Algiubagio, Venice

CANNAREGIO

From my previous tip, you can see that I was looking forward to eating here. I was hoping to eat here Christmas Day 07. I couldn't believe it when I walked by on the 25th and it was all closed up. I was disappointed, but decided they must be renovating, ready for the spring season.

Next day, I was heading for San Michele and Murano from Fondamente Nuove, and noticed that Algiubagio was open!! Remembering back to June- Tuesday was their closing day.
There was a board with a menu outside, I was nearly drooling looking at the choices -one in particular made me smile - Beef with apple and chocolate!!!

Well after a days sightseeing, I'd built up an appetite.

I felt a bit nervous entering the restaurant by myself - as a lone female, I like to be able to suss out a place from the outside - is there a table tucked away?, is it full of romantic couples? Is it too fancy?etc etc.

I was greeted by one of the waiters, and I asked if there was a table for one. He said yes, and held out his arm to escort me to a table at the side of the room - Perfect!!!

I ordered the aforementioned beef, with a salad and glass of sparkling water, and asked the waiters advice on which wine to choose, he recommended one that would compliment the richness of the dish - a Nero Avola - apparently this red wine grape comes from Sicily, and is similar to a Syrah or Shiraz.

While waiting for my food, I had brought a book to read. One of the waiters had spotted it and had got quite excited- it was Anthony Bourdains 'Kitchen Confidential' which I was enjoying reading. He picked it up and said that he was a big fan of Anthony Bourdain. Later he returned with another waiter and asked if I was here for a special reason.

I found out later that apparently someone who knows Mr B. quite well, had eaten at this restaurant. The staff were keen that AB should come to their restaurant to try their dishes, especially the beef and chocolate (as he's noted for trying unusual dishes) As I'd ordered this dish, and was reading his book, they'd thought that I was connected in some way - I wish!!

Well, the beef was superlative!!!
It was well presented . The waiter explained that there were slices of sharp raw apple, pieces of cooked apple and the chocolate sauce. He advised that I ate a small piece of each with the beef to get the contrasting flavours.
Wow!!! The beef on its own was gorgeous, very tender and with a good flavour, but the chocolate and apple blew me away. I've had apple with pork, but not beef before, though I've had chocolate with beef in chilli dishes.
This was definitely my 'Last Meal' main course choice! I even had a photo of it as my screen saver for a while!!

All in All, I'd had a great night here, it was well worth a visit - Great food, lovely atmosphere, and charming waiters! I felt quite at ease here.

I'll certainly be back here at least once during my next visit. (I'll make sure that it isn't a Tuesday though - their closed day)

Venice has a reputation for poor food, I'd say that this place is one of those establishments trying to change the cities reputation.

The Beef with chocolate and apple - I'm still drooling over it now! Tender Aberdeen Angus fillet, with a smooth dark chocolate sauce, unsweetened, but not too bitter. Sharp raw acidic apple slices and cooked sweeter pieces of apple (25 euros)

Side salad of mixed leaves, carrot, tomato etc (which I'm afraid that I didn't finish - It was fresh and tasty, but I was too busy devouring my beef!) (4.50 euros)

0.75 litre bottle of carbonated water - (3 euros)

1 glass wine - Nero Avola - I'm no wine expert, but I thought this was a lovely wine - I did well to restrict myself to the one glass! (3.80 euros)

bread 3 euros

No Service Charge!!

Total 39.30 euros, which I thought was quite good value - especially compared to my previous nights meal near the Rialto Bridge.

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Algiubagio, Venice

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