Squash Blossoms and Other Plants

Rialto Food Market, Venice: Part III

And for my final installment… I bring you Venice’s finest fruits and vegetables.

I had the incredibly good fortune of happening upon this market during the height of squash blossom season. The blossoms are the flowers of the zucchini plants and are incredibly delicate but delicious, especially stuffed and fried. It made me sad that I had such a short time on this trip that I couldn’t take some home and play with them… but at least I got to observe their beauty and now you can too.

Il Mercato del Pesce

Rialto Food Market, Venice: Part II

I have no words here. The beauty speaks for itself.

One observation: If you happened to be walking around blindfolded in this market, you might not have any idea where you were. The market had fish everywhere, but no fish smell. That’s how fresh everything is.

Tale of a Snail

Rialto Food Market, Venice, Part I

You know how current food movements these days are emphatic about connecting with our food?  About forming relationships with the creatures that help feed us, or become our dinner?

Well, I connected with this little guy.  He seemed quite gung-ho about running off into the beautiful Venetian morning.  He almost escaped the inevitable… but was thwarted by an unsympathetic Italian lady who’s mind was set on snails for dinner.  Regardless, I’m fairly sure this particular animal lived a good life, and he’ll surely meet a glamorous end (in Venice, no less). He didn’t become my dinner, but I’m quite sure he delighted someone’s palate.

Also, this gives a whole new layer of meaning to Slow Food.   Heh.