The culinary tradition of the Veneto is a real feast for the senses. The region in the northeast of Italy captivates with a rich variety of flavours and regional specialities. Falstaff has on the occasion of the publication of the "International Restaurant Guide" with the chef of the "Tola Rasa", one of the rated restaurants, discussed his vacation tips for the region.

For a first coffee in the morning or a small breakfast:

Would I go to the "Pasticceria Euganea" and enjoy a typical cappuccino and a Venetian breakfast: the Veneziana is a kind of pastry with a cream filling. On other days, I would stroll downtown and drink my coffee standing up at the "Santa Lucia" bar.

If hungry at lunchtime:

I would eat pizza in the quiet garden of "Pizzeria Marechiaro". Or eat octopus and tramezzini in the medieval Palace of Justice - Palazzo della Ragione or in Piazza della Frutta and Piazza delle Erbe, where everyone is overwhelmed by the energy of the place.

What hotels do you recommend to your friends for an overnight stay?

The location of "Hotel Methis" is perfect: you can park and walk everywhere in five minutes, from the Basilica di Sant Antonio to the Cappella di Giotto.

In the evening you want to have dinner with a group of friends and then go out. What restaurants would they most likely meet you at?

You would probably find me at the "Osteria Boca Bona" ordering bigoli al ragu d'anatra, a very thick homemade spaghetti with duck ragu. Afterwards, we would drink wine at "Ai do Archi" and enjoy some cicheti - the Venetian versions of tapas.

The next day you want to relax. Where is your personal place of power?

I would go to Abano or Montegrotto Terme. Spending the day there by the thermal pool and enjoying a massage makes me happy. I also like to swim in the rooftop pool of the "Esplanade Tergesteo" and enjoy the view.

What must be seen and tasted in your region?

You must try the Arrosto di Faraona; baked guinea fowl, tender but tasty. I would also recommend going to Asolo, a wonderful village on a hill, and having lunch at "Due Mori" where you can enjoy a beautiful view.

On other days I also go to Lago di Garda. The view from Parco delle Sirene is great and I pick up a Lavarello fish at the small harbour in Punta San Vigilio. Or I go to Cortina d'Ampezzo in the Dolomites and have lunch at the "Tivoli", it's worth it just for the view.

Where is your personal favourite place?

I enjoy the restaurant "Incalmo" in Este, 30 minutes away by car.

An absolute must in the region:

An absolute must in the region is Pasta e Fagioli; homemade egg pasta with beans. It is also wonderful to enjoy them cold in the summer.

Where to find the most beautiful souvenirs?

I recommend buying local food and going to the "Antica Drogheria Caberlotto dal 1918" to buy different types of gifts. The best souvenir is the taste: to cook what you have bought right in Padua.