Baccala Mantecato, translated as mashed or worked cod, is a Venetian classic available throughout the year and typically served at intimate neighborhood cantinas called baccari. At the baccaro, Venetians take time for some small nibbles and a glass of wine wine known as Cicheti & Ombre in the Venito. Cicheti or snacks, are generally displayed on the bar countertop in small plates and include the gambit of specialties the city has to offer. One may find fried olives, polpette (little meatball) of veal, sardelle in soar (sweet and sour sardines) and other local specialties. Cicheti is always accompanied by Ombre or shade, which is a glass of wine enjoyed away from the sun; a moment to set aside the worries of the day….
Summer’s end is often bittersweet for me, a time when I begin to look forward to crisp autumn fruit yet must say good-by to those luscious end of summer berries and stone fruits; fresh figs are a favorite and certainly fall into that end of summer category. Fig season seems to come and go suddenly, so I try to incorporate figs into as many dishes as possible – both savory & sweet. Figs Stuffed with Gorgonzola Dolce is a little sputino or appetizer, perfect for sitting outdoors with either 
