Discover the Iconic Harry’s Bar in Venice
Discover the Iconic Harry's Bar in Venice
Discover the Iconic Harry’s Bar in Venice
Located just steps from St. Mark’s Square in Venice, Harry’s Bar is a legendary institution that has been serving up luxury and culture for nearly 90 years. Founded in 1931 by bartender Giuseppe Cipriani, Harry’s Bar quickly became a popular destination for the wealthy and elite.
One of the most famous dishes to come out of Harry’s Bar is the Carpaccio, which was invented by Giuseppe Cipriani himself. This delicious dish of thinly sliced raw beef with a creamy sauce has become a classic Italian dish that is enjoyed around the world.
Another Harry’s Bar classic is the Bellini, a refreshing cocktail made with peach puree and Prosecco. The drink was invented by Cipriani in the 1940s and was named after the 15th-century Venetian artist Giovanni Bellini. Today, the Bellini remains one of Harry’s Bar’s most popular drinks and is a must-try for anyone visiting the city.
Over the years, Harry’s Bar has played host to a wide variety of famous visitors, including Ernest Hemingway, Truman Capote, and Charlie Chaplin. Hemingway was a frequent patron of the bar and even mentioned it in his novel “Across the River and Into the Trees.”
Today, Harry’s Bar continues to be a popular destination for locals and tourists alike. Its luxurious decor, exceptional food and drinks, and rich cultural history make it a must-see destination for anyone visiting Venice.
In conclusion, Harry’s Bar is a cultural gem in the heart of Venice that offers a unique glimpse into the city’s rich history and culture. From its famous Carpaccio and Bellini to its famous clientele, the bar is a must-visit destination that should not be missed. So, the next time you’re in Venice, be sure to stop by Harry’s Bar and experience the luxury and culture that have made it one of the most iconic institutions in the city.
The recipe of the Bellini
recipe for the famous Bellini cocktail invented at Harry’s Bar in Venice:
Ingredients:
- 2 ripe white peaches, peeled and pitted
- 1 bottle of Prosecco, chilled (750 ml)
- 1 tablespoon of simple syrup (optional)
Instructions:
- Cut the peaches into small pieces and puree them in a blender or food processor until they are smooth.
- Pass the peach puree through a fine mesh strainer to remove any lumps or fibers.
- If desired, add the simple syrup to the peach puree and stir to combine.
- Divide the peach puree evenly among four champagne flutes.
- Carefully pour the chilled Prosecco into the glasses, filling each glass about 2/3 of the way full.
- Stir gently to combine the peach puree and Prosecco.
- Serve chilled, garnished with a slice of fresh peach if desired.
Note: Simple syrup is made by combining equal parts of sugar and water in a saucepan and heating until the sugar is dissolved. Allow to cool before using.
The most iconic drink and dish of the Harry’s Bar
Harry’s Bar, a renowned bar and restaurant in Venice, has been credited with inventing some of the most iconic dishes in Italian cuisine. Here are a few of the famous dishes that were invented at Harry’s Bar:
Carpaccio: This famous Italian appetizer was invented by Giuseppe Cipriani, the founder of Harry’s Bar. The dish consists of thin slices of raw beef or veal that are drizzled with a sauce made of mustard, Worcestershire sauce, mayonnaise, olive oil, and lemon juice. The dish is named after the 15th-century Venetian painter Vittore Carpaccio.
Bellini: This refreshing cocktail was also invented by Giuseppe Cipriani in the 1940s. The drink consists of peach puree and Prosecco, an Italian sparkling wine. It is named after the 15th-century Venetian painter Giovanni Bellini.
The story of Giuseppe Cipriani
Giuseppe Cipriani was born in 1900 in Venice, Italy, and is best known as the founder of Harry’s Bar, one of the most iconic bars in the world. Cipriani began his career as a bartender, working at various bars and restaurants in Venice before opening his own establishment in 1931.
