Category: Florence

Hard Times Booking Osteria Francescana? You Can Try Gucci Osteria in Florence

Osteria Francescana is a renowned restaurant by Michelin’s star chef Massimo Bottura. The restaurant offers high-quality Italian food and is located in Modena. Finding a table at this amazing Osteria can be quite a challenge. You have to book with months in advance, this is how popular and how requested Massimo Bottura’s restaurant is. Not for anything, it has been awarded not with one, but with three Michelin’s Stars. The chef made it into the World’s 50 Best restaurants with his Osteria Francescana, making having a meal at one of his restaurants is a must if you want to taste high-cuisine made in Italy.

For all those who have struggled to find a spot but still do not want to miss what it means to eat Massimo Bottura’s cuisine, there is some good news.

Gucci Osteria Florence

The talented and renowned chef has recently opened another osteria, this time at a new location. In the beautiful, culturally and historically rich city of Florence, there is a new landmark that you don’t want to miss, especially if you are a foodie. Massimo Bottura opened Gucci Osteria, on the ground floor of “Palazzo Della Mercanzia” . The building hosts the famous Gucci Garden, which contains the archives of the Maison, the museum and a beautiful boutique of this magnificent luxury brand. To make the whole experience a lot more intriguing, Gucci has partnered with Massimo Bottura to delight the brand’s customers with his high-quality cuisine, all in a wonderful setting where design meets fine dining.

The restaurant, called Gucci Osteria is rather small and can seat 35 people at a time, which makes having a meal a rather cozy and enjoyable experience. For the restaurant, Massimo Bottura has ideated a menu which he named “Vieni Nel Mondo Con Noi” (meaning “Come In The World With Us” in Italian), which is inspired by the chef’s numerous trips and experiences abroad, all adapted to the Italian cuisine. Massimo Bottura is well known for his creation of dishes that have roots in the Italian traditional cuisine which also refer to history, art, and philosophy, making the dish a sort of Bottura’s adaptation of the story of his beautiful country. The menu includes main dishes, sides, and delicious desserts. Bottura is assisted in the Florentine location by the chef Karime Lopez, specialized in patisserie and who worked side by side with Bottura at Osteria Francescana. Karime Lopez helps Bottura creating and ideating the dishes, with the result being a special mix of Italian, Mexican and Peruvian cuisine, which will make your mind and your tasting buds blow!

The menu includes iconic dishes of the Italian culture but also some variations of the most traditional dishes, in a sort of “innovative” tradition where customers can explore the world by sitting at the table and having delicious food. In the words of the chef, Massimo Bottura, the idea of the restaurant is to remember that once, just like today, during the Renaissance, Florence was at the center of culture, and it was a melting pot of different traditions.

The Menu.

The menu is a la carte and includes fish, meat, pasta, risotto, and several side dishes. The prices are similar to those of Osteria Francescana. The culinary experience is uncomparable and the dishes are wonderfully presented, with the best combination of flavors and colors that are a delight both to the eyes and to the mouth. If you are unsure about what to pick on the menu, you can always go for a tasting menu, which might seem a bit expensive but it is all worth the money. It includes 7 courses and it is the best way to try a little bit of everything from the chef and getting an overview of his style.

The atmosphere

The atmosphere of the restaurant is particularly good, thanks to its special setting in a beautiful historical palace. You enter the restaurant through the Gucci Shop, which sets the bar high for the service and set up an idea of quality and luxury. However, the ambiance is not too stiff and you can have an amazing experience at this beautifully designed restaurant. The atmosphere is mostly casual, dressing up does come up to you. The service is sublime and the staff does everything they can to ensure you have a good time at the restaurant. They will explain the dishes to you and a sommelier will suggest you the best wine for your meal.

The chef ensures that every detail is under control. The combinations of the flavors and the presentation of the dishes are all studied to the minimum detail which makes every dish unique and particularly beautiful, not only tasty.

Booking Process.

