Buon giorno! We’re off to Florence this morning. Tell me any of your tips! (Il Mercato Centrale sounds like a must.)
A pretty great fall jacket.
I love this month of family meals in calendar form.
This cover album is interesting, very interesting. (Normally I love Ryan Adams, but after hearing some clips I’m not sure how I feel about this one.) Even so, further proof Taylor rules the world.
Lunar eclipse AND supermoon this Sunday!
Move over PSL, introducing the Toasted Graham Latte. Will you try it? (I, for one, love the cup doodles.)
A really terrible story where abuse is overlooked in favor of a common goal.
A judge rules: Happy birthday is public domain! (I never realized it wasn’t!)
Toms are getting better all the time.
Have a good weekend!
Go to the markets for sure!
Go to the top of the hill where another of Michelangelo's statue is and see the view!
I absolutely recommend going to Fiesole. It's about half an hour from the city center of Florence and you can take bus 7 from Piazza San Marco/La Pira. The view is breathtaking!
If you and Steve were able to get away for a (likely lengthy) dinner, one of the best meals I've ever had was at the Ristorante Accademia (the restaurant, very near the actual Accademia). A million courses, wine pairings (+limoncello and grappa on the house!), and more food than I knew what to do with. Not cheap, but worth every penny for the experience! Ristorante La Giostra is also really excellent for a (not cheap but great experience) date night. There's a pizza place near the Duomo (if you're facing out of the Duomo, walk straight and sort of to your right; on the plaza and it has simple tables outside). The pizza is good everywhere in Italy, but this was some of the best we had for a "grab and go" type meal. The market is definitely a must; be sure to haggle! I got a beautiful leather jacket last time I was there that is butter-soft. Have a great time!
I JUST HOPE THAT RYAN TROMP & GARETH ELS ARE READING THIS. THEY INTEND TO TRAVEL THERE VERY SOON, AND NEED THIS INFORMATION. WHAT A GREAT BLOG! THANKS FOR THE MEMORIES! Nan-kelly's gran
We were just there last week!! (weren't planning to go, but had to go somewhere when we got evacuated from Vernazza!) Definitely the Piazzale Michaelangelo!! It was a hike (especially 6 months pregnant!) but the view was amazing!!!
Gusta Pizza for some of the best I've ever had (if you're lucky, they'll make it in the shape of a heart). And Osteria Santo Spirito for the truffle gnocchi – pretty cheap and so, so, so delicious. And the restaurant itself is tucked in a hidden-away square behind a church.
Perche No has the best goddamn gelato in Italy. Ask when they will have rose or lavender and make sure to go on those days. It is centrally located so convenient to stop by and check on the rotating flavors.
I love Ryan's cover of 1989. I like that he took different aspects of Taylor's songs and made them his own. All hail Queen Tay lol.
Oh, Firenze. Enjoy every last second of it. My time there was all too brief. It's so magical. Go see David – he's worth it.
Ryan's 1989 is a little strange at first, because it's so different, and I will admit I don't love all the songs (I don't like all of hers either). But once you realize that he's actually serious about it, I found several really cool and beautiful songs on it.
Monkey Bar, ask for Lorenzo. My friend and her husband own this bar! Maybe Krista will be around with her gorgeous baby Zoe. Zoe and Anders can be friends!!
My favorite Florence restaurants: all'antico vinaio (which I see you already covered!), Il Gatto e La Volpe, La Prosciutteria, and Mercato Centrale. A lot of people love ZaZas and I used to always recommend it but lately it's become so overrun by tourists and catered to Americans, that it's really lost its charm and authenticity. I went with some Italian friends this summer and was embarrassed that I took them there.
For gelato, try Eduardo by the Duomo, Grom also around the corner from the Duomo, and the gelateria di neri – all amazing!!
You should head up to Fiesole one day! They have ancient Roman ruins, beautiful views of the city, a medieval monastery, and a forrest where Da Vinci did his flight tests and where there's an old Nazi hideout – something for everyone in the fam! That's where my family's house was when we lived there. A nice break from the city! The Boboli Gardens are also a great, easy break from all the museums and city.
hope you love Firenze!
I hadn't heard of the toasted graham latte but I'm intrigued, might have to try it out. PS – Love Anders' cute little lion hat!
The Toasted Graham Latte is my new favorite drink!! If only it was a non-seasonal drink, so I could enjoy it when PSL isn't also around tempting me…
The Toasted Graham Latte is my new favorite drink!! If only it was a non-seasonal drink, so I could enjoy it when PSL isn't also around tempting me…