There's an old Venetian saying - magna e bevi che a vita xe un lampo - "eat and drink because life is a lightning flash". With this in mind, Katie and Giancarlo Caldesi have dodged the tourists and unearthed some of the most delicious and authentic recipes that the romantic, alluring city of Venice has to offer.

From San Marco to the old Jewish area, the Caldesis draw inspiration from the less obvious areas of the city for their delectable recipes. Try some hot polpette (salty pork rissoles) or sarde in saor (marinated sardines) with a glass of wine with friends. The traditional Venetian pasta, bigoli, served with a delicious fresh fish salsa is a signature dish that you'll cook time and time again. And the sweet fritelle, fried dumplings filled with custard that have been served on the streets of Venice for centuries, are bound to become an instant hit.

Set against the backdrop of breathtaking photographs of the city and Katie's anecdotes of their trip, Venice is a beautiful cookbook and keepsake that will transport you to Italy with every page turned.