Please be aware that even this restaurant needs to be booked in advance. You can do so through the Gucci Garden website. The restaurant is open every day from 12:30 to 3 PM and from 7 PM to 10 PM for both lunch and dinner. As said before, the location is perfect and you can easily reach the restaurant from the center of Florence, being less than 200 meters from the famous Palazzo Vecchio. The piazza of the Palace, which is full of tourists during the day, gets quiet at night and creates a wonderful atmosphere where to have a delicious meal at a high-quality restaurant.

All in all, eating at Massimo Bottura’s restaurant is an unforgettable experience that you must-have, especially if you are into fine dining. If you happen to be in Florence or if you simply did not find a spot at the Osteria Francescana in Modena, you should try getting to Gucci Osteria. As mentioned before, the prices are a bit high, but the quality of the food, the experience, the atmosphere, and the exemplary service will be all worth it. Again, if you are passing by Florence, you might want to consider spending a night or having a wonderful lunch at this amazing restaurant, you will not regret it.

So, are you up to have a meal at one of the world’s best restaurants?

Where To Buy Parmesan Cheese in Florence.

If you want to bring unique gift from Florence to your friends and family, Parmesan cheese is a great option! Parmesan is one of the Italian cheeses with the longest tradition. It is a hard grating cheese and it has a strong taste, so it is usually used grated on spaghetti. Of course, it can be bought even in the other countries, but it will never be as tasty as true Italian Parmesan. Here are the best places to buy it in Florence:

Dilemma: where to buy Parmesan cheese in Florence

Supermarkets

Parmesan can be found in almost every bigger supermarket in Florence. But we suggest you visit either supermarket Coop or Esselunga, because they are part of big chains that guarantee quality and freshness of the products, and they have more convenient prices than small shops. Also, the supermarket staff will be glad to cut and pack the piece of Parmesan in the size you want. Or you can choose from already cut and vacuumed packed pieces of cheese.

There is a Coop supermarket in Via Cimabue. Coop is one of the oldest supermarket chains in Italy, and it is known for the freshness of all its products. Good thing is that it is open until 9 PM every day, except Sunday. It often has special offers and discounts.

Esselunga is very modern chain of supermarkets with a great variety of products. There is one Esselunga supermarket in Via Masaccio, a 10 minute walk from Piazza della Liberta. And there is one Esselunga supermarket located on the other side of the bridge Ponte alla Vittoria in Via Pisana, near Giardino di Villa Strozzi. Esselunga supermarkets are open from 7:30 AM to 9 PM every day, except Sunday. But, it is good to know that Esselunga in Via Massaccio is open even on Sunday from 9 AM to 8 PM, which makes it one of the only supermarkets in Florence that are open on Suday afternoon.

Esselunga Supermarket sell parmesan cheese in Florence. Source of the image

Eataly Florence

Eataly is famous shop that sells only Italian products of the highest quality. It is located in city center, near the Florence Cathedral, in Via De Martelli. The atmosphere is rustic and elegant, and you will feel as a true Italian. The shop is divided in different sections that sell traditional products such as cheese, wine, desserts and many more things. It is a perfect place for if you want to try something delicious, but also if you want to buy present for someone. They have great choice of cheese, as well as delicious Parmesan cheese. The staff is awesome and they will be happy to give you some recommendations. They offer free tasting of cheese and wine so you can be sure you like it, before you take it home with you. There is also restaurant space where you can relax and enjoy in Italian food. Eataly is open from 10 AM to 10:30 PM, every day except Sunday.

Mercato Sant Ambrogio

Mercato di Sant Ambrogio – Florence – source of the image

If you truly want to experience Italian way of living you should visit a traditional market! Mercato Sant Ambrogio is located near Piazza Ghiberti, in city center. The market is open from 7 AM to 2 PM every day, except Sunday. It is one of the most popular spots in Florence, where both locals and tourists meet to shop, taste new products or simply chat. Most people are actually selling their own home-made products, so this market may be the best place to find something really authentic and healthy. They have great offer of fruit and vegetables, cheese and fish, and of course Parmesan cheese. Vendors are friendly and they will suggest you the best products you have to try. They will also be happy to recommend you some hidden gems of Florence, that only locals know. Mercato Sant Ambrogio is very busy so be prepared that you will need more time if you want to shop here rather than in supermarket, but it is definitely worth it! Mecato Sant Ambrogio is one of the historical sites of Florence, it was opened in 1873, and as such it deserves to be visited.

