In 2000 I visited Venice, and thanks to an entry in Rick Steves' book found a tiny, out of the way restaurant. I remember walking down very narrow alleys. The door had no sign, it was family run, and all wines came from the family vineyard on the mainland. There was no menu and only about 6 tables. The owner came out between each course, ed and poured the wines himself. It was not inexpensive, but it was one of those experiences that Rick Steves guides specialize in. I am trying to find the name of the restaurant. If I heard its name, its neighborhood or saw a map from the book it might jar my memory. Any help would be appreciated. I am trying to put together a list of things for my parent's 30th Anniversary trip. Thank you,
Posted by
Seattle, WA
16346 posts
I have my old 2002 RS Venice guide and found a place that sounds like your description: Antiche Cantine Ardenghi de Lucai e Michael sounds the closest-place with few tables, no sign, a fixed menu, and a password to get in! If that is not it, you might try calling Europe through the Back Door to see if they have any copies of the 2000 book in their library or archives.
Posted by
Seattle, WA
16346 posts
And if that IS it, I found a post on Fodors from 2007 saying that it has been "closed for years." but then on Tripadvisor there is a note from Michele, dates late in 2011, saying they are opening a new restaurant in January 2012: "delle Antiche Cantine Ardenghi di Venezia,volevo dirti che dal mese di Gennaio 2012 apro un nuovo ristorante con le stesse carateristiche delle Antiche Cantine Ardenghi,se vuoi informare tutti i nostri amici che Lucia e Michele non si sono
scordati di voi e che vi aspettiamo numerosi" No name for the new restaurant, however.
Posted by
Hermiston, OR, USA
69 posts
Apparently in 2003 the owner of Antiche Cantine Ardenghi de Lucai e Michael opened up a new restaurant called All' Paradiso near the Rialto Bridge. There are a number of good reviews in Trip Advisor. Here is the link. http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g187870-d1087239-Reviews-Al_Paradiso-Venice_Veneto.html Below is the link from Virtual Tourist that tells of the change . http://www.virtualtourist.com/travel/Europe/Italy/Veneto/Venice-140867/Restaurants-Venice-Antiche_Cantine_Ardenghi-BR-1.html I am going for the first time in September and will be sure to look this place up. Thank you for the suggestion.
Posted by
Seattle, WA
16346 posts
It is not clear to me if Lucia and Michele actually operate Al' Paradiso, or simply recommend it to their former customers, or are involved somehow. If you comb through reviews on other websites (SlowTrav, Tripadvisor, Virtual Tourist, Zagat, etc.) you'll find references to the owner, Giordano. No one mentions Lucia or Michele. See: for a discussion http://slowtalk.com/groupee/forums/a/tpc/f/862600685/m/315105141 It also sounds quite different in terms of menu and service, at least according to the reviews on Tripadvisor.
Posted by
OP
Bethlehem, PA, USA
2 posts
Antiche Cantine Ardenghi de Lucai e Michael YES, that was it, thank you. Sad to hear it is no more. I will pass the links on to my parents. Thank you all.