On the way from Vicenza to Padova yesterday, we took a detour through Asolo, a picturesque town in the winemaking area of the Prosecco Hills.
Lunch was at Epoca where we met Australian expat Peter who was allowed to drive a car as a tourist in Italy but not as a resident.
This encounter was followed by an antipasto platter with the most delectable local meats, cheeses, flash fried olives and sparkling wine.
Italian gentleman to Nigel: Mi scusi signore (asking for directions).
Nigel: Lei parla inglese?
Italian gentlemen drives away like a bat out of hell.
Shortly afterwards, we arrived in Padova otherwise known as Padua, a city in Northern Italy's Veneto region renowned for having the world's first university and from where the 'sunset in a glass' cocktail Aperol Spritz originates.
We checked into Hotel Casa del Pellegrino in a baroque antique building.
Walking through the old town we discovered Roman ruins, medieval walls, Renaissance buildings, arcaded streets, a raft of cafes and bars frequented by University of Padua students.
Pasta dreams were realised over dinner at Miscusi when they told us that we could choose our own adventure including Trofie al pesto, guanciale, olive e stracciatella or Trofie with pesto, guanciale, olives and stracciatella cheese.
Epoca Via Roma, 50 31011 Asolo Italy +39 0423 950100 @epoca_asolo_98
Hotel Casa del Pellegrino Via M. Cesarotti, 21 35123 Padova Italy +39 049 823 9711
@hotelcasadelpellegrino
miscusi Piazza della Frutta, 18 35122 Padova Italy
@miscusi.family
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