Florence is so lucky, master pizzaiolo, Giovanni Santarpia just opened tonight in Florence, located behind the Sant’Ambrogio market. I am not a huge pizza fan, as I find most places rush the process and make a heavy dough but Giovanni has made me a pizza lover! Giovanni’s dough is made with love. He carefully selects…
The New JOY OF COOKING- Don Pasta
Recently food has moved from the kitchen to the stage, taking the message out to the public in a fun way to remind people of the joy of cooking and the pleasures found sharing a meal at the table. I really don’t like the new competitions on TV with food to me cooking is about…
Trattoria Mario’s Ribollita
Trattoria Mario’s is a home away from home for almost all the students that come to the study abroad programs in Florence. This tiny family trattoria began as a fiaschetteria 4 generations ago. These small family trattorias, passed from one generation to another, are national treasures.In 2013, they celebrated 60 years of their opening. I…
Arrosto Fiorentino
This is one of my personal favorites for teaching in classes and for parties. It is so simple to prepare and HUGE effect! When I worked with Dario, we once did this for a party for 200 people that we catered. Dario did get tired slicing, but it was perfect for a large crowds….
Market Recipes: Benita’s Sicilian Eggplant
I adore eggplant and am always looking for new recipes. One of my first friends in the San Lorenzo market in Florence was Benita, the mamma at Porks. Originally it was a tiny corner kitchen, with sandwiches. I started to notice young men bringing her fish or a slice of meat and she would disappear…
Exploring Chianti- Hotel Palagina, Figline Val D’Arno
While researching for my Food Guides. I starting with the area on the 222 wine road. My dream is to expand to the other regions of Chianti as well. My mother-in-law was from Figline Val D’Arno, so it seemed like a natural first addition. It was the home of Barone Ricasoli, who created Chianti, what better…
Edible Florence- La Cucina del Garga
Sometimes in Florence, we always go back to the same local trattoria where we know we have great food. Often, there is no real reason to risk a meal. Then there is a reason to go just a little out of your way. La Cucina del Garga is one of those reasons. Part of Florence’s…
Edible Florence- Coccole
When I was down at Q.B the other day, someone also mentioned a new chocolate shop- say no more.. I was off on my search. I walked up Via Ginori and found Coccole on the left hand side of the street, where an old furniture store had been not far from Q.B.(update- Q.B. is now…