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Sunday October 30, 2005

Which side of the cookie do you eat first, the black or the white? asks Cathy of Syracure, NY

In my mind there are only two in all of Manhattan...and for that matter, all of the world! I challenge anyone. More...

Posted: October 30, 2005

"Do You Have Any Insight to Italy?" asks Frank and Liz of NYC

Lets start with lunch in Florence...Antico Noe has a panini I can't stop thinking about. Just make sure you don't go alone because you must order every sandwich, split them and taste how great they are...you'll have a hard time eating a sandwich in America ever again...Volta di San Piero in Fierenze (note, its literally hidden under a little tunnel and its a hold, but its a buried treasure...worth the search)--its near Santa Croce (ask around if you can't find it). Don't come back to America without eating here.

When in Florence, everyone goes to Acqua Al 2 (Due)...they have tasting menus that are incredible and fun and reasonably priced. Yes, we ate there twice. Via della Vigna Vecchia 40/R Tel. 055 284170 Reservations needed.

Another place around the corner is Baldovino, Via San Giusseppe 22R near Santa Croce in Florence! Yummy, reasonable and they'll let you sit forever! No rushing. This place is very close to Tivoli with the incredible gelato (so save room for dessert).

In Florence, we crossed the Ponte Vecchio 2x for dinner and it was worth it...Osteria Cinghiale Bianco on Borgo S. Jacopo was so yummy and fun. I remember we had a massive seafood di mare and it was memorable, even a year later! Definitely delicious, off the beaten path and reasonable...reservations advised everywhere.

In Florence, we didn't have an elevator in our hotel, therefore can't really recommend it--although it was a great hotel, but we passed this place near the Ponte Vecchio and took the card: Hotel Balestri, www.hotel-balestri.it It looked nice and reasonable and was an amazing location!

The other place across the bridget that is absolutely FANTASTIC, although much fancier than the usual italian places..but absolutely worth it. In fact, so good, we ordered an appetizer for dessert! Beccofino, Lungarno South; Piazza degli Scarlatti 1/r, Lungarno Guicciardini I believe the chef studied in NY at San Domenico off Central Park!

In Roma, we found a restaurant called al Bric, it was an osteria enoteca near Campo de' Fiori. You need a reservation but its worth it. Amazing wine menu and fabulous meat dishes. Make sure you get in the non-smoking section.

If you need a hotel in Venice, there is a nice place called Ca' Morosini...see if their little studio apt. away from the main hotel is available, very nice, especially for the price---in Venice. More...

Posted: October 30, 2005