Roadtrip through Northern Italy: Part I
Chef James, Adam, Sam & Paulina drive through Veneto & Friuli
Origin stories
The Rigatos are northern Italians that trace much farther back than the country itself. In and around Treviso, you’ll see or hear the name all the time. I connected with my cousins there a few years back and have visited many times. I even brought my cousin Mattia to Michigan to hang out in Detroit as well as visit the Keweenaw and Isle Royale.
Mattia’s father, Valentino, is basically the family historian. He even took me to the family home of my great great grandmother. The home is under renovations from a new owner, but the kitchen and even the bedroom is still intact. It was wild to see the bedroom where my great grandfather, Giovanni, was born. As well as the birth record inscription at the church.
I love Italy. All of it. Such a varied and special place. But I think Veneto is overlooked. Obviously Venice isn’t, but the rest of the region has so many treasures you could spend months exploring it.
I will visit Padua, Treviso, Valdobbiadene, Verona and Bassano del Grappa anytime! But Asolo has my heart. I think it’s the best kept secret in the area (more on that later).
