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21, May ‘05 |
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 Ezra
Galston
Director of Interactive Marketing
I’ve spent the past five months in Florence, Italy soaking
up the culture, learning the language, and best of all, meeting
Italian girls (le ragazze). And there’s no better way
to do all three of these elements than by going out… A
LOT! As a college student, my budget ranges. Some times I have
a bit of money to blow and other times, I’m stuck making
pasta for a week while I save up. Whatever your budget may be,
I’ve put together a list of can’t miss places for
tourists and students, including the HOTTEST restaurants and
clubs in the city. Bear in mind that Italy is very expensive,
so a cheap meal is considered 15 euro ($18) per person excluding
wine. Don’t worry, I will factor in a bottle of house
wine into my average prices. |
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Via
della Vigna Vecchia 40
Let’s just say that I love steak. If you love steak,
then you must visit this restaurant at least once in your
life. Honestly. They only have two filets, a blueberry and
a balsamic, and somehow, remarkably, they are only 11 euro
each. But do not let the price, or names fool you. They are
the most tender cuts of meat I have ever tasted in my life.
The blueberry and balsamic sauces are equally divine. This
is perhaps the only restaurant in Florence that I demand you
visit.
Luckily, it’s not just about the steaks. Their primi
piatti (first courses) are also considered some of the best
in the city. Spaghetti, gnocchi, risotto, all made with broccoli,
mushrooms, varieties of tomatoes, etc. If you’re overloaded
by the options, just order a primi sampler and they’ll
give you five options at random. You can’t miss.
The only down side to this restaurant is that the word is
out, and the Americans have overrun it. Frequently you’ll
hear even more American accents than Italian inside Acqua
Al Due. Nevertheless, you can’t skip this place. Go
there and eat the best Italian steak of your life. |
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Piazza Mercato Centrale
26
I’m not entirely sure what Za-Za means though they seem
to imply it has something to do with bees. Okay…but I
prefer their pizza! Here’s a quick breakdown of what’s
good:
For Primi’s their pasta tastes a little less than homemade.
But it’s still very good. However, I recommend their soups
- zuppa al verdure mista (mixed vegetable soup) or their lentil
soup, both of which are two of the finest soups I’ve ever
eaten in my life.
For your secondi, you pretty much can’t go wrong. Their
pizzas are outrageously cheap at five or six euros each and
are considered some of the best in the city. In addition, their
filetto al pepe verde (known in America as steak al poivre)
is probably my second favorite steak in Florence. But don’t
be constricted to these options -- their chicken is good, pork
is good, everything is good. This is an all around top-notch
restaurant where you can’t go wrong.
Best of all, in the spring/summer/fall, they have outdoor seating
right in the middle of the hustle and bustle of Mercato Centrale.
It’s definitely a lot of fun and not to be missed. |
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Via
del Palchetti 6
055-210-916
If you want the classic Tuscan experience, this is the place
to be. Despite being featured on the Food Network two months
ago, this restaurant has not been entirely invaded by Americans…
yet. Why? Well, I think the mafia actually has something to
do with it. Hear me out…
To get into Il Latini for dinner you MUST have a reservation.
But your reservation only gets you so far. There is a crowd
of diners outside at all times clamoring to get in. Surprisingly,
there’s only one maitre’d but several other middle-aged
Italian men stand conspicuously near the door watching the action
as if protecting the place. Hmmm… Once inside, the experience
really begins. You get no menu, only options.
Your waiter will come over to you, “Antipasta” he’ll
ask? Yes, you say. Bam! Prosciutto, Beef Pate, and more. “
Primi?” he’ll ask? Yes, you say. “ Pasta,
Salad, or Soup?” You answer, it’s there. “Secondi?”
he’ll ask? Yes, you say. “Chicken, Steak, Lamb or
Fish?” Once again, you get a massive helping of each.
Down it all with a liter or more of red wine and you will truly
be in heaven. You might even forget you’re American…
maybe not.
