AN ISLAND OF LIGHT | 1-30.09.2026
POSTCARD MENU – LUMEN
San Giorgio Café, San Giorgio Maggiore Island, Venice
“A culinary postcard written in the light of Venice”
1. THE VISION & INSPIRATION
On the occasion of Homo Faber — the international benchmark event dedicated to fine craftsmanship — San Giorgio Café, the museum bistro managed by D’Uva, presents an original culinary concept entitled POSTCARD MENU: LUMEN.
The project was conceived by Samuel Baston, Director of San Giorgio Café. LUMEN stems from the idea of transforming the menu into an extension of the island experience: not simply a list of dishes, but an “artist’s postcard” that visitors can read, taste and keep as a tangible memory of the Venetian Lagoon.
2. THE VISUAL CONCEPT & COVER ARTWORK
The visual and emotional strength of the project lies in the poetic contrast between the refinement of the culinary offering and the authenticity of a child’s artistic vision:
- The Artwork: The cover features an illustration of San Giorgio Maggiore Island as seen through the eyes and colours of Camilla B. (aged 8).
Camilla experiences the island every day and is learning to sail at the nearby Compagnia della Vela, surrounded by the light, the sea and the everyday life of San Giorgio Maggiore. Her close connection with the island can also be seen in the small sails appearing in the lower left-hand corner of her drawing.
The illustration is accompanied by the caption:
“La Luce di San Giorgio” by Camilla B., aged 8
- The Fold-Out Postcard: The menu is designed as an A4 sheet folded in half to create a vertical A5 format. When closed, it becomes an artistic keepsake; when opened, it reveals the culinary experience within.
- The Impact: This approach breaks away from the formality of traditional menus, conveying authenticity, warmth and a deep connection with both family and place.
Camilla is my daughter.
3. A FOUR-ACT CULINARY JOURNEY & SERVICE
Curated by Chef Filip Sensale, with the coordination of Restaurant Manager Sasha Chorna, the experience will be available exclusively on a walk-in basis, with no reservations required, ensuring a spontaneous welcome, a dynamic atmosphere and a seamless experience for exhibition visitors.
The menu will be offered entirely à la carte, giving guests complete freedom to create their own culinary journey. Each dish will be accompanied by a dedicated wine pairing, carefully selected to enhance its distinctive flavours and nuances.
The dishes are named in Latin, evoking the island’s Benedictine history and cultural significance, while also recalling the language spoken by Venice’s earliest founders, who arrived in the Lagoon from nearby Roman colonies and cities such as Altino, Padua and Aquileia.
GERMEN
(The Sprout / The Earth)
Sant’Erasmo Vegetable Salad, Avocado Cream, Sun-Dried Tomatoes, Toasted Almonds
Inspiration: The origin, the purity of Venice’s vegetable gardens.
Wine Pairing: Champagne Vranken VDC Brut — Vranken-Pommery
NEXUS
(The Weave / The Connection)
Summer Vegetable Lasagna, Smoked Ricotta, Basil
Inspiration: The deep connection between the craftsmanship of handmade pasta and the warmth of Italian tradition.
Wine Pairing: BiancoGrigio TesiRare DOC delle Venezie Organic — Italo Cescon
AUREA
(The Light / The Gold of Venice)
Fried Fish & Vegetables, Lemon Mayonnaise, Tzatziki Sauce
Inspiration: The golden reflections on the water and the convivial pleasure of sharing food.
Wine Pairing: Soave Superiore DOCG Il Casale — Vicentini Agostino
ORBIS
(Wholeness / The Sphere)
Sphere: Crunchy Hazelnut Crumble, White Chocolate and Mascarpone Mousse, Figs, Lemon Thyme
Inspiration: The perfect geometric form that brings the experience to a close, celebrating the scents and flavours of the Venetian summer.
Wine Pairing: Fior d’Arancio Colli Euganei DOCG Organic — Maeli
4. THE TEAM
- San Giorgio Café Management: D’Uva
- Concept & General Direction: Samuel Baston, Director, San Giorgio Café
- Executive Chef: Filip Sensale
- Restaurant Manager: Sasha Chorna
- Artwork: Camilla B. (aged 8)
