Interview with Monica Cesarato, author of Andar per Bacari

Food blogger, podcaster, cooking teacher, food and wine tour guide, restaurant reviewer, and now author, this is the energetic world of the irrepressible Monica Cesarato. Her delightful new book, Andar per Bacari has now been translated into English and introduces the Venetian concepts, flavors, and traditions that are unique to the city.

Food blogger, podcaster, cooking teacher, food and wine tour guide, restaurant reviewer, and now author, this is the energetic world of the irrepressible Monica Cesarato. Her delightful new book, Andar per Bacari has now been translated into English and introduces the Venetian concepts, flavors, and traditions that are unique to the city.

What inspired you originally to create a professional life devoted to all matters delicious?

My love for food and the fact that I wanted everyone outside of Venice to understand real Venetian cuisine. For years it frustrated me that most people considered Venice food bland and touristic. I wanted to show and prove to people how important Venetian cuisine was and how it had been underestimated for many years. With my blog, the food tours, and the cooking classes I can honestly say I gave a little help in changing the way Venetian cuisine is perceived today.

How did the course of your journey in Venetian cuisine change after meeting your mentor Ada Catto, of the famous Osteria Alla Vedova?

It made me want to learn even more about the real roots of the recipes and the real history of this incredible cuisine and its city, not just the word of mouth “my mum used to do it this way” kind of recipe. I wanted to understand why the recipes had such a different evolution here compared to other parts of Italy and how it changed so quickly after the WWII. Also, it helped me to understand the history of Cicchetti and the importance of Osterie.

The title of your book encapsulates a wonderful Venetian concept that is impossible to translate literally. Can you please explain what Andar per Bacari means?

It is not a pub crawl; it is not just hopping from bar to bar. It is a way of enjoying life in Venice after work. A Bacaro is a special kind of wine bar which only exists in Venice – I explain the meaning of this word and how it came to be so famous in the book. The cicchetti and the wines of Venice are a way to socialize and experience the city through its food. It is an experience which involves all your senses: the taste for the food, the smell for the wine, your eyes for the beauty of produce on display, your ears while you listen to people chatting around you and the sense of touch, because believe me, after many drinks, you do tend to be very…affectionate to the people around you…hauhau.

And I would add also a sixth sense: you become aware that you are part of the life of the city, not just a mere onlooker. It is a way to become a visitor and not a mere tourist!