Top picks for the tastiest weekend in Florence

Top picks for the tastiest weekend in Florence

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Thu 09 Mar 2017 1:40 PM

Florence is busy preparing its palate for the city’s premier food and lifestyle fair, Taste, put on annually by Pitti Immagine. Hundreds of exhibitors from all over Italy will be on hand at the Stazione Leopolda, showcasing their products to press, industry insiders and the public—in a word, crowds. Less frenetic, but no less fun are the pop-up events taking place around town on the “Fuori di Taste” circuit, a series of related initiatives running before and after the main fair. We’ve combed through the listings to bring you some of the tastiest—and many of the least expensive—highlights. Be warned: the no-cost events can get a little wild. Map out your route and get ready for a mouthwatering March weekend.


Artisan Beers at Simbiosi

Sample craft beers from La Petrognola brewery—they pair perfectly with Simbiosi’s deliciously gourmet pizza doughs. A la carte menu; reservations recommended.
When: March 9, 6–11pm
Where: Simbiosi, via de’ Ginori 56-58-60r
More info: tel. 055.0640115
contatti@simbiosi.bio


Pizzamaking class for kids & parents

Got some pint-sized pizzaiuoli in the making? Pizza Man’s masters are hosting a pie-prepping class for kids (ages 6 to 15), with an adult-geared workshop to follow. Free admission.
When: March 11, 3.30-5.30pm
Where: Pizza Man, piazza Pier Vettori 8/10
More info: info@pizzaman.it

 

BalsAMICI MIEI

Il Santo Bevitore’s Oltrarno mini-empire has a big Saturday planned for balsamic vinegar fans. The Modena-mad can indulge in cheeses from the Storica Fattoria Il Palagiaccio, drizzled with balsamic from Acetaia Giuseppe Giusti. Try it paired with goods from S. Forno (all day), as an aperitivo at Il Santino (from 7pm), or in a dedicated menu at Il Santo Bevitore (from 7.30pm). Prices start at 6 euro. 
When: March 11
Where: S. Forno (via Santa Monaca 3r), Il Santino and Il Santo Bevitore (via Santo Spirito 60r and 64-66r)
More info: tel. 055211264
info@ilsantobevitore.com


Surprise tasting

The wine will flow freely (literally—it’s free) at one of borgo Ognissanti’s friendliest shops. Vinoutlet is hosting a blind wine tasting in collaboration with Pugliese company Agricola del Sole. Guests will be blindfolded before tasting and those who correctly guess the wines’ grapes will win a free pack of taralli, a famous Pugliese snack. 
When: March 11, 3-9pm
Where: Vinoutlet, borgo Ognissanti 70r
More info: tel. 055.2670495

 

Passion for Pizza

Ring in spring in the lush courtyard of Obicà Firenze, where staff will be serving up whole wheat mini-pizzas made with flour from Molino Quaglia. Producers will be present; a cutting board of mini pizzas costs 8 euro.
When: March 12, 6-8pm
Where: Obicà Firenze, via de’ Tornabuoni 16
More info: tel. 0552773526

 

Spices + Salmon at Il Borro

Class up your lunch, mingle at aperitivo hour or linger over dinner at Il Borro Tuscan Bistro: on Friday, March 10, the eatery will offer tapas spotlighting spices by Schianchi. Sip on a Negroni or Americano made with cardamom and lime as you snack. On Saturday, March 11 (from 12.30pm onward), chef Andrea Campani will design pink-hued tapas dishes using Upstream salmon, and the company owner will be present to answer questions about his products. 15 euro tapas both days / 35 euro for a four-course dinner both days.
When: March 10 & 11
Where: Il Borro Tuscan Bistro, lungarno Acciaiuoli 80r
More info: tel. 055.290423
tuscanbistro@ilborro.it

 

Iberian Jamon Bellota speaks Italian!

