Florence
May 2012
I absolutely adore
FLORENCE. There is something about this interesting city that draws you
in. Because most of Florence is in a pedestrian zone, it seems more quiet
- more personal. The sounds of church bells ringing, the smells coming from
the restaurants, the smiles on the faces of both locals and visitors, listening
to an improptu organ concert at a church, watching artists paint their
city... and then there is the shopping!
We are staying at
Palazzo Vecchietti. I have wanted to stay here since I C Bellagio (my
favorite tour company in Italy) recommended that I come for a site visit last
year. Palazzo Vecchietti only has 12 rooms. Their entry level room is 40 square
meters which in Florence is quite large. The furnishings are so
comfortable with excellent beds, bed linens and space to feel
comfortable. Rates this summer begin in the mid 300 euros and include a lovely breakfast. I
love the intimate service at Palazzo Vecchietti. Valentina,
Paolo and the General Manager, Alesandra make your visit feel like you are
staying in their palazzo. This is an intimate, romantic place. Palazzo Vecchietti is located in the heart of Florence - in fact,
it is next door to Dolce and Gabbana and 1 block from stores such as
Gucci, Bottega Veneta and Dior. It is
across the piazza from Hotel Savoy so if you want to go to a bar, I would
recommend the 1 block walk to the Savoy. Please ask me for more details -
I would love you to experience my favorite place in Florence.
We have had some
wonderful meals so far. Our first evening, we enjoyed the intimate local
cuisine at Parione on Via del parione. Their fresh pasta was amazing!
I loved their fresh Tagliarini with fresh sea bass in a white wine
sauce. Jeff enjoyed their "new" Osso Buco" while I had
their Tuscan lamb chops wtih roasted potatoes.
The following
afternoon, after shopping in the San Croce area, we found Il Magazzino
Restaurante in Pussy Square. Pussy Square was named because in the 17th
century, it boasted a brothel. The logo has 3 nude women with Pussy
Square listed in many languages. We both enjoyed their homemade
Tagliatelli. Mine with mushrooms and Jeff's with white ragu which is beef
ragu without tomatoes. The restaurant is known for the Florentine
speciality - tripe - which we took a pass on.
Dinner on the last night was at Il Latini. Ok, I admit that Il Latini
really is a touristy restaurant but it is a lot of fun. We were
seated in the middle of a 6 person table with one couple from Japan and another
mother daughter from Moscow. We had a blast helping to translate and
share our food and wine. Come to Il Latini for the pasta, the wonderful
homemade soups and Bisteca Florentine. FANTASTIC!! (Mari tip - you MUST have a reservation or you will
be the unhappy person with their nose to the window looking in from the
outside). Save room for dessert - Jeff's favorite is profiteroles.
Tips on shopping in
Florence:
1. Visit San Croce for
its unique more personalized shops
2. Visit Anna's
in the Pitti Palace area for quality leather coats and handbags. They
also sell cashmere. Anna always gives you a discount - just ask nicely.
3. Buy leather gloves
here. Florence is known for it's quality leather gloves. They are a wonderful gift to yourself or a special
gift to a loved one. They choices of styles and colors will amaze
you. Also, it's fun trying on the gloves because there is a certain way
that the sales person has you try your gloves on.
4. Italy's SALES are
in January and July. This way you can skip the outlets (ask me why I
don't visit them anymore) and get the really good stuff at a discount.
5. Visit Rive Gauche
for handmade Italian leather shoes for men and women.
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