International Handicraft fair in Florence – what not to miss!
American in Italy / events / expat / food / italy / life / tips / travel / tuscany / Uncategorized

International Handicraft fair in Florence – what not to miss!

Starting yesterday was one of my favorite fairs in Florence – the annual International Handicraft fair – Mostra Internazionale dell’Artigianato at the Fortezza di Basso. An annual fair running since 1931 with the aims of showcasing artisans from all over the world and locally. I have gone every year since being here and really love … Continue reading »

Fattoria LaVacchio – Organic Farm in Tuscany
American in Italy / culture / expat / food / italy / life / nature / restaurant / tips / travel / tuscany / Uncategorized

Fattoria LaVacchio – Organic Farm in Tuscany

This Sunday I had the awesome opportunity to go with my friend Debora/gourmet expert AmbasciatoreGusto to visit Fattoria LaVacchio, an organic farm located about 18-20km from Florence. Debora stocks products from the farm in her B&B in Florence and I was itching to try the famous ‘antipasto‘ {cheese & cured meat appetizer} that she kept … Continue reading »

Happy Easter from Girl in Florence!
American in Italy / culture / events / expat / food / italy / life / tuscany / Uncategorized

Happy Easter from Girl in Florence!

You know that rare time in real life when you see food turn out better than a repin on Pinterest? Well this was most definitely one of those moments. Thanks to Lavitaebellablog, we dined on scrumptious snacks this past Saturday night and I am still dreaming of that Pear and wine chutney! I want to … Continue reading »

Why I love the ‘other side of the river’ in Florence
American in Italy / culture / fashion / food / italy / restaurant / tips / travel / tuscany / Uncategorized

Why I love the ‘other side of the river’ in Florence

When I was a student in 2005, the ‘other side of the river’  or ‘oltrarno’ to the locals was considered a scary place for us young Americani. All I knew about Piazza Santo Spirito was that drug addicts liked to hang out on the steps and that beyond the Ponte Vecchio bridge lay a very … Continue reading »

One week in Florence – a Photo Diary
American in Italy / culture / italy / life / nature / tips / travel / tuscany / Uncategorized / working in italy

One week in Florence – a Photo Diary

This week has been flying-by-the-seat-of-your-pants busy and I haven’t had a lot of free time to write as much as I would like. But pictures? Why, of course! – I live in Florence, Italy after all and inspiration crops up daily in various forms. Today’s post –  a photo diary of shots taken via my … Continue reading »

Japanese/Thai Fusion and Tuscan innovation
American in Italy / expat / food / italy / life / opinion / restaurant / travel / tuscany / Uncategorized

Japanese/Thai Fusion and Tuscan innovation

Yet another wonderful weekend of friends, food and good fun. As per usual – I am always on the lookout for a new awesome restaurant and actually had the chance to try two new places that I have heard of but never been. As small as Florence, Italy is –  you could live here a lifetime and … Continue reading »

Tea time in Florence at the Via del Tè
American in Italy / bars / food / italy / restaurant / tuscany / Uncategorized

Tea time in Florence at the Via del Tè

Yep, you guessed it – me and my current love for tea and all of its fine flavors has led me to discover yet another hotspot in the center serving a wonderful selection of tea and goodies that I had to share with you all. The place is called ‘Via del Te” and has been open since 1997 in piazza … Continue reading »

Discovering that Tripe and Lampredotto can actually be good
American in Italy / culture / expat / food / history / italy / restaurant / tips / travel / tuscany / Uncategorized

Discovering that Tripe and Lampredotto can actually be good

I am a little ashamed to admit that I have lived in Tuscany for over five years and still never let a bite of trippa {tripe} or lampredotto pass my lips. While I don’t consider myself a squeamish eater by any means – straight from a cow’s stomach was never my idea of a good … Continue reading »