Craving a night of dinner and dancing in a sociable setting? Look no further than Daisy’s Dining at House of Nine.
The recently inaugurated House of Nine members’ club opens its decadent doors to music and dining lovers every Friday in April and every Thursday and Friday in May. Featuring the exceedingly talented Arachel Dolphie and the Daisy’s Cuban Band, diners mingle at the glamorous bar for cocktails and bubbles served in vintage goblets before sitting down for dinner in the reimagined space.
Gone are the dumbbells in the former Klab gym and wellness centre as a One Thousand and One Nights vibe transports guests to another era and dimension of central Florence. Envisioned by owner Ginevra Moretti, the velvety appliques adorning the cleverly ensconced pillars match with the throne chair backs, while the lampshade-like starcloth pairs with the blue-gold ceilings that respectfully soundproof the cavernous space.
Meanwhile, the evening’s guests excitedly drift down the reappointed corridor, past the banquettes embroidered with orange sea stars and slender gold chargers topped with candles. Elegantly attired waiters in the grand hotel style of yore graciously greet the clientele like old acquaintances, many of whom are members or returners enamoured by the dinner show experience. Enticing trays of exquisite canapes—truffle puffs and vitello tonnato on the night we visit—are given short shrift. Corks are popping and 1920s music is playing: the soundtrack of past times. Centre stage is occupied by a bandstand dominated by a glimmering grand piano, a drum set and a double bass leaning on its side, all waiting for their players. Around 9pm, as if by telepathic consensus, the diners take their seats at the linen-lined tables. Generous portions of paccheri pasta with chicken ragù and threads of fried artichokes fill tummies before beef softly braised in Chianti Classico ups the ante alongside the creamiest Robuchon mashed potatoes. Across the room, the vegetarian cheese and pepper risotto with lemon and thyme looks equally delicious.
The lights begin to dim, dessert is served (a toothsome carrot and pecan cake with a moreish toffee sauce) and diners return to their tables, sensing that the entertainment is about to begin. Anticipation is building between sweet bites. And then the stage door opens and the seven-strong band wind their way around the tables, holding candles in a slow-burn procession. The female performers shimmer in blue, while the male members of the group are clad in white tuxedos. On reaching the stage, the tempo is radically turned on, heightened by audience appreciation and participation. Surely this is how weekend nights should always be: energized, upbeat and a celebration of life. Arachel Dolphie and the Daisy’s Cuban Band tempt and tease the onlookers in an irresistible display of polished improvisation, reacting to the public in front of them. All it takes is two tracks and everyone’s up on the dance floor, with the exception of a doting mother, her baby, and somebody’s great uncle.
Starting at 8pm, this weekly series of special dinner shows is bringing evenings alive in Florence. It’s an occasion worth travelling for, wherever you are in Italy.
Mark your diaries with two extra nights at Daisy’s Dining this April. On April 24 and 30, for Italian Liberation Day and Labour Day, Daisy’s Italian Swing Band will take diners through the classics such as That’s Amore and Mambo Italiano, with Italian singers and musicians bringing the dream of Italy alive and getting guests dancing and singing along. Each month, often falling on high days and holidays, there is a featured special show with a different act on offer.
Daisy’s Dining at House of Nine
A welcome drink, three-course menu and live show costs 130 euro.
Via dei Conti 7
+39 055 293777
info@houseofnine.com
