It is November 22. That means that in one month I leave Italy. That also means it’s time to start highlighting the best of Florence so far. Tonight’s emphasis: Cibo! (i.e. food). Because, really, what would Italy be without food?
Best Coffee: Caffe Mokkarico (move over Illy)
Best sit down dinner: Caffe Piti (surprisingly amazing despite its tourist location)
Best gelato: Sorriso (with chocolate fondente and banana)
Best chocolate: Perugina “Baci” (“Kiss” in English, except better)
Most attractive waiter: The restaurant in La Spezia (There are no words)
Biggest let down: Hemingway (Famous chocolate bar that wasn’t worth the effort to find it)
Best aperitivi: tie – Slowy, Kitsch (Slowly has the atmosphere and is close, but Kitsch has the good food)
Best atmosphere: Il Santino (A little wine, anyone?)
Most surprising flavor: Il Santo Bevitore (Marco’s restaurant that I finally tried)
Best condiment: tie – Balsamic vinegar, Nutella (When you can’t use one, use the other)
Best cheese: buratta (really buttery mozzarella)
Most quaint: Da Noi (hole in the wall lunch cafe that probably wouldn’t live up to US health codes)
Best pizza: 4 Formaggi at Cardillac Cafe (you have to wait at least 5 minutes for the cheese to harden)
Best snack: dried fruit (it’s everywhere and its addictive)
Best dinner wine: a Chianti with the majority Sangiovese and a little Merlot (who needs beer?)
Only American bakery: Mamma’s Bakery (winner: bagels, loser: drip coffee, eww)
Most randomly convenient supermarket: D Market (perfect for that little piece of sugar between classes)
Coolest food market in the world: Mercato Centrale (food….everywhere)
Best university hangout: Bar Brunellesco (a shot–of espresso–for just €.80, that’s a rare find)
Best way to eat meat: Meatballs (only if you don’t like steak)
Best pasta sauce: sausage and mushrooms (since when do I like mushrooms?)
Most alluring smell: Waffels (don’t ask)
Most christmasy: roasted chestnuts (they sell them like hotdogs on a stick at the state fair)
Most pervasive chocolate brand: Kinder (surprise!)
Best water: Aqua Panna (really, it’s legit the best water you’ve ever tasted)
Ok, this list could go on forever, but I’ll stop here. Any other food inquiries? Leave a comment!
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Oooh ooh! What about best new wine find? Man, you’re making me hungry, and that is not good because I need to be getting to sleep so I can get up and do more work tomorrow!