Nigella's tasty Italian treats

It was a taste of Italy she simply couldn't resist. Devouring a mouth-watering ice cream in Venice, Nigella Lawson confirmed her passion for the sweeter things in life.

Among them, she would surely also include a romantic stroll and a squeeze on the bottom.

The latter was supplied by her lover Charles Saatchi, who is accompanying the TV chef on a three-day break in the Italian city.

For Miss Lawson, the winding alleyways and canalside vistas there hold a deep poignancy. Eleven years ago Venice was the setting for her wedding to her late husband, the broadcaster and writer John Diamond.

Since his death in 2001, she has become ever closer to art collector Mr Saatchi. Their trip combines a birthday treat for him - he turned 60 on Monday - and an opportunity to enjoy the city's La Bienalle International Art Exhibition.

Arriving on Tuesday, they booked into £1,000-a-day suite at the five - star Cipriani Hotel, before taking a leisurely walk around the city.

Miss Lawson, 43, shares Mr Saatchi's love of art, and the pair popped into several galleries to escape the sweltering heat.

Wearing a black sleeveless dress and cream sandals, Miss Lawson strolled with her arm draped over Mr Saatchi, who couldn't resist his cheeky squeeze as they crossed St Mark's Square. The couple cooled down with ice creams, taking playful tastes of each other's cones.

One onlooker said: 'They were very demonstrative and affectionate with each other, sharing ice cream and laughing together. They seemed to be very much in love.'

The wedding in 1992 was a quiet affair, with the bride and groom joined by just Miss Lawson's late sister Thomasina and her husband.

Miss Lawson's friendship with Mr Saatchi began several years ago when she was tending to her dying husband.

When Mr Diamond finally lost his four-year battle with cancer, Mr Saatchi provided comfort for Miss Lawson. They began dating publicly six months after his death.

Despite wearing an aquamarine ring from Mr Saatchi on her wedding finger, Miss Lawson last week denied she was engaged.

'I've never been engaged,' she said. 'I can only get married in a hurry. Thinking about it just makes me more aware of the pitfalls.'

But many of their friends are speculating that marriage may not be far away. Last year, Miss Lawson moved with her two children into Mr Saatchi's Eaton Square apartment.