La Meneghina
Center of Vicenza, a stone’s throw from the Basilica Palladiana, which in reality has no connection with the Curia or sacredness, but was designed as a palace of the Region.
In a narrow alley leading to the above mentioned Basilica there is a small group of green baroque tables on the right, covered by a red sunshade, and it seems to suddenly plunge into the streets of Paris.
Two showcases at the sides with a series of bottles of refined spirits on display, between the two windows the entrance door. When you cross the threshold, you suddenly seem to be in one of those black and white photos of a 19th century pharmacy.
But unlike those photos, on the walls there are no healing “potions”, but a wonderful selection of alcohol.
The beautiful and colorful bottles are the first thing to jump to the eye, but just a second to notice on the left the marble top on which there is a very interesting variation of stuffed buns. One glance to the right and you will find the Cocktailbar counter perfectly tidy and meticulously equipped with every trinket you need.
Once familiar with this place you can see at the end a passage to a room that despite the silence of which I was immediately amazed, is crowded.
We order a selection of “focaccie” accompanied by an Americano. And so the magic begins. The dough is so full of air that at first glance it seems to have inside it not only the classic durum wheat flour but the addition of rice flour, I suspect immediately denied by the waiter, who confirms that the secret lies in the long leavening and in the mother dough made locally.
The fillings? Just right. From the classic with stracciatella and tomato confit, to the most sought after with peppers and salmon cream, to Humus aubergines and walnuts.
The immediate sensation is one of freshness of absolute attention in the search for ingredients.
Not to mention the Americano, just perfect. I mean, a corner out of time, quiet and unmissable. If you have a chance to go to Vicenza, surely this is a stop you don’t want to miss.
Same place different lens
Giorgia is a Visual Designer based in Italy and she shared this experience with us, here is Vicenza through the lens of Giorgia Antiga.
