It was a perfect February morning with a cloudless blue sky that blended seamlessly with the waters of the Gulf of Trieste.

A ricotta filled pastry and a capo in b at this historic Trieste pasticceria was a perfect start to the day.


Then a walk in the crisp sea air lungo mare.
This is also carnevale week-end and these stand-up pirates were attired for the occasion.

Lunch was traditional Triestine fish with flair. The antipasto was an involtini -a great balance of a sweet grilled shrimp enveloped in a contrasting slightly bitter grilled eggplant sauteed with a little dijon mustard and served on matavun (mache).
Il primo was pappardelle served with a seafood ragu – the blend of flavors of that ragu is still vivid in my memory.

Il secondo was – ombrina a delicate white fish baked in a small clay bowl with crispy potato rounds and artichoke topped with a cherry tomato. All paired with the sparkling glera wine from the Carso. Impeccable service and a sumptuous meal in bella, bella compagnia. It does not get better than that.
With carnevale there were lots and lots of people out and about.

A spectacular red sunset to end the day.

