Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Work your way through Venice's most decadent vices and tasty virtues at this
Willy Wonka-esque chocolatier, from the hot-chocolate fountain to the dark-
chocolate plague-doctor's masks. Ganache-filled chocolates come in a five-course
meal of flavours: barolo wine, pink pepper, ginger curry, chestnut honey and
mimosa flower. A second location on Campo San Tomá offers more cupcakes,
mousses, pralines and upscale gift-wrapped treats. (
041 275 01 49;
www.viziovirtu.com
;
Calle del Campaniel 2898a, San Polo;
10am-7.30pm;
San Tomà)
33
Drogheria Mascari
FOOD, WINE
Ziggurats of cayenne, leaning towers of star anise and chorus lines of olive oils
draw awestruck foodies to Drogheria Mascari's windows. Indoors, chefs clutch
truffle jars like holy relics, kids ogle candy in copper-lidded jars and dazed gour-
mets confront 50 aromatic honeys. For small-production Italian wines - including
Veneto cult producers like Quintarelli - don't miss the backroom
cantina
(cellar).
(
041 522 97 62;
www.imascari.com
; Ruga degli Spezieri 381, San Polo;
8am-1pm & 4-7.30pm
Mon, Tue & Thu-Sat, 8am-1pm Wed;
Rialto)
34
Alberto Sarria Masks
ARTISANAL, MASKS
Go Gaga or channel Casanova at this atelier, dedicated to the art of masquerade
for more than 30 years. Sarria's
commedia dell'arte
masks are worn by theatre
companies from Argentina to Osaka - ominous burnished black leather for dra-
matic leads, harlequin-checquered
cartapesta
(papier-mâché) for comic foils,
starting from €30. Watch as masks are hand-cast and one-of-a-kind marionettes
take their first steps. (
041 520 72 78;
www.masksvenice.com
;
Calle del Tentor 1807, Santa
Croce;
10am-7pm;
San Stae)
35
San Polo Vetro
ARTISANAL, GLASS