There is variety of options and all those places offer Parmesan cheese of the highest quality! Just choose the place that suits you the best, according to the available time and location.

Chianti Wineries Map – Best Places To Tour For Wine.

When the word Chianti is mentioned in almost any conversation it is usually associated with the exquisite wines and historic region which both proudly share the name. Chianti, in Tuscany Italy, stretches between Florence and Siena. There are only a few regions of the world, which are not limited to a location on any map and are measured as more of a window through time, Chianti is one of them. These select few “glimpses” of many decades and centuries past, are not recorded by traveling miles or kilometers, but recognized as days and weeks spent in a place which standards of distance do not apply.

If Tuscany is truly the center of culture and refinement, which it is considered to be my many world travelers, then Chianti is the heart and its grapes are the life which flows from it. It would be reasonable and ordinary to notice the breathtaking scenes throughout the region, but traditional words do not apply. When the morning sun begins to smile upon the glorious valley which hosts the best chianti wineries, one feels required to discovery the surroundings.

Wondering where to go in Chianti for a memorable and spectacular experience, is best answered by “everywhere.” When traveling through a land which bears a name synonymous with great wine, it would be nothing short of a sin to not venture out among the vineyards of the world-renowned Sangiovese grapes and experience the wineries which produce the finest Chiantis in the world.

This Google Map is great for navigating the region: click here to see.

Best Wineries to visit in Chianti
Best Wineries to visit in Chianti

It made the most sense geographically to start with the oldest winery and work from the bottom of the map to the top.

The Start and the Beginning:
Chianti Classico is the oldest and most historic section of the area and is world renowned for the Chianti Classico wine. Chianti Classico, as a region is deeply rooted in cultural and history, recorded as far back as the 12th century. The founder of the Chianti blend, noted for its high ratio of Sangiovese grapes, is legendary and his family still operates the winery.

Barone Ricasoli Spa:
Barone Ricasoli Castello di Brolio is known to be the oldest winery in Italy, dating back to the 12th century, the famed Brolio castle rebuilt many times, still stands to reflect the passing of the centuries with exquisite and historic majesty. It was Baron Bettino Ricalosi who invented the Chianti blend in 1872 and his great grandson who now runs the fourth oldest family business on the planet. For the best place to understand how the tradition began there is no better point than from the birth of the wine and the oldest winery in the country. For those who love the traditional taste of Chianti Classico in all of its glory-the flavor has remained traditional and “earthy” and the excellence is still present.

baronericasoli

Castello Di Ama, Siena
A winery rich in history and culture, was first and the next stop is almost completely the opposite of Ricasoli. Instead of the castle it is a much more peaceful and modest area and the scenery seems more of an “old country” feel with a modern day twist. The families who revitalized the company came together to form a team in the 1960’s. Unlike the first stop, there is more of a modern feel and the art of the local contemporary artists is celebrated and combined for a new approach less dipped in old culture and more trimmed with present day. The modern selection of wines is really quite extraordinary and it is easy to forget they are relatively new kids on the block.

Livernano S.S. – Azienda Agrituristica – Agriturismo
If stop two was a trip forward to the contemporary we really fell back in time, dating back to an area inhabited 2500 years ago this little “charmer” of a winery is the definition of quaint. The surroundings are magical shadows from many centuries ago and it is easy to understand why the feeling of humility blended with pride seems to be the order of the day. Even the labels are understated and almost subtle in their approach to presenting an ancient prize which illustrates the precise feel for the surroundings. Flavors are very unique and the place is adorable.

