Bassano del Grappa has some other wonderful reasons for a special visit. At
this time of year, I would include their White Asparagus Festival, when the
tender young shoots are featured in many of the restaurants. The Belvedere,
nest to the Belvedere Hotel, Piazzale Generale Giardino 14 (tel 0424.524.988)
features white asparagus as well as delicious sauces in their dishes. Faith
Heller Willinger in Eating in Italy lists Severino Castellan as a contact
for the Festival, tel 042.533.043. The festival runs till June 13th.
Bassano del Grappa is also home to a terrific ceramics museum, worth a
special trip, as well as home for several schools which teach the art and
science. As a result, the town is filled with shops that sell exceptional
ceramics, among the best in the country and the world. There is a great shop
just over the bridge on the left, that has many treasures at very reasonable
prices.
Lastly, and not least, Bassano is credited with the creation of the
intoxicating liquor, Grappa. There are a couple of museums, with ancient
equipment and exhibits, and there are MANY shops who sell samples and bottles
of the elixir. It makes a memorable souvenir or gift. Our own experience
indicates that Grappa is even more delicious when it is put in the freezer,
and poured out ice cold.
Hope you have fabulous trip. Roy, Wanda and Dena Faires
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