Palma - December 2014

A wonderful early December short visit to Palma, staying at the Hotel Jamie III. Palma was cold and clear, the local population dressed in hats and scarves, although it was circa 14-16C.

The streets were dressed for Christmas and winter celebrations.

We enjoyed some stunningly simple tapas dishes during our stay including; boquerones, octopus (with smoked paprika), tortilla and simple fried fish dishes, all cooked beautifully.

The main market in Palma was colourful and full of great produce, with good displays of fish, meats and vegetables/fruits. All were carefully lit and displayed, adding a vibrancy to the market. We stopped for a simple fried fish dish at stand up counter.

Florence - May 2014: Florence Market

Florence Market

I had to visit Florence market, even though we were staying in a hotel and could not really buy anything meaningful. I'm sure the stall holders spotted that we were yet more tourists just looking and not buying their wonderful produce.

Do not touch!

Organic Sicilian sun dried tomatoes. It would be so easy to take the whole barrowful away!

Cheese..

The incredible Caffe' el Mercato di Cubattoli Roberto

Fine Florence meat, including their famous cuts of steak.

I wish I had taken a van - it would have been worth driving across Europe for these superb products...

Wild boar salamis etc.

As always, I visit the fish stalls and spend time looking at each fish....