It hasn’t been long since Frankie’s last visit to Al Covo but she always enjoys the food and hospitality there. Thought we’d include a few pictures of what we had that evening but warn you that we ordered primarily from the specials that evening so it may not be available when you go. However it’s fun to watch the food evolve as does the physical facility. This time they’d put in new seating and tables. Always moving and that may be why it is one of the best places in Venice. Continue reading
This is a repeat visit to Al Covo and what a wonderful visit we had! It was even better than I remembered. It is a medium-sized place of 2 rooms with lovely linens on the nicely spaced tables, lowered lighting supplemented by candlelight and some background music. The owners just finished a re-do of the front facade and as you can see it looks perfectly inviting. Speaking of the owners, wife Diane Rankin is a transplanted Texas and gives you a Texas sized greeting – you couldn’t feel more welcome. She also fills the role of pastry chef and front end manager. Husband Cesare Benelli is a native Italian and does a splendid job as chef and welcoming host. Together they have run Al Covo since 1987 and it is a must visit if you are in Venice. They offer a tasting menu as well as a la carte, that changes with the season. Continue reading
Another repeat visit to this wonderful place but this time there were a few issues. We were greeted so warmly by Diane, a former Texan, that the evening had great promise. After talking with the waiter and getting the rundown of what was on the tasting menu that night, we knew that was the way we wanted to go. The first miscue was when they brought sparkling water instead of the ordered still.
What a perfect closing night for our visit, to eat with a fellow Texan in the house! Diane and Cesare Benelli opened Al Covo in 1987 after they met and married in the US. He is Italian and the main chef while she is the pastry chef and helps in the front. Both delightful, friendly people, she was thrilled to meet us. How could we not like the place?
When you do it right, we’ll be back and such was the case for this restaurant that we first tried earlier this year. Although our Texas friend/owner and her husband were not there you would never have known. We had a different waiter this time but he was just as friendly and helpful as last visit’s (the waiter from April came over to chat and show us the photo of his new wife!).
