WINE/Chianti Lovers 2017
February 12, 4–9pm
Fortezza da Basso, viale Filippo Strozzi, Florence
“Red, red wine” could be the key to Italian-style longevity—who are we to argue with that? Fortunately, in Tuscany we’re never in short supply of Sangiovese. Everyone from aspiring sommeliers to amateur sippers is invited to celebrate the region’s rich wine heritage at Chianti Lovers, a “preview event” put on by the Consorzio Vino Chianti and highlighting around 100 different producers, all in town with their vintages in tow. Happy hour starts early for industry insiders at 9.30am; doors open to the public from 4 to 9pm. For more information, see the Consorzio Vino Chianti’s website, and pre-purchase tickets via BoxOffice Toscana.
REBEL/Anti-Valentine’s Party
February 14, 9.30pm-midnight
Vanilla Club, via dei Saponai 14r, Florence
Single and ready to…sulk? In a relationship, but can’t stand the schmaltzy marketing schemes of Saint Valentine’s Day? Gripe and guzzle down cocktails in good company at Florence Buzz’s Anti San Valentino Party, taking place in a smokescreen speakeasy room at Vanilla Club. You just might meet a new match among your fellow February “Grinches”. The dress code du jour is 1920s noir, but peer pressure has no place at this party, and you’re welcome to wear what you want. Cost is 15 euro and includes your first cocktail. Limited space is available; reserve a spot on EventBrite.
TASTE/Chocolate Fair
February 10-19
Piazza Santissima Annunziata, Florence
Satisfy your sweet tooth in piazza Santissima Annunziata: a favorite February ritual, the Fiera del Cioccolato Artigianale, will return for a full ten days of chocolate-fueled festivities. Several dozen chocolatiers and small producers will set up shop in the square every day, serving pralines, small candies, cakes and other treats. Beyond the booths, children’s workshops and guided tastings are also on the program. Finally, starred chefs Filippo Saporito and Marco Stabile will face off to see who can be the most creative using bread and chocolate. The fair will be open daily from 10am to 10pm, with hours extended to midnight on Saturday and Sunday. For the full program, see the official website.
FRESCOES/A Santa Maria Novella Saturday
February 11, 11am
Basilica of Santa Maria Novella, Florence
How well do you really know Florence’s dominant Dominican church? Spend a Saturday morning exploring the complex’s lesser-known frescoes, hidden amid better-known works and recently restored. The morning will include a presentation of the new book Ricerche a Santa Maria Novella. Gli affreschi ritrovati di Bruno, Stefano e gli altri, edited by Anna Bisceglia, with speakers representing the Fund for Religious Buildings, Opera Santa Maria Novella, the Uffizi Gallery and the Soprintendenza Archeologica, Belle Arti e Passaggio of Prato and Pistoia. Present this invitation and enter for free.
INTRODUCTION/TheFLR for faculty and students
February 15, 5pm
ISI Florence, Palazzo Bargagli, lungarno alle Grazie 22, Florence
What’s all the buzz around the launch of our bilingual literary magazine, TheFLR. The Florentine Literary Review? Come to ISI to learn more about this new publication, the brainchild of author Alessandro Raveggi, and how it aims to spread knowledge of Italian language, literature and contemporary Italy. This event is intended for students, professors and American and foreign university staff. Speakers Luca Baldoni, Diego Bertelli and Raveggi will analyze the first issue, give a preview of the second and discuss how students and faculty can collaborate with TheFLR through workshops and subscriptions. Refreshments will follow. Space is limited to 50 seats; book your spot by emailing info@isiflorence.org.
