Culinary Travels - Italy: The Veneto Beyond Venice is a documentary film that takes viewers on a culinary journey through the Veneto region of Italy. The film is hosted by David Jackson, a food and travel writer and broadcaster, and is part of a series of travel documentaries that explores the world's cuisines. The film begins with an introduction to the Veneto region, which is located in the northeast of Italy and is known for its picturesque landscapes, historic cities, and delicious food. David Jackson visits several towns and cities in the region, such as Padua, Vicenza, and Verona, and meets with local chefs and food artisans to learn about the region's culinary traditions.
One of the first stops on the culinary tour is in the town of Bassano del Grappa, where David meets with a local distiller to learn about the region's famous grappa. He then heads to the nearby town of Marostica, known for its annual human chess game and for its production of radicchio. David visits a local farm where they grow radicchio and learns how this ingredient is used in local cuisine.
The film also explores the region's seafood, with a visit to the fishing village of Chioggia. David joins a local fisherman on his daily catch and learns about the different types of fish that are caught in the Venice lagoon. He then heads to the nearby island of Pellestrina, where he meets with a local chef who shows him how to prepare traditional Venetian seafood dishes.
The film also delves into the Veneto's wine culture, with visits to several vineyards and wineries in the region. David meets with winemakers who explain the unique characteristics of Veneto wine and the grape varieties that are grown in the region. He also tastes several different types of wine and learns about the pairing of wine with local cuisine.
Throughout the film, viewers are treated to gorgeous footage of the Veneto region, with its rolling hills, vineyards, and scenic towns. The film also includes shots of local markets and food stalls, where viewers can see the region's ingredients being sold and prepared.
The highlight of the film, however, is the food. Viewers are shown a variety of traditional Venetian dishes, such as risotto alla zucca, a pumpkin risotto, and fegato alla veneziana, a liver dish served with onions. David also visits several local trattorias and osterias, where he samples the region's cuisine.
One of the most interesting aspects of the film is the emphasis on the region's history and culture. David visits several historic sites and museums, where he learns about the influence of ancient Venetian culture on the region's cuisine. He also explores the region's contemporary art scene, including a visit to the famous Peggy Guggenheim Collection in Venice.
Overall, Culinary Travels - Italy: The Veneto Beyond Venice is a mouth-watering exploration of one of Italy's most fascinating regions. The film will appeal to foodies and travelers alike, offering a window into the rich history and culture of the Veneto region.
