Regatta of the Gondola Stations & Cuttlefish in its Black Ink

Once again this year, due to his lack of power and height, my husband Dino, failed to be one of the gondoliers chosen to represent his gondola station, against the nine other stations, in the traditional Regata dei Traghetti (Regatta of the Gondola Stations). 

Every April 25^th, the day of Saint Mark, Dino silently seethes with Napoleon syndrome, as we cheer on the top rowers of Venice as they splash past us in their colourful racing gondolas, chasing the title of the fastest traghetto in town.

the colourful racing gondolas splash by us

Another integral part the event is the DISNAR (the traditional pre-race dinner), which happens a few nights before the regatta. This years participating athletes enjoyed a four course meal.

It consisted of: Scallops, followed by Cuttlefish in its Ink Sauce with Polenta as appetizers, then a Risotto with Sea Bass, Scampi and Zucchini, and finally Oven Baked Sea Bream with Spring Vegetables, washed down with plenty of local Pinot Grigio.
The reason why the dinner happens a few nights before the race, is due to the copious amount of food and alcohol consumed, thus the rowing champs need a few days to recover!!

Go to Cuttlefish in its Black Ink recipe.