Venice by Casie Tennin, Venice, Italy

Why: Whoever created the term “hidden gem,” I’m pretty sure it was after eating at Alla Vedova. This Italian food goldmine is truly a gem, and truly hidden…in the corner of a little ally, off the main stretch. They have THE BEST meatballs, or polpettes, I have ever had in my life. I’m not even a meatball person, and these balls of meaty goodness are TO-DIE-FOR. They also have the best tomato sauce I have ever had. Hands down. Done. I was licking the plate (…I wish I was kidding). And the best part about it? They’ve got you covered for every hungry occasion. If you want a nice sit down meal, there are two cozy rooms off the side of the generally very-busy bar that provides you with wonderful service, and THE FOOD… But, if you’re on a #youngwildwanderingandhungry budget, you can grab some Italian style tapas to munch on, and have a drink while you’re at it. WARNING: On Friday and Saturday nights, this place is THE SPOT. So make a reservation if you want a table. If you want to grab a drink and some tapas, get yo’ assertive side on and be prepared to push your way through the door. ...... (follow the instructions below for accessing the rest of this article).