Recine S.S. – Agricultura Vino
Owned by a Monastery until the 20th century, this ancient wine farm from the 12th century is rustic and almost a back to nature setting. The views across the hills are some of the best scenes in Chianti. Revitalized in the 1970’s and then carefully staffed by a group of wine experts from several countries of the world during the 1990’s this team has put together a great selection in a setting which should be painted with canvas and oils as opposed to digital cameras. The feel is as if the spirits of the monks never left, almost they are walking about, unseen making sure the scientists of wine keep making them proud.

Azienda Agricola Casanova – Sas Di Aldo Furini & C.
Started by an alchemist in the 1800’s the feel of the winery is the feel of a refined country family of the 19th century. The thumbprint was set deep by the Abbott whose religious philosophy of carefully preserving the history is present throughout the grounds. The wines seem to have a more bold flavor than many of the other stops, more of a bite, but not too intense, still flavorful and the staff was very proper but friendly at the same time.

Fattoria Castello Di Volpaia
This is the first instance where the entire village seems to be a part of wine making. Many of the homes and churches in the vicinity are actually housing wine cellars. The ground for the vineyards is admittedly some of the best in all of Chianti, even by competitors which seem to enjoy implying that the reason the wine has such success is its prime location. The selection was very good and each was noticeably more aromatic than others tasted. More info.

volpaia

Azienda Agricola Festeggiata
Of all of the places we stopped this one seemed to be the most reclusive, It was our first in Panzano and they seemed very quiet and more to themselves with their history and tradition. It was almost as if they had some type of “recipe” which made them stand out among the others. The wines seemed more rare in vintage and there was not a lot of information on prices in print. They did not appear to produce a very many bottles, but their wine may have been some of the best flavor in all of Chianti.

Azienda Agricola Monte Bernardi S.S.
Dating back to roots from the 11th century this area seemed noticeably different, the wines were not sold to the public until the 1990’s and were only available to local farms. Panzano provided a different scenery that the other areas. A river is one of the key differences in the flavor which seems to somehow bring another element into the vines. It sounded like a bit of local lore, but the flavor was noticeably different especially in the Chianti Classico. Winery  website.

Fattoria Le Fonti Di Vicky Schmitt Vitali
This was the most unimpressive yet stunningly simple of all of the wineries. Very basic and functional with no frills. It was not by accident or due to lack of success, it was the way they intended to preserve the tradition. The location was very close to the other two in the Panzano vicinity and the wine was just as striking as the somewhat fancier operations. Having the three close together validated the location of the soil theory which we had heard on our other stops. Replanted in 1994 they are simple in appearance and complex in quality. Link here to their site.

Castello di Verrazzano
Our last stop was a thousand year old castle. It is like we started at one end with a bang in Chianti and concluded at the other with fireworks. This was a remarkably self contained almost little village in and of itself. Not nearly as grandiose as the castle overlooking the Ricasoli vineyard but more of a functional castle not so much smoke as fire. Functionality through tradition, mixed with the modern scientists of wine making. The last glass of Chianti from the tour was as unique and splendid as the first.

After the Ball:
After 5 days in the wine country of Chianti, there was certainly nothing which could even come close to the individual universe each of of stops exhibited. Even though they were in the same region, the traditions and history of each ranged from ancient to modern in philosophy and approach. There is much to be said for the wonderful selection of accommodations in the area. Ranging from extravagant to very simple and functional, each had their charms, exactly like the wineries of the highly acclaimed section of the world. Amazing was the word for the adventure, one taste of culture and a single sip of grapes at a time.

How (And Where) To Drive An Exotic Car in Italy

Going to Italy is on the bucket list of almost every person alive. This is because Italy is said to be one of the most romantic places on earth. It’s also home to great fashion trends and has the most exquisite shopping places. On top of the retail therapy and exotic food, Italy offers its tourists the chance to drive super cars on the public roads and also on the racing tracks. Several companies offering this service are available to make your trip to Italy simply unforgettable.

How to Drive an Exotic Car in Italy

You can hire a super car in any agency for a few hours as a driving test or take it on a spin for two days. Every car comes with a driving instructor who is always with you for safety.

