Adventure #183: Al Pescatore (Sirmione)

Despite the many picturesque historical towns in the Veneto region, we were all getting tired of visiting another Duomo or Piazza. So on our penultimate day, we decided to skip our planned visit to Padua and headed for Sirmione on Lake Garda instead.

There we found a restaurant a little further out from the main tourist area but famous for lake fish.

Spritz - our must-have for lunch

The older one ordered spaghetti vongole which she said was absolutely fab.

The little one had penne with salmon. Even she was impressed and finished every last bite (which was not very often on this trip).

I had the grill sardines which were crispy on the outside and fresh and moist on the inside.

Waiter preparing G's trout

The trout was so good, G almost cried from joy. Actually, I think he did! Hahaha

This was certainly a great find, a hidden gem.  Well worth the track.  Restaurant is a bit old but the service is good and food, well, excellent.

Ristorante Al Pescatore
Via Piana 20
Sirmione
Italy
Tel.: +39 030/916216

Adventure #182: Batzenhausl (Bolzano)

We were in Bolzano, the capital of the autonomous province of Alto Adige where most people speak German.  After a few days of good Italian food, I couldn't believe it when G suggested we try out Batzenhaus, a local beer house for dinner. What? German food again?

The restaurant has an outdoor area which makes very pleasant dinning especially in fine weather

Local beer made in the microbrewery next door



The ribs looked a little dry but tasted ok especially with the sweet dipping sauce.

Can't get away from sausages! Good with those wonderful chips.

Goulash, wonderful home cooked food.

Although this is a beer house, it is after all in Italy, so coffee still wonderfully good.

Adventure #181: Restaurant 7 (Merano)

We were walking along the main street in Merano and was looking for lunch.  Most of the restaurants with tables along the street looked very touristy and the food not very inviting.  That is until we past this one.

It was a very beautiful day.  The restaurant was very big but practically empty inside.  All the 10 odd tables outside were taken as soon as they were vacated.  We were lucky to get one.

Spritz - our new favourite drink. A very popular drink in northern Italy and a very appropriate drink in such sunny weather.

It was a rather hot day so I didn't feel much like eating. So we had 3 mains to share. First to arrive was the cheese ravioli.  Very rich but delicious.

Even the most standard dish - the spaghetti looked inviting.  Ingredients fresh and very tasty.

Fish on a bed of spinach and peas mixture.  It was so good even the little one (who won't eat green veggies) ate it without any complaints!