Sustainable swapping
Luply has been launched as a new take on local bartering, the free app created by teacher and developer Antonio Lombardo to make exchanging unused objects as simple as a swipe and a match. The platform connects users within their local area to trade items directly, without money or shipping, promoting reuse, savings and new connections while offering a digital alternative to traditional bartering.
All about design
Tuberose has opened in the cosy Cortile Fossombroni along via dei Fossi as a new space for modernariato, design and interiors, founded by designer Chiara Perroni to bring together research, selection and interior design. The space creates unexpected relationships between furniture, objects and materials from different periods, weaving them into curated styling and interior projects.
Food with values
In the Le Cure neighbourhood, Alchimia Vegetale has opened as the new home of chef Danilo Dispoto’s acclaimed vegan, antispeciesist cuisine, bringing the former Pontassieve country project into a cozier 14-seat setting. The restaurant offers a daily-changing six-course tasting menu for 45 euro, built around ingredients sourced from the nearby market and paired with organic wines.
In other restaurant news, chef Edoardo Tilli adds Osteria Belvedere, a 16-seater restaurant at Podere Belvedere Tuscany in the Chianti Rufina countryside offering a more relaxed counterpart to the estate’s gastro restaurant.
Meanwhile, Alessio Ninci and Lorenzo Chirimischi expand their Santabarbara restaurant with Santabarbara Desco & Cantina, a wine bar at via Pier Capponi 34R, where wine takes centre stage alongside shareable dishes that blend comfort food, technique, offal and fusion influences.
New AILO meeting place
The American International League of Florence is now holding its general meetings and upcoming events at a new venue, the Florence Army Unified Club, Circolo Unificato, in via della Scala 68.
Pillow talk
The renowned Volterra hotel has opened Borgo Pignano Florence, bringing the spirit of a Tuscan country estate to a hillside on the northern edge of the city. Chef Stefano Cavallini oversees Essenza, a rotisserie-led menu celebrating meat alongside fresh pasta, risotto and house-baked bread.
Opening October 1, replete with frescoes and romantic charm, Palazzo Sogni is a luxury boutique hotel along central via de’ Martelli. A spa, secret garden and rooftop fine dining restaurant complete the package.