Where to Drive an Exotic Car in Italy

Ferrari F12Berlinetta 6.3 '12

1. Maranello and Modena

A test drive in Maranello starts with a private driver picking you up from your hotel and taking you to the heart of Italy of motor sport. This area is also known as the home of Ferrari or Italian Motor Valley. You board your super car of choice right after you pass the Ferrari factory. At this point you get to sit behind the wheel of a Lamborghini or a Ferrari and feel its roar and power. The instructor will sit right by you to give you instructions as you start slow in normal roads. You can increase the speed and use F1 super gear as you get used to the car until you reach the Modena racing track.

At this location you can combine road drive and tracking driving at the Modena autodromo. This is a complete racing track with amazing bends and gradients. The instructor will take the first lap as you watch closely so you can know how to do it. After that you are given back the pilot seat to take four exhilarating laps on the track. You then get to drive the car back to Maranello for thirty minutes before giving it back.

2. Imola Racing Track

The city of Imola is known as the Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari. It is famous for hosting formula One San Marino Grand Prix .The Imola racing track is one of the biggest tracks in Italy and is also a tourist attraction. Imola has the biggest Lamborghini academy where people are taught to drive this high-end car safely. The instructor stays with you but you stay in control. The instructors are patient, polite and let you make your own decisions. The benefit of the Imola race track over other tracks is that you get unlimited laps and different super cars.

3. Mugello Racing Track

At Autodromo Internazionale Del Mugello, one gets to learn all the tricks of race cars before test driving one. It is a big race circuit in Tuscany that enables one to take long laps and enjoy the super high speed. The facility is upgraded regularly to meet safety standards because it’s used by a lot of companies and individuals. You can test the power of an amazing GT car in this exhilarating descents and long straights with the guidance of an instructor.

At the Mugello’s circuit it also possible to drive a Formula one car.

4. Monza

Monza circuit is the most famous sports complex in the world because it hosts the prestigious grand prix events .It has long straights and fierce bends that will take your breath away. Monza circuit has 3 tracks; Gran Premio, junior tracks and the Speed track. Get a driving course in the junior track and then get behind the wheel on a fast race in the GT program. Monza circuit is also great for watching famous racers do their thing on track days.

At the Monza’s circuit it also possible to drive a Formula one car.

How to Get An International Driving Permit

If you plan to drive a super car in the public road in Italy you should obtain an international driving permit.

Drivers from outside EU are required to get an international driving license if they are to be allowed to drive in Italy. This license must then be translated into Italian to avoid problems with the traffic police. Anyone who has a USA driving license is eligible for an international one from any AAA club in US or Canada. It does not require a driving test, only an online application with photos and a $15 fee. It must be renewed annually, just like every other driving permit. The process is real fast and comes with minimal hassle.

How To Eat In Italy Without Gaining Weight

Italians are known for their rich culture and amazing food. When travelling to Italy, most people find themselves in the dilemma of skipping all the goodness in Italy or going all out or eating everything they can get their hands on. The problem with these two options is that you either miss out on tasting exotic foods or you gain a lot of weight during your holiday. You can find a balance amidst this dilemma with the following tips in order to fully enjoy your trip in Italy.

Pizza in Trieste

1. Lose weight before your trip

It is a fact people might gain weight during their vacations. This is because they engage in different activities out of their usual schedules hence working out and dieting is not easy. As such, it is advisable to lose some weight before you travel. This will give you some room to gain weight during your vacation without going beyond your ideal weight.

2. When in Italy, do as the Italians do

Italians are known for their good food and healthy appetites, but notably, they are rarely every overweight. Their trick is in their eating habits. Italians follow the system of food which means that breakfast should be the light meal, often just a coffee and a cornetto followed by lunch that should be main meal of the day normally eaten at 12 noon and a light dinner.  The main purpose of this is to ensure that you consume most calories during the day, which is when you need a lot of energy for your activities. Dinner should be small enough to allow your body to process it before you sleep.