Cipriani named his new bar after Harry Pickering, a wealthy American who had loaned him the money to start the business. Harry’s Bar quickly became a popular destination for the wealthy and elite, who were drawn to the bar’s luxurious decor, exceptional food and drink, and sophisticated atmosphere.
One of the most famous dishes to come out of Harry’s Bar is Carpaccio, which Cipriani invented in the 1950s. The dish consists of thinly sliced raw beef with a creamy sauce and has become a classic Italian dish that is enjoyed around the world.
Another famous invention of Cipriani is the Bellini cocktail, which he created in the 1940s. The drink is made with peach puree and Prosecco and is named after the 15th-century Venetian painter Giovanni Bellini.
Over the years, Harry’s Bar has played host to a wide variety of famous visitors, including Ernest Hemingway, Truman Capote, and Charlie Chaplin. Hemingway was a frequent patron of the bar and even mentioned it in his novel “Across the River and Into the Trees.”
Despite the bar’s success, Cipriani remained humble and dedicated to providing his customers with the best possible experience. He was known for his attention to detail and for his commitment to using only the finest ingredients in his dishes and drinks.
Today, Cipriani’s legacy is closely tied to Harry’s Bar and the Cipriani brand, which has expanded into a global business with locations around the world. Harry’s Bar remains a beloved destination for locals and tourists alike and continues to attract a diverse and eclectic crowd of visitors who are drawn to its rich history and cultural significance.
The story of Arrigo Cipriani
Arrigo Cipriani is the son of Giuseppe Cipriani, the founder of Harry’s Bar in Venice. He was born in 1932 and grew up in the world of hospitality, as his father was a well-known bartender and restaurateur. When he was young, Arrigo worked in various positions at Harry’s Bar, learning the ins and outs of the business from his father.
After serving in the Italian navy, Arrigo returned to Harry’s Bar and took over as manager in 1963. Under his leadership, the bar continued to be a popular destination for locals and tourists alike, and it became known for its luxurious decor, exceptional food and drinks, and high-end clientele.
In addition to his work at Harry’s Bar, Arrigo also helped to expand the Cipriani brand to other parts of the world. In the 1980s, he opened a new location in New York City, which quickly became a popular destination for celebrities and socialites. Over the years, the Cipriani brand has expanded to other cities around the world, including London, Hong Kong, and Abu Dhabi.
Despite his success in the hospitality industry, Arrigo has always remained humble and dedicated to his craft. He is known for his attention to detail and for his commitment to providing his customers with the best possible experience. Today, at the age of 89, he still plays an active role in the Cipriani business and is widely regarded as a legend in the hospitality industry.
In conclusion, Arrigo Cipriani’s legacy is closely tied to the iconic Harry’s Bar in Venice and the Cipriani brand, which he helped to expand into a global business. His dedication to providing exceptional food and drinks, along with his commitment to providing his customers with the best possible experience, has made him a beloved figure in the world of hospitality.
All the celebrities of the Harrys Bar
Harry’s Bar in Venice has been a popular destination for celebrities, artists, and other VIPs since it opened in 1931. Here are just a few of the famous visitors who have graced the bar’s hallowed halls over the years:
Ernest Hemingway: The famous American writer was a frequent patron of Harry’s Bar and even mentioned it in his novel “Across the River and Into the Trees.”
Orson Welles: The legendary director and actor was a fan of Harry’s Bar and once said, “The bittersweet flavors of Harry’s Bar in Venice stay with me always.”
Peggy Guggenheim: The famous art collector was a regular at Harry’s Bar and would often host dinner parties there.
Truman Capote: The American author and socialite was a fan of Harry’s Bar and even threw a party there in honor of his book “Breakfast at Tiffany’s.”
Woody Allen: The American filmmaker has been spotted at Harry’s Bar on multiple occasions and even filmed scenes for his movie “Everyone Says I Love You” there.
George Clooney: The Hollywood actor is a longtime fan of Harry’s Bar and has been known to stop by whenever he is in Venice.
Charlie Chaplin: The legendary actor and filmmaker was a fan of Harry’s Bar and would often bring his family there for dinner.
