Lately I am getting many satisfactions from the blogging thing. Surely one of these was the invitation to the Hilton Molino Stucky Hotel for their “10 years in Venice” anniversary party. The hotel was in fact inaugurated on June 1st 2007.
Hilton Molino Stucky is housed in a huge building in the Giudecca island, in front of the Fondamenta delle Zattere. Built at the end of 1800 under the employ of a Swiss entrepreneur, Giovanni Stucky, the building was once a mill (mulino or molino) and a pasta factory. The idea was that of taking advantage of the canal to quickly transport the wheat. 1500 workers were employed here at the time. After years of decline and a dangerous fire in 2003, it was finally reopened in 2007.
Hilton Molino Stucky “10 years in Venice” anniversary celebration
I was so thrilled while I was reaching the Giudecca by vaporetto together with my friend Roberta. Passing by the Molino, we already saw the ground terrace set up for the event.
I was a little worried, you know… not to be dressed properly, or to find an atmosphere too snobby. But it was not the case… at all. Even if the hotel is surely chic, the staff and the organization of the event had the merit (which I value of utter importance) to set things in a way that made everybody feel at ease.
Lovely atmosphere
We were presented the history of the Hilton Molino Stucky hotel, the sustainability and social initiatives. The speaker repeated more than once how grateful she was to work there. And she sounded honest, I could really feel her contentedness and emotion. A good atmosphere on the work place is essential. And I highly appreciate places where workers are happy. In fact the whole staff was very kind, helpful and amiable.
A lovely music background accompanied us the whole time. Pleasant, not intrusive and serene. With a couple of Brazilian gems, which I love, as you know.
The buffets
The food was high quality and the choice was huge. Three (or four?) different buffets: from small finger foods (local and international) to traditional local dishes. Fish, meat, veggies, in a palette of hundreds of colours and flavours. I was amazed by the samples of baccalà mantecato, codfish, served in individuals mini bamboo steamers… Adorable. And yummy!
Taking pictures of floors, walls, mirrors (like those on Van Eyck’s painting), we had fun and ate more than we should have. Moreover, there was an entire buffet made only of desserts. My soft spot are surely sweets, so I could not help but taste three different cakes. Just a tad. OK, just because I was full up already.
The view of the canal
The view of the canal was superb, especially at dusk. I’m sorry the photos are not high quality but I had no space for the camera in the bag, so I only used the smartphone.
Thanks again to Hilton Molino Stucky pr staff for inviting me. You made me live a dreamy evening 🙂 and I really needed it.
