice also!
What an honour to be invited into the kitchen. Burano is certainly a colourful place, beautiful.
I love the way the chef was "flipping" his risotto - Burano is a truly lovely place to spend a day, but I don't think I could handle living there all the time. Mazzorbo is also fabulous (with a couple of really good trattorias) overlooked by most on their way to it's more famous neighbour.
I have been to Venice 6 times now...for the 7th visit I must go to Burano!!! Thanks Karen!
I first learned about Da Romano through Donna Leon's books. Her protagonist, Commissario Brunetti, mentions it in one of the books. Then I saw a segment of Anthony Bourdain's "No Reservations" where Bourdain interviewed the owner and he talked about the Goh fish risotto. As I understand it, if it is not mixed properly it becomes very bad tasting.
I have been to Da Romano 3 times on my visits to Venice. The first time, when I had a reservation, was a day they had a vaporetto strike (uno sciopero). A guy gave me directions on how to get from Ca' Rezzonico to the Fondamenta Nuovo. I wandered the calles for a long time since I did not have a good map. Finally got to the restaurant half an hour late (after starting out 2-12 hours early to get there) but it was definitely worth the trouble. A great place to visit. Don't miss seeing all the paintings on the interior. My sources say that many out of work artists paid the owner's ancestors with paintings instead of cash for their meals there.
On our last trip to Venice was May 2011. We stopped in at Burano again. I love seeing all those beautiful colored houses. It's so peaceful. I also love the gelato shop right where the boat drops you off.
Island girl- I agree about Mazzorbo!!!
Howard- You've been to Venice six times already and we haven't met???? Next time we must fix that! Let me know ahead of time, we'll meet up for a coffee or spritz!
Dianne- Yes, the inside of Da Romano is covered with great art! We were told the same thing about the art hanging in Locanda Martin in Dorsoduro. Artists would trade art for food!! Love it!
Burano is one of my favorites. I didn't get there on my first trip but in March 2010 Yvonne and I spent the better part of a day there. I have great pictures of the Bepo house...through lace curtains hanging on a line!
Hmmm, I may even try the trip in November. Care to join me?
Michelle- Yes, I'm up for Burano anytime!
Karen,
It's a date! 246 days till my arrival.
Karen - Just saw your reply. Where is Locanda Martin in Dorsoduro. I don't remember ever running across it. Would like to check it out the next time I am in Venice (probably not until 2013 though).
Diane, I apologize, I misspelled the name of the place, it is Locanda MONTIN. Here's a link to their map on their website
http://www.locandamontin.com/montin/map.htm
It's easiest to find from Campo San Baranaba- walk down Calla Lunga San Barnaba from the campo, turn left at the first calle. Go over the bridge, then halfway down the street you will find Locanda MOntin on the left side.
You can also get there from the Zattere.
I'm finally catching up on reading your blog and guess what I find? Derek and I made the blog!
It really was a fantastic day, perfect weather, perfect place, perfect friends and perfect food.
You can't get any better than that.
We are so honored and blessed to have Karen and Mike showing all of Venice's special places.
Loved reading your walk around Burano - It was a great place for photography. We bought something from that bakery as well - beautiful. I'ld like to follow your blog - can you add a 'follow by email' (in your settings) so I will get an email as soon as you pop one up?
Cheers
Robyn
(New Zealand)
http://www.robyncarter.blogspot.com
Robyn- thanks!! Blog layout has been modified, now you can elect to follow by email!
Ciao!
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