Florence - May 2014: Chianti Ruffino

Chianti Ruffino

A bottle of the favoured Chianti Classico from Ruffino - the wine of Florence.

Tuscan wine and a classic Tuscan dish - pork and beans.

Drinking Chianti Classico Ruffino in Florence - what more is there to say?

My meal to accompany the Chianti Classico.

Florence - May 2014: A rooftop dinner

The rooftops of Florence. 

A romantic meal overlooking the rooftops of Florence with the sounds of the city below and above that the periodic sounding of sonorous bells and the cries of the famous swifts swirling across the city.

One of the most popular wines in Florence seemed to be Vino Nobile di Montepulciano and i could understand why. More accessible than a Chianti, although a big red it was easier drinking and it worked so well with a range of the local foods.

We had a relatively simple meal and just relaxed in the setting.

Florence - May 2014: Gucci Museo

Gucci Museo, Florence

On a warm Florence evening, this was a great place to stop for dinner.  Here we were able to relax over dinner and watch the world go by. The life in the city of Florence (including massed police busy providing escort for a local politician) was busy and interesting. From our seats we had architecture, culture, food, drink, fashion and atmosphere (plus a little drama).

And of course we had some Chianti Classico Reserva to enjoy with our meal.

The first course of cappacchio of polpo (octopus) was exquisite and set the tone for the evening perfectly. The salty vegetable was similar to samphire in taste but very different in texture.

Tuscan white beans combined with pork. My wife had been waiting to try some of their famous beans and was not disappointed.

Wonderful pasta to be enjoyed. Simple and sustaining - a continued joy to experience the real thing in this beautiful setting.

Whilst the cheese and honey was always tempting, we had to experience the desserts. Something to linger over as we concluded our meal.

Florence - May 2014: Ribolitta

Tuscan Ribolitta

Lunch at a Trattoria near the Ponte Vecchio, I had to have the Tuscan Soup - "Ribolitta". The soup which had been beautifully reduced was rich and flavoursome and had been partially absorbed by the Tuscan bread.

The trattoria was near the Ponte Vecchio and had narrow views across the River Arno. This was slowly prepared food made from simple ingredients that provided a quick and easy lunch.

A wild boar ragu that had been slowly melted over many hours. A simple dish but so full of wonderful mellow flavours.

And to complete our lunch we had to try some cheese and honey, offered on most menus.