Come fly with me and explore Italia.
As I just finished 2 weeks of leisurely, the most fascinating holiday in Italia with my family, my husband Jeff and my 11-year-old child, Izabella, I cannot wait to share all the findings and experiences with you. My passion is FOOD. Not just any food - good food, authentic food, food that locals eat and indulge in. The dish you just devoured it, and still craving for more, secretly wishing that no one is watching because you have this deep repulsion to lick your fingers or lick the plate. The key to authenticity of the dish is not just to follow the recipe, more importantly is to find authentic ingredients. And unfortunately for me as a chef and educator, at times is tough and I find myself in a pickle. But let’s get back to FOOD. The trick to every vacation, either within the country of your origin or outside, NEVER, EVER, eat like a tourist. Why, because there is nothing authentic in the restaurants that serve tourists. The trick of finding a fabulous place is to ask a local. Don’t know any locals? Not a problem. Find a hotel, boutique or any size, or a tour guide or even go into a shop and just ask for a few places they like to visit. 99% of the places suggested will be fab. Trust me. And when travelling internationally, don’t forget to mention, that the menu in English is totally not necessary. Before travelling, do a bit of a homework, memorize a few dishes or ingredients you either want to try or absolutely won’t be able to stomach and go from there. Also, a good tip, don’t forget to download to your smart phone a few apps, one is quite lovely to use is TRANSLATE.
Our first stop in Italy was Florence (Firenze). Oh how much I love, love Firenze. For me it was my fourth visit, for Jeff third and for Izabella, FIRST. The museums, the architecture, the fountains, accordion music in the middle of the piazza, merry-go-round, people gatherings, packed restaurants. Ahh, my obsession. I couldn’t wait for Izabella to experience Firenze life. First stop of the trip is a quick bite with a view. That is when you don’t care too much for food, you just care for the view. Either go for Piazza della Repubblica or Piazza Santa Croce or Piazza del Duomo. Antipasti with Aperol Spritz, one third Prosecco, Aperol and sparkling water, everyone’s obsession for 18+ (In Europe legal drinking age) and of course, Florence’s most known and commonly eaten bruschetta - chicken liver (Crostini toscani). Sit, chill and indulge. I won’t go into details of what museums and sites to visit in this blog, after all it is all about food.
Now, quite important, make sure you make a dinner reservation. Don’t bother making one before 7.30pm (19.30) because the places locals go to, won’t even open before that. A local jewel in the historical part of town - l’Osteria. Mmm mmm goooood!! Semplicemente delizioso!!!! Pappardelle with boar ragu was spot on, Tagliatelle with truffles, Florentine stew with polenta Bolognese and their take on bruschetta with chicken liver was simply amazing!!! But you seriously cannot go wrong with any dish on the menu.
Now, when in Florence, a wine window is a must. It is the cutest and a super fun experience. The best part, besides drinking the wine, is how the wine order placed. You ring the bell in the little window, tell the person the wine of your preference, rose, white or red, (rosa, vino bianco or rosso) when the glass is filled, the person in the window rings the bell. The place to visit is Cantina de Pucci. It’s the most popular window. To watch people getting the kick out of this experience is worth 1000 words.
Ok. Lunch time after a long morning filled with a museum. Only the best of the best pizza places in Florence, Gusta Pizza. It’s most definitely a MUST! They open at 11.30, and unless you are not there right at the opening, you will wait. However, you are in Firenze, grab a Spritz and enjoy the line. The tables are inside and outside, and you cannot go wrong. Inside you have a pleasure watching the pizza maker do their magic and when outside, it’s all about people watching. We were inside because, I just had to see those Italians making magic. I got my most fave- Quattro Formaggi, Izabella got Margherita add Jeffy got the one with prosciutto. So just remember when you are there, please don’t limit yourself to one for the table, do one per persona. The place is beyond delish. And after being pleasantly stuffed, walk it off by admiring the beauty of Firenze.
Creme de la creme, here it comes!! The last night in Firenze was saved for Cantinetta Antinori!!! The service, the decor, the food, the wine list, did I mention the food? The meat balls and carpaccio simply Perfezione!! Meraviglioso!! Delizioso!!! The stomach was so scrumptiously happy, everything was just melting in your mouth. Of course, Bistecca alla Fiorentina is a must here. One special dinner. One special evening. One special place.
To be honest, when in Firenze, try Bistecca alla Fiorentina a few times, it is only in Firenze you can get, literally, half of cow. :)
And as for now, I’ll be saying Arrivedderchi Firenze! Fino alla mia prossima visita!! One of my most favorite places on this planet. People, food and architecture. What else is there in life? LA DOLCE VITA!!!! VIVA FIRENZE!
Our next stop is Cinque Terre!! Ciao!