Focus City in Tuscany: Florence
In Episode 5 of CNN's "Stanley Tucci: Searching for Italy," Stanley intertwines his own family history with the cultural legacy and spectacular beauty of Tuscany. I mean, c'mon, how cute is he with Mom and Dad!?
Stanley’s visits on the map in blue
1. Mercato di Sant'Ambrogio - (site information in english) - Shopping in this famous market in Florence with Chef Fabio Picchi, Stanley gets an education in beef selection. Where thicker isn't better, but more is more.
2. C.Bio - Back at his Deli, after a sushi styled appetizer of raw chianina beef sprinkled with olive oil, salt and lemon, Chef Fabio Picchi prepares bistecca alla Fiorentina on the grill with simple precision, while utilizing the abundance of olive branches at his disposal.
3. Babae - Stanley's timely exploration of Florence's "wine windows" starts here. Although out of use for centuries, luckily these windows persevered and have served their original purpose during the pandemic!
4. Osteria Belle Donne - A glass of Vin Santo finishes off the wine tour for Stanley. It's a perfect evening Florence offers to all.
5. Mercato Centrale - After dining on what the Medici would eat, Stanley explores the history of the cuisine for Tuscany's common folk, staring with a short tutorial at Florence's Central Market escorted by historian Leonardo Romanelli.
6. Osteria Cinghiale Bianco - Stanley has lunch with friends at a restaurant that specializes in old bread. It's only in Italy that you can get away with such an advertisement. The staple on the menu, Panzanella.
7. Il Nugolo - Old meets new in the culinary world. The young chefs of Nugolo introduce traditional Tuscan dishes to modern culinary preparations.
Torteria da Gagarin - Traveling to Livorno with the charismatic Chef Picchi, Stanley enjoys a chickpea flour pancake. After the Torteria, Chef Picchi prepares a "fake" Livornese stew. Fabio and Stanley's chemistry is contagious.
More to explore on the map in Red
1. Le Volpi e l'Uva - In Tuscany, why not start at a wine bar. A hard to find spot with a treasure of hard to find wines. Try the crostini or a wine and cheese plate with your wine of choice.
2. Locale - Drawn by cocktails, mesmerized by the history. This magical, historic location may be a little pricey but it is an unique experience reflecting centuries of Florence.
3. La Prosciutteria - This little shop expanded its locations throughout Italy. Known for quality local products, sandwiches, cheeses and easy drinking wines. Stop by and enjoy an old Italian concept brought into the modern world.
3.Trattoria Pizzeria Dante - This might have made the list because it gave out free wine when I studied abroad. Tired from sight seeing? This is a recommendation for an easy, friendly place for pizza or pasta.
4. Trattoria Cammillo - Exquisite typical Tuscan dishes, this locale may be a little pricey but draws Fiorentini and tourists alike, executing the local cuisine perfectly, including bistecca alla Fiorentina.
Outside of Florence:
5. La Bandita Townhouse - These are some seriously welcoming people. There are 12 beautifully decorated guest rooms and a restaurant that combines local ingredients in traditional and inventive ways. Feeling at home in a small town in Tuscany in an ideal travel experience.
6. Enoteca Falorni - A wine experience. Located underground, sample the wines from Tuscany with over 1000 to choose from and 100 to taste.