3. Be mindful of meal options

Another important food factor apart from how you eat is what you eat. You may have a light dinner whose ingredients will not benefit your body. Thus, ensure that you consume your carbs during the day during breakfast and lunch. This is the best time to satisfy your palate with the famous Italian pasta and pizza meals. The carbs will give you the energy to enjoy other activities during your vacation. For dinner, proteins are preferable since they aid in the growth of muscles and unlike carbs, they will not be converted into sugar and fat during digestion. Proteins will also keep you full throughout the night hence you will be able to avoid unnecessary snacking.

Being in Italy gives you the rare chance of having ice cream for dinner. Italian ice cream, known as gelato, is unlike any other normal ice cream out there. Gelato is made locally and fresh using a lot of milk and less cream and sugar, unlike usual store bought ice creams. It also has less butterfat and sorbets have no egg hence it is quite a healthy version of ice cream. In summer often the Italians replace dinner with a gelato.

4. Walk

Italians often go for a stroll after dinnner, so you do. Walking after dinner increases your metabolism and in turn, your body processes food faster. The energy used when walking after dinner burns up sugar produced by the body and this results in the production of chemicals that induce sleep. Your mindless stroll after dinner fast tracks your digestion and gives you a good night’s sleep.

5. Healthy snacking

Snacking is the one of the culprits of quick weight gain. The sweets and cakes in Italy are very tempting snack options, but their large variety of fruits is healthier. Italy is a major producer of fruits and in summer are plentiful, you can snack on peaches, apricots, melons, plums cherries and the list goes on.

A vacation in Italy is an amazing chance to be part of a rich culture and to enjoy delicious Italian food while keeping healthy and still having fun.

5 Stunning Chianti Wineries you can Visit from Florence

The beautiful and historic city of Florence is a place of many wonders, and it’s no surprise it remains one of the most visited places in Italy. Apart from the fabulous architecture and art galleries, Florence offers you a chance to experience another of Italy’s wonders: the fabulous wines of the Chianti region of Tuscany. Food and wine make up a great part of the culture of this beautiful country, so we have looked at five amazing chianti wineries within easy reach of Florence.

#chianti

Castello di Verrazzano initially an etruscan and then a roman settlement, this castle is one of the most famous of all the Chianti wineries, and a tour of this magnificent and historic place is a must for anyone visiting the region. With a history of winemaking going back almost 1000 years, you will be taken on a wonderful tour through the estate, and encouraged to indulge in tasting some of the very finest wine produced in all the world. This is an experience never to be forgotten, and a very beautiful place to visit.

The Castello di Brolio is another fabulous castle and historic winery, and offers a variety of exciting tours. Easily accessed from Florence, take in the spectacular Tuscan countryside as you tour a place that is as enticing as possible, and enjoy fine wines in exciting tasting sessions in what can only be described as a spectacular setting. This family winery has been in the same family since the 12th century, and the wines produced here are simply superb. The wonderful gardens, stunning castle and quaint museum are a must, so make this one for your shortlist.

Castello del Trebbio is next on our list; this magnificent estate combines an historic winery, dating back many hundreds of years, with wine estate tours options, and allows you to enjoy some of the most beautiful scenery in Tuscany. Some of the finest wines of Italy have been produced here – and still are to this day – so make sure you enjoy a wine tasting tour. Relaxed and yet invigorating, the slow pace of life of Tuscany is evident all the time here, so take the time to enjoy the peace and tranquillity of the region.

Fattoria il Lago is situated on the site of an ancient farm, once owned by notable Tuscan nobles, and is now a fabulous winery, olive oil producing estate and also offer tours of the wine production. Just a short distance from Florence, this is a place where you can relax and enjoy the location, take in wine tasting sessions and simply experience rural Italy at its best.

Finally, Torre a Cona is a great choice of place to visit and taste Chianti wines, and offers both a wine estate and activities in a quite wonderful setting. A choice of dinner on demand and cooking classes with excellent facilities – including a pool – and stunning views make this a very good choice if you are looking for a Tuscany holiday with wine as a feature.

The Chianti region is one of the most glorious of all in Italy, and any of the above wine estates make for a great place to visit or to stay when taking a holiday in the Tuscany region.

