11. Florence Tuscany, Food and Wine Highlights, Hints and Must Do's!!

Remember to follow us on Social Media! Grazie Mille! Instagram Facebook  In this episode, Kimberly and Tommaso delve into the culinary landscape of Firenze, sharing insights on local cuisine, dining etiquette, and must-visit neighborhoods. They also explore the rich history and traditions that shape Florence’s unique food culture. Key Points: Florentine Food Culture: Sampling Italian food is like sightseeing for your palate. Italian dining courses: antipasto, primo, secondo, contorno, and dolce. There are rules to the road in Italy when it comes to food, wine, and coffee. Dining Etiquette: Bread is for scooping up sauce (fare la scarpetta), not for butter or olive oil. Wine should be enjoyed with your pasta (primo). Espresso is the appropriate after-dinner coffee, not cappuccino or latte. Episode Highlight: Bistecca alla Fiorentina Bistecca alla Fiorentina is a must-try Florentine steak. The steak comes from Chianina cattle. It is aged for a minimum of four weeks. A kilo (2.2 pounds) is the minimum size, costing around $140-$150. Central Market (Mercato Centrale) The market offers a variety of meats, fish, produce, and local staples. The upstairs food court is open late for dining. Due to tourism, sitting outside the market with food is now prohibited. Tripe (cow stomach) is a traditional Florentine dish available at the market. Wine Culture Sangiovese is the primary Tuscan grape, meaning “the blood of Giove.” Wines include Brunello di Montalcino, Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, and Chianti. Florentines traditionally pair Chianti with Bistecca Fiorentina. Vinsanto, an after-dinner wine (digestivo), is enjoyed to prolong conversations. Neighborhoods Oltrano: Located on the other side of the Arno River, home to Palazzo Pitti and Boboli Gardens. Santo Spirito: Features a piazza and church designed by Filippo Brunelleschi, with local restaurants. Fiesole: A suburb on a hill offering panoramic views of Florence, with Etruscan ruins. Join Kimberly and Tommaso next time as they explore day trips around Tuscany, sharing more of their travel adventures.