Ep 1. Venice

Remarkable Places to Eat is a travel and food show featuring renowned chef Fred Sirieix, who takes viewers on a culinary journey to different destinations around the world. In season 1 episode 1, titled Venice, Fred explores the historic city of Venice, Italy, to discover some of the most remarkable places to eat.

The episode begins with Fred arriving in Venice by boat and marvelling at the beautiful architecture and canals that make the city so unique. He is joined by local food critic and blogger, Valeria Necchio, who takes him to one of the best places to start the day in Venice - a traditional 'bacaro' called Cantina do Mori. This charming old-world spot is renowned for its serving of cicchetti (small plates) and house wine. Fred is impressed with the cozy atmosphere, delicious fare, and elegance of a place only Venetians seem to frequent.

Next, Valeria takes Fred to one of Venice's oldest marketplaces, the Rialto Market, where they browse and sample some of the freshest local seafood in the city, including scallops, prawns, and clams. Fred is fascinated by the variety and quality of the market produce and the stunning canal-side location.

Fred and Valeria move on to a hidden gem, a Michelin-starred restaurant situated in a former monastery. Da Fiore is renowned for its seafood and Venetian cuisine, which is both contemporary and authentic. Fred is delighted with the tasting menu full of delightful bites such as raw squid with black ink and cuttlefish with almonds. The restaurant retains a sophisticated charm and also boasts an extensive wine list to match the top-notch cuisine.

Taking a break from food, Fred's tourist side is revealed as he boards a gondola to experience Venice from a unique perspective. He takes in the breathtaking sights and sounds of the floating city and some of its historic landmarks, including the beautiful St Mark's Square and the Doge's Palace. Valeria joins him for a more local flavour as they venture into a colourful back alley of the city's historic district of Cannaregio to visit a boozer serving excellent 'cicheti' - local pub grub like polenta with a various toppings and such goodies as cheese, baccala (salt-cod), and ham specks.

On the hunt for something sweet, Fred and Valeria head to a historic pastry shop that's been in operation since 1745, the famous Pasticceria Tonolo. Here, they discover the art of making the popular Venetian dessert, tiramisu – a moreish custard-like pudding of cream, eggs, sugar, and mascarpone cheese and they make some too. Fred is impressed with the precision and care taken in the baking, as well as the delicious flavours they create before sampling some of the other sweet treats on offer.

The show wraps up with a traditional Venetian dinner and wine toasts, held at the picturesque Trattoria al Gazzettino. Fred, who seems to blend in so effortlessly with the locals, revels in the traditional Italian atmosphere of the restaurant and enjoys their side dishes of grilled fish and vegetables. He raises a glass to the amazing food, fine wine, and the unique culture of Venice, and promises to come back soon – as do we all.

Overall, episode one of Remarkable Places to Eat is a mouth-watering adventure that showcases the best of Venetian culture and cuisine. The show unveils Venice as one of Italy's top food destinations with an amazing combination of old world charm and modern culinary sophistication. The camera is omnipresent, from the markets to the grand buildings and even the back alleys, perfectly capturing the Venetian charm and culture. It is an absolute must-see show for foodies and travellers alike.