Interested in wine tours in the Chianti region? We offer chauffeured tours departing from Florence and Siena, for more information please click here.

Dine in Florence Like a Local: l’Brindellone, Perseus, da Damasco.

Where to Eat a Fiorentina Steak in Florence and be like a Local

Fiorentina, a name, a brand, and a dish which carries a number of images correlated to it. It reminds Italians of epic meals, foodie tours and stops on the highway for a meat-based break like those of cavemen. But Fiorentina is not something only locals can enjoy, tourists can taste this divine cut as well, but as the dish brings back beautiful memories for locals, it’s also cause of incredible scams for foreigners, so some care must be taken in order to choose the best Fiorentina while knowing what you’re paying for.

fiorentina
Eat like a local in Florence – Source

This myth hides misunderstandings and tricks for whoever isn’t knowledgeable on Fiorentina.

For example: fiorentina isn’t a steak obtained from animals bred on Fiesole’s hills, who relish in the sight of Brunelleschi’s dome, but it’s a cut obtained from a variety of bovines, some from Piedmont, others from Spain. Common to all, however, is the 20-day dry aging period, the 2-inch thickness and the fact that is made with the tenderloin and the sirloin. Then, the mythical chianina, the meat traditionally associated with this steak, is more suited for slow cooking dishes, like stews and braised meat.

Whichever cut is chosen, fiorentina strictly requires a preparation on embers (with a mix of woods chosen to obtain more aromatic fragrances) with temperatures that can raise real religious conflicts, while for what concerns the weight of the cut, to those who say “if it’s under the 1.5 kg (3 lbs), it’s not fiorentina” we should remind that since it’s the cut connecting a bovine’s spine, only Mother Nature has a say on that. If you want to know about traditional butchering in Tuscany you can check here.

Let’s dive into the subject with two warnings:
– Here we’ll only talk about restaurants and establishments on the territory of the city of Florence, without mentioning the famous trattorie (typical Italian restaurants, usually family owned) outside the city, like Trattoria Tullio in Fiesole, Padellina, the Ballini, the Cecchini, Sanesi in Lastra a Signa, where the taste of the meat is worth a stop.
– Never ask for a fiorentina well-done. Unless you want to be kicked out of the city with sneering laughter.

Let’s explore the best places in Firenze where to eat a true Fiorentina like a local!

Trattoria da Damasco

The perfect place to have a true 2-inch thick fiorentina with an excellent quality-price ratio. Convenient is also the location, close to Cascine, that can be reached by car and has a parking lot. 

Perseus

Everyone knows about this establishment, and is one of the best places where to eat a fiorentina. The steak is well worth it, and it’s cut right at the table by the waiters.

l’Brindellone

Family owned establishment in this restaurant loved by locals, who truly feel like they’re home in here. Perhaps it’s because of the restaurant’s own special type of wine, the rustic atmosphere, or maybe it’s because of the typical dishes on the menu, or for the excellent prices, but l’Brindellone is a sure hit.

 

Things to Remember: a good Fiorentina steak goes well with Chianti wine or a good Brunello di Montalcino wine. Florence can be explored on foot with a licensed guide and it is not all about the museums but Florence can be about shopping too!

Truffle Hunts around Florence and Siena

Cristiano Savini will be the guide of this special report. 

Truffle hunter and his dog
Truffle hunts in Tuscany

Today’s mission is the research of truffles in Tuscany. To be more precise, we are in the province of Pisa, in a green area that stretches from the inland of Tuscany to the hills of Chianti. It’s called Boscone di Forcoli, it’s an enchanting and silent wood where you won’t find many tourists.
Get on your boots and a pair of comfortable trousers, and you will be ready to enter this magic place with Cristiano, Luca, an expert truffle seller and Giotto, the uncontested four-legged star of the company.

The Job of the Truffle Hunter.

To better know Cristiano Savini and his job, first of all he tells us that he knows this wood by heart, and that in 2007 he found exactly here, a white truffle that incredibly weighted 1.450 Kg.
When he doesn’t travel by reason of work, he wakes up at 3 at night, as well as the 650 truffle sellers who have joined his family-run business, well known all over the world.

