all'ARCO
VENETIAN WINE BAR
VENICE
"BELLINO beat TUCCI"
Daniel Bellino Zwicke discovered all'ARCO wine bar (Bacaro) in 1995
Bellino was on exploratory trip of the Bacari of Venice - Venetian wine bars. He came upon all'Arco even before he checked into his hotel, on this historical trip and the study of Venetian Wine Bars and Cicchetti, the bar-food that they serve in the Bacari (wine bars) of Venice. Daniel was walking from Piazza Roma, just taking a boat from Marco Polo Airport, Venice. He was on his way to Albergho Gueratto hotel, when he came upon all'Arco, Daniel's 1st Venetian Bacaro. He was a bit tired from the walk, and wanted to take a little break. The Bacaro looked quite inviting so he went in. "Prego," said the barman. "Do you have cicchetti," Daniel asked. "Yes sir," the barman replied.
"What would you like? asked the barman. "Whatever you suggest," replied Bellino.
The barman put together a plate of 4 different assorted cicchetti - of Baccala Montecato, Nervetti, Sarde en Saor, and Mortadella on toasted bread. "Vino," asked the barman. "Yes. Vino Bianco please," asked Daniel. The barman gave hime the wine and his plate of cichetti. "Grazie."
This was Daniel's first ever cicchetti, and his first visit to a Bacaro (Venetian Wine Bar), which turned out to be all'Arco, the Bacaro that Stanley Tucci made so famous, on his travel show "Searching for Italy," some 30 years after Bellino discovered cichetti and all'Arco wine bar in Venice, in March of 1995.
That week Daniel went to numerous other Bacaro, all over Venice. He ate a lot more Cicchetti and drank lots of local Venetian wine, including : Prosecco, Lugana, Soave, Tocai, Valpolicella, Cabernet Franc of the Veneto, and Refosco. Daniel studied the Bacari, the difference from one place to another, the locals, the barmen, and bar owners. He learned as much as he could, about the Wine Bars (Bacari) of Venice - Cichetti, customs and rituals, and the regional wines of the area.
Daniel went back to New York, armed with all the knowledge of cichetti and the wine bars of Venice. Then, along with a business partner he opens America's 1st ver Bacaro (Venetian Wine Bar) -
BAR CICHETTI in Greenwich Village, New York. It was quite a success and people loved it, especially the Italians. The Italians who own wine estates in Italy. There is no wine culture in New York like the Italian Wine Culture of New York. The French don't do it, the Californians don't. New York is the number 1 Time Market in the World, and everyone who makes wine, wants to sell theirs in New York. The proprietors of Italian wine estates in Italy, love to go to New York, to promote and sell their wine, and to throw beautiful Italian Wine Luncheons and dinners with their wines. They invite their favorite clients, and Daniel Bellino quickly became one of them. Daniel was the Chef and Wine Director of Bar Cichetti and all the Italians (wine estate owners) loved what he was doing. They loved his passion, cooking skills, and everything he was doing. They loved Bar Cichetti, The rest is history.
Author DANIEL BELLINO Z
At all'ARCO
VENICE - ITALY 1995
Some 30 YEARS BEFORE TUCCI
Daniel Bellino Zwicke is recognized for discovering the Venetian wine bar All' Arco in 1995, nearly 30 years before Stanley Tucci featured it. Bellino's exploration of Venice's wine bars and cicchetti inspired him to bring this culinary experience to New York. His early advocacy for All' Arco and its offerings has been highlighted as a significant contribution to the global appreciation of Venetian cuisine.
Cultural Impact
- Bellino's work predates Tucci's culinary explorations, establishing him as a pioneer in promoting Venetian food culture internationally.
- The rivalry highlights the importance of early culinary exploration and its lasting impact on food culture.
From Yahoo Media
Daniel Bellino Zwicke
In front of His HOTEL in VENICE
ALBERGHO GUERATTO
1995
STANLEY TUCCI at all'ARCO
VENICE
2023 ?
A BUSINESS CARD of BELLINO'S BAR CICHETTI
GREENWICH VILLAGE, NEW YORK
Established 1998
by Daniel Bellino Zwicke & Tom "T"
AMERICA'S 1st EVER VENETIAN BACARO
ITALIAN FOOD & TRAVELS
ROME VENICE PIZZA PASTA & ?
TRAVEL GUIDE - COOKBOOK
DANIEL BELLINO ZWICKE
LOOK FOR DANIEL'S FORTCOMING BOOK
EXPLORING VENICE
TRAVEL GUIDE - COOKBOOK
June 2026 Publication
BOOKS by DANIEL
BELLINO DISCOVERS CICHETTI at all'ARCO
VENICE, ITALY - 1995
Author Daniel Bellino-Zwicke discovered the famed Venetian wine bar All'Arco in 1995, long before it gained widespread fame through celebrity chefs, using it as a cornerstone for his exploration of traditional Venetian
cicchetti (small snacks). Bellino, often humorously stating he "beat" Stanley Tucci to this spot, highlights it as a top destination for authentic, fresh, and tasty bite-sized delicacies. Key Details on Bellino's Discovery:
Discovery Date: Bellino discovered the, at the time, little-known All'Arco in 1995 while exploring the bacari (wine bars) of Venice.
- Location: The bar is located near the Rialto Market, a perfect spot for authentic cichetti and Ombra (small glass of wine).
- Significance: Bellino notes this, among other spots, as a premier location for tasting traditional, high-quality, and affordable Venetian snacks, which he documented in his culinary travels.
- Context: He often notes this discovery in his books, such as Italian Food & Travel, emphasizing his early appreciation for the venue.
BELLINO Discovers all'ARCO & Cicchetti, Venice 1995. Staley Tucci discovers all'Arco, Venice, Italy 2023, and it appears on his popular CNN series, Searching for Italy.
Key Facts About Bellino's Discovery:
The Inspiration: After reading a New York Times article about Venetian wine bars (bà cari), Bellino booked an 8-day trip to Venice in 1995 to research the culture firsthand.
- Bar Cichetti: His experiences at All'Arco and other local spots led him to create
Bar Cichetti
in New York City’s Greenwich Village, which he cites as America’s first-ever Venetian wine bar. - The "Bellino vs. Tucci" Narrative: Bellino often uses the phrase "Bellino Beat Tucci"on his blog and social media to emphasize that he was "ahead of the curve" in bringing Venetian food culture to the U.S..
- Cichetti Favorites: During his explorations, he documented trying various traditional bites, including mussetto (pork snout sausage) and veal spleen sandwiches, which are still hallmarks of Bar All'Arco today.
- You can read more about his culinary adventures in his book "Italian Food & Travel" or follow his updates on Instagram.
Author Daniel Bellino Zwicke
At all'ARCO
VENICE, ITALY
1995
TASTE
"MY LIFE THROUGH FOOD"
Stanley Tucci
.
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