Indulge in a themed aperitivo at fashionable The Fusion Bar & Restaurant: there will be a live demo of Jamón ibérico Bellot slicing paired with cocktails. Aperitivo is 14 euro; stay for dinner on March 11, when chef Peter Brunel will offer a four-course themed dinner (48 euro with wines) combining the cured ham with potatoes. Reservations required.
When: March 11-12 from 7pm (aperitivo), March 11 (dinner)
Where: The Fusion Bar & Restaurant
More info: tel. 055.27266987 / Whatsapp 349.4438255
tf@lungarnocollection.com

 

Fratelli Lunardi in via Maggio

You’ve never really bitten into a cantuccio until you’ve tried Fratelli Lunardi’s fanciful creations. The Pistoia-based Lunardi brothers run a bakery and brand where scrumptious schiacciate, sweet treats and special occasion cakes reign supreme. Try their tasty bites at SottArno, a new bistro in the heart of via Maggio, first created as the breakfast room at SoprArno Suites and now a public eatery. Ahead of Lunardi’s main debut at SottArno, set for March 14, indulge in a selection of their yummiest sweets, as well as cold cuts and more on Saturday, March 11. 25 euro; reservations recommended.
When: March 11, 6-10pm
Where: SottArno, via Maggio 53r
More info: tel. 0573.73077

 

Pesto Party

Enjoy dishes based around “the quiche of the ’80s” (pesto, that is). Three chefs will reinterpret traditional dishes, adding organic pesto from Il Nutrimento‘s line, and will offer the recipes to interested attendees afterward. Free admission.
When: March 11, from 5pm
Where: Bottega d’arte Anomisa, via Romana 37r
More info: tel. 037.32900196


Pastrami Experience

Craving something smoked and salty? Sample Il Panino Tondo’s newest series of pastrami panini paired with craft beers from La Petrognola. Prices start at 14 euro; reservations recommended.
When: March 11, 6.30-10pm
Where: Il Panino Tondo, via Montebello 56r
More info: tel. 055.5385465

 

Art & Taste

Take a break from the foodie madness to see Bill Viola: Electronic Renaissance at Palazzo Strozzi, one of the most buzzed-about exhibitions of the year. Once you’ve made your way through the show, relax in the Renaissance building’s courtyard cafe’ and enjoy salami from Pieragnoli, buffalo mozzarella from La Bottega del Gusto and wines from Colle Bereto. 10 euro aperitivo. 
When: March 12, 7-10pm
Where:  Strozzi Caffe’, Palazzo Strozzi, piazza Strozzi
More info: tel. 055.288236

 

Beers & Burgers

You can’t go wrong with ground beef burgers and craft beer. Burgers are lovingly built by chef Gianluca Bruno and designed to bring out the best notes in each of the craft beverages (Brùton, Stoner, Lilith and Dieci). The most intriguing part of this event, however, has to be the dessert: a “birramisù”. 25 euro; reservations recommended.
When: March 12, 8pm
Where: Eataly Firenze, via Martelli 22r
More info: tel. 055.0153610

 

Terræ Altrove – The Valmarecchia: Tuscany, Romagna and Montefeltro – one land

Enjoy a free tasting hosted by Terræ Altrove as you learn more about the group’s mission to spread knowledge of Italy’s finest products around the world. Bonus: it’s a perfect occasion to pop in to the historic Caffe Michelangiolo, where it’s said that the Macchiaioli movement began—a group of Tuscan painters comparable to the Impressionists.
When: March 12, 10am-6pm and 7-9pm
Where: Caffe Michelangiolo, via Cavour 21
More info:info@terraealtrove.it

 

Mo’ Bufala at Simbiosi

Learn why TF writer Vincenzo d’Angelo calls mozzarella di bufala “the Beyonce of dairy foods” (you read that correctly). Simbiosi will serve mouthwatering mozzarella and other products from the Caseificio Mo’ Bufala. Diners can select from a dedicated a la carte menu and explore an exhibition and free tasting corner, too. Reservations recommended.
When: March 12, 8pm
Where: Simbiosi, via de’ Ginori 56-58-60r
More info: tel. 055.0640115

 

Taste the best of Tuscany

Downtown department store La Rinascente will host a showcase of some of the store’s finest Tuscan products. Shop while you sample! Free admission.
When: March 11 & 12, 11am-8pm both days
Where: La Rinascente, piazza della Repubblica
More info: tel. 055.219113

 

Event times and details are subject to change. Consult the full Fuori di Taste program on the Pitti Immagine website.

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