He goes on saying that the first one who understood the value of this special but underestimated tuber was his grandfather Zelindo, in the 60s. He used to wander on a Vespa, which their grandchildren still treasure, looking for the truffles-diggers of his town but soon he started to travel in the direction of Milan and the Piemonte region with his beloved tubers and the commerce of truffles finally becomes his own job.
Savini tells us that the White truffle, Bianco is typical of winter; then in March we find the so called Bianchetto (or marzuolo) and finally we have the Black one, called Nero Liscio and the Scorzone. It clearly means that we can find fresh truffles all the year and that, by reservation, we can try an amazing truffle experience like this one.
In fact, while we move forward, many treasures of the wood, if we can call the truffles like that, comes out with their inebriating fragrances that changes according to the type of ground where they’re hidden.
The fragrances are very strong and intense and they have the power of transporting you through space and time.

As we said before, Giotto is the protagonist of this research of truffles and it’s a crossbred, but Cristiano explains us that the perfect breed for this job is the Lagotto Romagnolo. However, what’s really important is to personally train and educate the dog, so every dog with short paws, great musculature and a pronounced nose will be perfect.
Furthermore, it’s essential to remember that for them it’s not a job but just a game!

Once we’re back we discover that seven companies are there to spend a day of sharing; and they’re not there by chance; they are seven producers, precisely Forcoli, Ursini, Biscottificio MatteiDeseo, Pasta Mancini, Il Borgo del Balsamico, La Via del Tè, La Nicchia di Pantelleria who, together with Salvini Tartufi, have created a group of Unique friends producers who have two main targets in common: the high quality of the products and the novelty of the image.

Truffle hunting Experiences in Italy For you too.

Experiences like this makes you understand that we’re blessed to be in Italy. If you are looking for a truffle hunting experience in Italy you can also have a look at this page. Contact us if you would like to arrange a truffle hunting experience during your stay in Florence or Sienna.

Explore Florence with Valentina (Food Tasting Included!)

Florence is a breathtaking city and the epicenter for Italian culture, cuisine, and history. From world class art museums to ancient architecture, explore the wonders of Florence with the lovely Valentina. As an experienced and certified tour guide, she specializes in exquisite tours of Florence with a touch of class. Whether you love sampling Italian delicacies or the world renowned Chianti and Brunello wines of the region, this amazing tour will simply leave you in awe. As the city of romance, Florence is also blanketed by countless outdoor cafes, lavish restaurants, and elegant scenery at every turn. If planning a family or corporate vacation this summer, Florence welcomes you and yours with open arms!

valentina
Let Valentina be your local guide.

 

The Tour

The exciting walking tour commences from Piazza San Marco. For your convenience, the tour can also start at the hotel or venue you are staying at. The first stop is the famous statue of David located at the Museum of the Acaddemia. The world renowned gallery showcases the timeless and priceless sculptures and art of Michelangeglo and several Renaissance period artists. The gallery is also home to literary and artistic works from Russian painters and artisans. The next stop on the tour is the famous Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, which is the highlight of the religious center in Florence. Your walking tour includes plenty of sidewalk food and wine stands, along with presentations and historical facts by Valentina.

Tour Highlights and End

The walking tour continues with a visit to the Piazza dell Repubblica, which is a must see for art enthusiasts and historians. The City of Florentia is also home to the ancient roman forum, the Church of Orsanmichele, and the popular leather market at Porcellino. Tour highlights also include the political center of the city at Piazza della Signoria, which features the incredible Palazzo Vecchio. The tour ends at Ponte Vecchio and the Bridge of the Goldsmiths. If you have always wanted to experience the wonders of Florence, now is the perfect time to book your tours with Valentina.

Food and Wine Tasting

No tour of Florence is ever complete without sampling the local favorites and fine wines. Upon request, Valentina can easily organize food and wine tasting tours in Florence, which feature world class cheeses and several other mouth watering entrees and specialties. Also you can come to Bologna and try our best selling food tour in Italy.

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