Princess Diana: The late Princess of Wales visited Harry’s Bar during a trip to Venice in 1985.
Francis Ford Coppola: The American director and screenwriter has been spotted at Harry’s Bar on multiple occasions.
Alfred Hitchcock: The famous director was a fan of Harry’s Bar and even filmed a scene for his movie “The Paradine Case” there.
These are just a few of the many famous visitors who have been drawn to the luxurious atmosphere and sophisticated charm of Harry’s Bar over the years.
Ernest Hemingway and Harrys bar
Harry’s Bar and Ernest Hemingway had a close and longstanding relationship. The famous American writer was a regular patron of the bar, and his love for the establishment is well-documented in his writing.
Hemingway first visited Harry’s Bar in 1948, while he was living in Venice and working on his novel “Across the River and Into the Trees.” He was immediately drawn to the bar’s sophisticated atmosphere and its famous Bellini cocktail, which he described as “the most delightful, refreshing, and civilized drink in the world.”
Hemingway became a frequent visitor to Harry’s Bar, often stopping by for a drink or a meal. He was known to be particularly fond of the bar’s Carpaccio, which was invented by Giuseppe Cipriani, the founder of Harry’s Bar.
In his novel “Across the River and Into the Trees,” Hemingway described Harry’s Bar as “the best place in Venice,” and the bar played a prominent role in the book’s plot. The novel’s protagonist, an aging American colonel, spends much of his time at the bar, reflecting on his life and relationships.
Hemingway’s love for Harry’s Bar continued throughout his life, and he remained a devoted fan of the establishment until his death in 1961. Today, Harry’s Bar remains a beloved destination for locals and tourists alike, and Hemingway’s legacy is closely tied to the bar’s rich history and cultural significance.
Ernest Hemingway in Veneto Region
Ernest Hemingway had a strong connection to the Veneto region of Italy, where he spent a significant amount of time during his life.
Hemingway first visited the region in 1918, when he served as an ambulance driver during World War I. He was stationed in the town of Schio, near Vicenza, and later wrote about his experiences there in his novel “A Farewell to Arms.”
In the years that followed, Hemingway became a frequent visitor to the Veneto region, often traveling there with his wife Mary. The couple would stay in Vicenza, where they had a close friend, and would explore the surrounding towns and countryside.
One of Hemingway’s favorite destinations in the region was the town of Bassano del Grappa, which he visited frequently throughout his life. He was particularly fond of the local grappa, a type of brandy made from grapes, and would often drink it in the town’s famous cafes.
Hemingway also had a close relationship with the people of the Veneto region, who he described as “strong and honest and gentle.” He was deeply moved by their resilience and spirit, and often wrote about them in his writing.
Today, Hemingway’s legacy lives on in the Veneto region, where his love for the area and its people is still remembered and celebrated. The region’s stunning beauty and rich cultural heritage continue to draw visitors from around the world, who come to experience the same magic that captivated Hemingway so many years ago.
Why Harrys bar is so famous?
Harry’s Bar in Venice is famous for several reasons. First and foremost, it is known for its luxurious atmosphere and sophisticated charm. The bar’s stylish decor and elegant furnishings create a sense of timeless elegance that has attracted the world’s elite for decades.
Another reason for Harry’s Bar’s fame is its association with a number of famous writers, artists, and other celebrities. Ernest Hemingway was a regular patron of the bar, as were Peggy Guggenheim, Truman Capote, and Charlie Chaplin, among others. The bar’s association with these luminaries has helped to cement its status as a cultural institution and a symbol of refined taste.
In addition to its upscale ambiance and celebrity clientele, Harry’s Bar is also known for its exceptional food and drink. The bar invented the Bellini cocktail, a refreshing blend of peach puree and Prosecco, as well as Carpaccio, the famous dish of thinly sliced raw beef that is now a classic Italian appetizer.
Overall, Harry’s Bar’s reputation for sophistication, exclusivity, and exceptional quality has made it a must-visit destination for anyone seeking a taste of the high life in Venice.