Oh my, how could we ever forget dessert??? In addition to their
house desserts, they make sure that you’re feeling good
no matter what you decide. Free of charge, they’ll bring
you some Grappa and Limoncello to start. Once you’re done
with those, you’ll receive a plate of Biscotti and a liqueur
for dipping. If you can still move, you’ll order dessert.
If not, the owner of the house comes by, and instead of giving
you a receipt, looks you over and arbitrarily decides on a price.
For my friends and myself it was 35 euro each. Maybe you’ll
do better! |
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Via Borgo Pinti
10
055-241-341
This place deserves a better description than I’m going
to give it. I’ll wrap it up for you succintly. The best.
I leave my description so short merely because 1) this place
will speak for itself and 2) my own personal budget has restricted
me from eating here more than once.
The atmosphere is without a doubt Tuscan, but whereas Il Latini
thrives on its ambience, La Giostra thrives on its food. La
Giostra is hands-down the best seafood and fish in the city
(this is important as you may have noticed an emphasis on STEAK!!!)
But seriously, La Giostra has homemade primis, and their secondi’s
rival any place in the city (though I still prefer Acqua’s
steak).
Nevertheless, this place is a must go if you have the money.
This may be the most expensive restaurant on my list, but is
well worth it. Be sure to dress nice, bring some bills, and
sit back for one of the best meals of your life. |
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Hell yeah!!! It’s
time to GO OUT!!! Going out in Florence can be both fun and
scary. Long lines at some bars make them less desirable, and
it’s often hard to figure out what’s going on. Bear
in mind that you don’t need to tip your bartender or waiter
as everything’s included.
If you’re interested in picking up some girls (or just
being friendly) here are some quick phrases to know:
1. May I buy you a drink “Posso offrirte un drink?”
2. You have beautiful eyes “Hai dei begli occhi.”
(the smile at the end is a must)
Okay, and now off to the bars/lounges! |
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Via
dei Pandolfini 36-38
055-247-7894
Definitely one of the hottest lounges/clubs in the city and
free entry if you’re an International Student. The place
is pretty small so dress to get sweaty and to dance. The front
room has a number of tables for sitting, drinking and relaxing
near the bar whereas the back room has hot pumping music and
literally several hundred Italians dancing.
This place is known for its sketchy Italian men looking to find
American girls, but it’s really a fun little place that
shouldn’t be missed. The energy is extremely high, and
it’s definitely apparent how much fun everyone is having.
If you can last longer than 20 minutes on the dance floor, it’s
a major accomplishment. Just be sure to protect yourself and
be safe. |
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Via Proconsolo
29-31
Another extremely hot lounge right near The Duomo which has
a reputation for the best looking bartenders in the city. I
think they’re certainly attractive, though I wasn’t
blown away. Nevertheless, if you’re looking for somewhere
that is “chill”, this is the place.
It has two main rooms—a front room with glowing tables,
a DJ, and an unquestionably high-class atmosphere. The back
room is darker with bigger tables and full waiter service. If
you want to be seen, dress to impress and sit in the first room.
If you want to kick back on comfortable couches, and drink leisurely
from a long list of mixed drinks, hop into the back room with
some friends and kick back. |
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Piazza
Duomo 20
Definitely the most “New York” of all the Florentine
lounges I’ve been to, but really, this just adds to its
charm. The bartenders and waiters are all ridiculously friendly,
and the place always has a great energy. Though you may not
realize it sitting upstairs, there is an ENTIRE dance floor
with DJ in the basement that you will not want to miss.
Astor has cheap drinks and a friendly crowd. You may be surprised
at the lack of manners by most Italian men, but Astor patrons
always seem to be on their best behavior. This is another great
place to sample new drinks (as they have a menu 10 pages long
of options) and to have an all-around great time with your friends.
It is New York, and chill and feels like home… only an
Italian version :) |
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