Turns out there’s far more to savor in Sesto Fiorentino than crowded Sundays at IKEA. Here’s what’s “cooking” just outside the Tuscan capital (besides Swedish meatballs).
Villa Solaria, site of the upcoming LattexPlus Festival | Ph. via Institut Français
NICE FOR A SLICE.
Ghevido (via Armando Giachetti 9A-9B) is the brainchild of food blogger Stefano Degli Innocenti and top pizzaiolo Gabriele Tonti. Expect contemporary combos such as fresh pecorino, broad beans and niche pancetta from the Valdarno on the lightest dough. Sit on the minimalist modern terrace, or opt for takeaway. You can even eat your slice a few hours later thanks to the new cooking concept developed by this totally ghevido (that’s Florentine speak for “cool”) Sesto hotspot. (Helen Farrell)
TORRIGIANI AND TECHNO.
Formerly the summer residence of the famed Torrigiani family, Villa Solaria became property of the City of Sesto Fiorentino back in 1982. Since then, its six hectares of lush greenery have hosted numerous cultural events. Up next is a beat bonanza: the first edition of the LattexPlus Festival (July 14-16) will feature a star-studded playbill of producers and electro big-shots, including German techno goddess Ellen Allien, esoteric ex-ethnomusicologist Awesome Tapes from Africa and house wunderkind Hunee alongside local deejays and producers. (Michelle Davis)
PORCELAIN FACES.
By now you’ve likely heard about the Bargello exhibition The Production of Beauty, which features Richard Ginori porcelain pieces alongside the sculptures that inspired them. A complementary event is on until October 1 at the Biblioteca Ernesto Ragionieri in Sesto, spotlighting the men and women workers of the Ginori brand (formerly the Doccia porcelain manufactory, one of Sesto Fiorentino’s all-time claims to fame). Taking place on the library’s ground floor, the exhibition features 21 video portraits produced by Palermo-Florence hybrid Matilde Gagliardo, highlighting the pride put in to every prestigious kaolin cut. (Mary Gray)
