Winter in Firenze

An old friend from high school just asked for advice on Florence.  

We spent a few days there before Christmas escaping the chaos of the endless apartment renovation happening in Rome. 

 It is now almost Easter....here are the things we loved.

Post Modern Bling and Interactive Frescoes

The Damian Hirst installation "For the Love of God" was the impetus for our trip. This provocative piece lived up to the hype. The empty Palazzo Vecchio was a indulgent extra. Don't miss the winsome Putto with Dolphin and the jewel box Bronzino Chapel of Eleanora. Extra credit - the Apple-esque interactive touch screen kept the teenager interested.

Hot chocolate, Cocktails and Steak

Grom - all the guide books say Rivoire is the go-to spot for the best hot chocolate. My choice is Grom. chose from 3 decadent delights. dark, milk or guiandua with a sprinkle of fresh roasted hazelnuts. Don't say no to panna.

Rivoire 

Piazza Della Signoria 5

Fab locale - but meh drinks.

La Congrega via tosinghi 3/4R

Sip fancy cocktails under a frescoed ceiling

We were turned away from the cheap and cheerful Sostanza (our Roman time table was not appreciated this far north). so we made our hungry way to the other extreme and ended up at the very sleek and modern Osteria Tornabuoni. We had expertly crafted Tuscan classics of rustic crostini, lardo wrapped prawns, beans and tagliata. The neighboring table's Fiorentina was a sight to behold.

Sadly this has been transformed into an (another) Obika.
via Tornabuoni 16

Osteria Bella Donna

Via delle Belle Donne, 16+39 055 238 2609 ‎

This rustic classic was our Christmas Eve pick. Come here for perfectly presented Fiorentina and local salame and robust wine.

Cantinetta Antinori

Piazza Antinori 3 

An expensive spot for a late light dinner. Delicious olive oil and wines by the glass

Gourmet Goodies

Vini e Delizie 

Via Dei Banchi 45/R 

Leave room in the suitcase for Masoni fig and walnut paneforte (you will never eat a fig newton again!) and cult Biscotti di Prato by Antonio Mattei and Le Corti olive oil 

Dolce Forte 

Via della Scala 21 

Tuscany is a craft chocolate mecca. This tiny shop has the best of the producers in one spot Amedei, Molina, Slitti etc... 

Pegna

via Della studio 8 

Gourmet grocery store treats

Santa Maria de Novella 

Stock up here on fancy lotions and potions. Extra credit: take a tour of the 16th century building

Recommendations/favorites we didn't make it to on this trip

La Spada 

via della spada ,62r 
+39 (055) 218757

I have had great meals here on previous trips. It was closed for the holidays this time

Osteria de Benci
via de benci 13/r
055 2344923

Trattoria Mario
via rosina 2
opens @ 12:00

J.K. Place for cocktails or brunch
Piazza Santa Maria Novella 7

Museo Salvatore Ferragamo

Practicalities

We stayed at the Hotel Rosso, a chic and modern budget boutique. We had a killer view of Santa Maria Novella from our vast and comfortable room.

Piazza Santa Maria Novella 2

Online Resources

City of Florence - The official web site of the City of Florence
Florence - 48 Hours In, Travel - The Independent
Florence Tours | Guided & Private Florence Walking Tours | Context Travel
Florence | NileGuide
Tourism and holidays in Tuscany: official tourism site of Tuscany
Augmented reality iphone app  Tuscany+ per iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4 e iPad 2 Wi-Fi + 3G nell'iTunes App Store
Great Tuscany Food iphone app Tuscany for Foodies | Wandering Italy Blog