Patiod

I can't wait to go. One of my favorite summer treats is toasted Italian or French bread with a little olive oil, a slice of fresh Jersey tomato, a slice of nice mozzarella, and a tiny strip of roasted red pepper.

I've spent many evenings over several years at Longwood working on shows at the outdoor amphitheater. Too many late nights at one bar/restaurant which is not gourmet, but is 1) very close 2) reasonable. "Hugo's" is about 200 yards South out of the Route 1 exit of the gardens. As with a lot of eateries in the area, one of the specialties is Kennet Square mushrooms. The restaurants at Longwood are not bad - the cafeteria is actually pretty decent. As mentioned, just down Route 52 into Delaware is Buckley's Tavern in Centerville DE. Was only here once, but all the locals love this place - good food and very (colonial) atmospheric. In the other direction on Route 1 is Chadd's Ford, and the Chadd's Ford Inn, which is an area landmark. If you're a wine drinker, the Chadd's Ford Winery has a lot of really fun things going on outdoors all summer - just be sure to find yourself a designate driver! Here's a directory of events. For some more Brandwine Valley suggestions, there's an online guide to the Brandywine Valley

Thanks to everyone on eGullet, my recent trip to Venice (June 16-21) was full of excellent meals! In fact, I joined so I could thank everyone, and make a report Banco Giro (041 523 2061) was just as described. Lovely little wine bar with a few tables right on the Grand Canal - be sure to ask for a table outside. No “dinner menu” but I had two appetizers which were enough dinner: the branzino carpaccio (thin slices of branzino sushi), and a raw-tuna/tomato/mozzarella salad were amazing – the two best dishes I had in Venice. I was in Venice interviewing physicians, and two of them (independently) suggested the same place: Ostaria Rioba (041 5244379) or "Da Rioba", about a block past Paradiso Perduto on the Fond. Miseracordiain in Canneregio. The appetizer (branzino salad w/citrus) was nicely made if a little bland, but I wasn't thrilled with the 1st course -- listed as “spaghetti with shrimp” it was actually chef-boyardee-quality spaghetti with two big langoustines. Dessert was an amazing, delicate tiramisu. I would recommend the place, just not the pasta. My clients treated me to an expensive dinner at Ai Gondelieri (041 528 36 96), and it was just as good as everyone here said it was. We could’ve saved money by 1) ordering cheaper wine and 2) not ordering a second course – none of us wanted it by the time it came and it was expensive. But the mushroom risotto was jaw-dropping, as were the snails. I also had a really nice little cold seafood-plate lunch at Trattoria Da Fiore (not to be confused with a fancy restaurant everyone argues about ) I think it was right off the Campo S.Stephano. And if you’re stuck in the S.Marco area, La Chat Qui Rit on the Calle Frezzaria is a very reasonable little cafeteria-style restaurant with outside tables. Again with the cold seafoold-plate lunch, which served me well throughout my trip.