Has anyone recently done Alessandro Schezzini’s Venice Cicchetti Tour? He is mentioned in Rick Steves’ Italy guidebook and we really loved our first experience with him in 2016. However, when we did Alessandro’s tour again in early 2023, we were very disappointed, as he seemed very rushed, and we only went to 2 quick places. At the last place we all just sat at a long table outside that had some plates of apps, and he proceeded to field questions, some about differences between American and Italy which seemed to annoy him, and then then he ended it after an hour of being in a sour mood. Maybe he wasn’t feeling good that day or something? So totally different than the first time! Even in spite of that, we would still like to give him another try when we are in Venice this fall, as the first time was a lot of fun. Has anyone else had a recent good or bad experience?
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San Diego, California, USA
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This is sort of non-response but when we were there is March I tried to set up something knowing that it was probably too early. As I suspected it didn't work out but when I mentioned I was trying to arrange it our friends from Venice kind of made the "I have an opinion but don't care to share it". But when I pressed them they said it seemed like he had gotten "schticky" and it wasn't a real Venice thing.
My recommendation from March is Wine Bar 5000 - we had previously made fun of the name but it is a lovely spot on a side canal that looks way more upscale than its prices. The 5000 in the name is just the address number BTW.
I also enjoyed OZIO on Campiello Santa Maria Formosa. They stress organic and artisanal beers along with wine and the usual drinks and their cicchetti are tiny works of art. This recommendation comes with an asterix because it is in a very busy spot and the owner is fiercely Venice local and actively hostile to tourist shenanigans, but he keeps a close eye on his operation and takes it seriously. If I lived in this section of Venice I can tell by the vibe that this would be on my list of regular places.
Both these places are over north of Piazza San Marco area.
Enjoy Venice,
=Tod