A week in Florence
After our whirlwind weekend in Rome, my mother, daughter and I took the bullet train to Florence. The trip is just an hour and a half, the scenery lovely, all in all very simple.
Krissy went back to school and her apartment. My mother and I checked into the Helvetia & Bristol. Interesting fact is that Florence is actually Firenze, Americans have just renamed it; Rome is Roma and Venice is Venezia.
Our hotel’s concierge gave us fabulous (affordable) dining recommendations. My favorites:
Trattoria Garga - The balsamic chicken in a mustard cream sauce was heavenly
La Martinicca – Delicious and very affordable
Always a favorite, although pricey, Buca Mario
Another favorite, Il Latini. Krissy & my mom enjoyed their pecorino with drizzled honey (I don’t care for honey, but the pecorino was delicious). Also, a bit pricey.
Another not to be missed dish was enjoyed at Trattoria dei Quattro Leoni, fiochette al pera (pear and cheese ravioli) It melts in your mouth.
Not recommended:
Parione: The food was okay but definitely not up to par with other restaurants. We had pumpkin gnocchi and pork in balsamic. I also noticed that the Italian diners received larger portions. (it is not uncommon in Florentine restaurants for tourists to be treated differently).
Trattoria Marione: According to my husband George, Marione has the best chicken in the world. We were in Florence five years ago and ate there several times, until we noticed that they padded the bill. The food is so good; we thought we would give it another try. We walked in at lunch, and they weren’t yet crowed. They sat us by the front door in front of a group of ten Italian men who were enjoying a loud conversation; we asked to be moved and were told we couldn’t as everything was reserved. So, best chicken in the world or not, we left and didn’t return. I really wasn’t looking forward to fighting over the bill with them again anyway.
La Giostra: Somewhat pricey and the food just fair.
Working around Krissy’s classes, the three of us made it to the Uffizi Gallery, The Academia to see Michelangelo’s David and the Caravaggio exhibit at the Pitti Palace.
The Euro is high, the dollar is weak, but we got in a little shopping at the Outlets (aka Mall) and spent a lovely day in Tuscany. With our driver, Martino, we enjoyed an incredible meal and wine pairing at the Castle.
A week in Florence is the ideal amount of time. While Krissy was in class, my mom and I enjoyed our afternoon lunches and walking the city. We especially enjoyed the San Lorenzo Outdoor Market and the Central Market. If you visit Florence, tour the Central Market. It is fascinating to learn how the locals shop. It is also very inexpensive, the pastries, the cappuccino, the fruit. I brought back (vacuum sealed) salami and cheese for George.
The return home is always sad. My mom and I had different destinations so we took different flights. Now, looking forward to my parents visiting and Krissy returning home for Christmas.
Krissy went back to school and her apartment. My mother and I checked into the Helvetia & Bristol. Interesting fact is that Florence is actually Firenze, Americans have just renamed it; Rome is Roma and Venice is Venezia.
Our hotel’s concierge gave us fabulous (affordable) dining recommendations. My favorites:
Trattoria Garga - The balsamic chicken in a mustard cream sauce was heavenly
La Martinicca – Delicious and very affordable
Always a favorite, although pricey, Buca Mario
Another favorite, Il Latini. Krissy & my mom enjoyed their pecorino with drizzled honey (I don’t care for honey, but the pecorino was delicious). Also, a bit pricey.
Another not to be missed dish was enjoyed at Trattoria dei Quattro Leoni, fiochette al pera (pear and cheese ravioli) It melts in your mouth.
Not recommended:
Parione: The food was okay but definitely not up to par with other restaurants. We had pumpkin gnocchi and pork in balsamic. I also noticed that the Italian diners received larger portions. (it is not uncommon in Florentine restaurants for tourists to be treated differently).
Trattoria Marione: According to my husband George, Marione has the best chicken in the world. We were in Florence five years ago and ate there several times, until we noticed that they padded the bill. The food is so good; we thought we would give it another try. We walked in at lunch, and they weren’t yet crowed. They sat us by the front door in front of a group of ten Italian men who were enjoying a loud conversation; we asked to be moved and were told we couldn’t as everything was reserved. So, best chicken in the world or not, we left and didn’t return. I really wasn’t looking forward to fighting over the bill with them again anyway.
La Giostra: Somewhat pricey and the food just fair.
Working around Krissy’s classes, the three of us made it to the Uffizi Gallery, The Academia to see Michelangelo’s David and the Caravaggio exhibit at the Pitti Palace.
The Euro is high, the dollar is weak, but we got in a little shopping at the Outlets (aka Mall) and spent a lovely day in Tuscany. With our driver, Martino, we enjoyed an incredible meal and wine pairing at the Castle.
A week in Florence is the ideal amount of time. While Krissy was in class, my mom and I enjoyed our afternoon lunches and walking the city. We especially enjoyed the San Lorenzo Outdoor Market and the Central Market. If you visit Florence, tour the Central Market. It is fascinating to learn how the locals shop. It is also very inexpensive, the pastries, the cappuccino, the fruit. I brought back (vacuum sealed) salami and cheese for George.
The return home is always sad. My mom and I had different destinations so we took different flights. Now, looking forward to my parents visiting and Krissy returning home for Christmas.
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