A GOURMAND’S SECRET GUIDE TO DINING OUT IN FLORENCE, Some Vital Tips
By Indira Jansens
A Dining out experience in Florence can either leave you with an idiotic grin and all your five gustatory receptors indulged or it could leave you incensed and broke. Florence boasts of numerous eateries where simplicity and the quality of the ingredients rule, making the city among the top European destinations for its world class museums, Old World charm and culinary institutions. But many locales that have become famous by word of mouth, or with the help of guide books have unfortunately turned into smug and instant vacation killers. Especially when one has only a mere day or two in the city, every meal, snack and drink should be unforgettable and outstanding!
Some vital tips regarding your dining experience in Florence:
* Don’t be baffled by the classifications. There are several different categories of eateries in Italy. From the most formal to the most simple are: Ristorante, Trattoria, Osteria, Tavola Calda. Expect the prices to be in that descending order. However, this does not necessarily mean that a Ristorante is any better than an Osteria! There are also the “Bars” that are not Bars or Pubs in the traditional sense, but they serve caffe, pastries and panini. Another to note are Enoteca (s) that are wine bars that usually serve along side wines and prosecco by the glass, plates of cheese and salumi. There are many others, but usually end with ‘teca’ or ‘ria’, for example paninoteca (sandwich shop) or pizzeria (you guessed it!).
* Tipping is optional, but at more formal eateries, some tip is always very much appreciated by the wait staff. I always try to leave something as a gesture, the amount depending on the total bill.
* Try not to frequent the eateries that have signs like ‘menu turistico’. The locals wouldn’t dream of it, why should you? Even if it means walking out of the historic center, take a chance and be adventurous.
* Speaking of adventure, try some of the local cuisine. Traditional Florentine dishes are not for those who are of a delicate disposition, but they are delicious and can give you some material for the postcards you’ll be writing to all your friends and family!
* Some of my favorite, that I have grown to love, are: Trippa alla Fiorentina (tripe stew!), Lampredotto Bolito (unmentionable innards!!!), or spit-roasted rabbit or wild boar (as close to divine as the Emperor Augustus might have once enjoyed it.)
* Although traditionally, the Italians eat Antipasto (appetizers), primo (first course comprising of wonderful carb-loaded dishes, yay!), and secondo (usually meat and fish), you don’t have to feel pressured to eat all three. Order what you can handle.
* Don’t fill up on the bread!!! You’ve just ordered the most gorgeous slab of dry aged chianina beef, or a beautiful plate of handmade pasta made by mama. Why are you going to sabotage yourself?
* Don’t be a loud, drunk Turista. Many Tuscan wines can have up to 13.5% alcohol content and it’s really good stuff! Alternate the wine with some San Pellegrino. Trust me, the Tuscans are natural-born winos but they grimace at loud drunk tourists distracting them at dinner. Oh behave!
* Lastly, have fun, enjoy every bite! You will not find this back home, nor replicate the experience!
Buon appetito!
Indira Jansens is a freelance travel writer and caterer based in Hollywood. She may be reached via email: indirajansens@gmail.com
A Dining out experience in Florence can either leave you with an idiotic grin and all your five gustatory receptors indulged or it could leave you incensed and broke. Florence boasts of numerous eateries where simplicity and the quality of the ingredients rule, making the city among the top European destinations for its world class museums, Old World charm and culinary institutions. But many locales that have become famous by word of mouth, or with the help of guide books have unfortunately turned into smug and instant vacation killers. Especially when one has only a mere day or two in the city, every meal, snack and drink should be unforgettable and outstanding!
Some vital tips regarding your dining experience in Florence:
* Don’t be baffled by the classifications. There are several different categories of eateries in Italy. From the most formal to the most simple are: Ristorante, Trattoria, Osteria, Tavola Calda. Expect the prices to be in that descending order. However, this does not necessarily mean that a Ristorante is any better than an Osteria! There are also the “Bars” that are not Bars or Pubs in the traditional sense, but they serve caffe, pastries and panini. Another to note are Enoteca (s) that are wine bars that usually serve along side wines and prosecco by the glass, plates of cheese and salumi. There are many others, but usually end with ‘teca’ or ‘ria’, for example paninoteca (sandwich shop) or pizzeria (you guessed it!).
* Tipping is optional, but at more formal eateries, some tip is always very much appreciated by the wait staff. I always try to leave something as a gesture, the amount depending on the total bill.
* Try not to frequent the eateries that have signs like ‘menu turistico’. The locals wouldn’t dream of it, why should you? Even if it means walking out of the historic center, take a chance and be adventurous.
* Speaking of adventure, try some of the local cuisine. Traditional Florentine dishes are not for those who are of a delicate disposition, but they are delicious and can give you some material for the postcards you’ll be writing to all your friends and family!
* Some of my favorite, that I have grown to love, are: Trippa alla Fiorentina (tripe stew!), Lampredotto Bolito (unmentionable innards!!!), or spit-roasted rabbit or wild boar (as close to divine as the Emperor Augustus might have once enjoyed it.)
* Although traditionally, the Italians eat Antipasto (appetizers), primo (first course comprising of wonderful carb-loaded dishes, yay!), and secondo (usually meat and fish), you don’t have to feel pressured to eat all three. Order what you can handle.
* Don’t fill up on the bread!!! You’ve just ordered the most gorgeous slab of dry aged chianina beef, or a beautiful plate of handmade pasta made by mama. Why are you going to sabotage yourself?
* Don’t be a loud, drunk Turista. Many Tuscan wines can have up to 13.5% alcohol content and it’s really good stuff! Alternate the wine with some San Pellegrino. Trust me, the Tuscans are natural-born winos but they grimace at loud drunk tourists distracting them at dinner. Oh behave!
* Lastly, have fun, enjoy every bite! You will not find this back home, nor replicate the experience!
Buon appetito!
Indira Jansens is a freelance travel writer and caterer based in Hollywood. She may be reached via email: indirajansens@gmail.com
posted by BAWGAWK! @ 8:56 PM
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