GondolaGetaway

Mother’s Day on the Caorlina

Wow, what a day. We took the 32ft. Caorlina out with the mothers, sisters, sons and daughters and actually anchored at the split in the Naples and Rivo Alto canal on the Isle of Naples. The Gondola was set up with its floating kitchen with the Table set for Read more…

By Michael O'toole, 5 years5 years ago

GondolaGetaway

Spritz

My first Campari spritz was in Venezia of course, in 1984. I was hanging out with a couple of gondoliers after the Regata Storica. It was a hot and humid sunny day in September and the boys had a short break in the “taxi” line. Lino grabbed me and we Read more…

By Michael O'toole, 5 years5 years ago

Michael OToole – Founder

Tales of an American Gondolier

My name is Michael O’Toole, founder of The 37 year-old business “The Gondola Getaway.” It started as College project at U.S.C. and has turned into lifelong business and passion. The business has taken me to Venezia, Italia over 45 times now. I have had the opportunity to live, eat, drink and row in the Laguna di Venezia being guided by the most local of Venetians. I have rowed and sailed over 1,000 miles through the lagoon on almost every type of Venetian boat, stayed or visited almost every Island in the lagoon, eaten and learned to cook every classic dish and made the closest of friends. I have been able to bring so much of my experiences back here to Naples Islands, Long Beach and be shared with all the Gondola Getaway customers and locals of Naples Islands and Alamitos bay.

This blog will share tales from my experiences from the Venetian lagoon and how they have shaped my life. You will find recipes, traveling tips, techniques, comparisons, funny stories, sad stories. All the stories will be a reflection of my life that has, is and will be a blend of Venezia and home here in Long Beach and Southern California. This will be my own unique blend of cultures that I hope you will enjoy! I sure have!!

Michelangelo Otolini

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