Spring has Sprung…é arrivata la Primavera

Shades of green can be seen all around Florence as trees and plants are beginning to bloom. The wisteria show has been ongoing for the last few weeks soon to end its reign of violet throughout the city. The highlight of the wisteria show is at the Bardini Gardens. The Iris garden is open as well as the Rose garden SO a walk or ride to Viale Michelangelo is in order to experience the beauty of Spring in Florence.

One can see the purple irises popping up all over the area of Piazzale Michelangelo. Violet is the color of Florence and the color of the beloved soccer team Fiorentina!

It has been my experience that the months of April and May are the busiest time of the year in Florence. Not only do visitors come during Easter break but also for the holidays of April 25 and May 1. These holidays are extended by connecting them and forming a bridge (fare un ponte) to take at least a weeks excursion. It really can be overwhelming to see such crowds in the center of Florence but once you get to know the side streets and other less traveled neighborhoods in the city, crowds can be avoided.

I have enjoyed our first month of a two month stay by checking out restaurants as well as shops and cultural events. It is sad to see the closures of some favorite restaurants and shops. As in the States, COVID left some businesses without much of a choice but to close their doors. Shortage of staff seems to be a global problem as well. Hopefully a new normal will settle in and the change will be good for all.

There are some of my old favorites doing well and the newer restaurants are really doing well.

Seems that in general most places are updating their menus and adding newer twists to traditional Tuscan cuisine as well as a focus on International cuisine. Don’t worry if you want traditional Tuscan cuisine, it’s everywhere. It is nice to have choices.

In past posts over the years I have listed Il Latini, as one of the best traditional Florentine restaurants in town. If you are a steak lover, this is the place. The quality of food and ambiance is to be experienced. The changes they have made is to eliminate weekday lunch.

Another excellent Tuscan Trattoria is Ruggero.

Ditta Artigianale continues to thrive and now has five locations in Florence. If one wants to have an American style breakfast, a light lunch or aperitivo with small bites this is the place.

Pescepane continues to offer delicious fish at a reasonable price.

My favorite, Il Nugolo still never disappoints and offers Tuscan food with a modern flair. The food is farm to table and amazing. Not to be missed.

As far as shops (& restaurants) seeing so many international chain stores such as H&M, Zara, Hard Rock Cafe, etc can be disappointing. These stores are concentrated in the center of Florence. One needs to hunt to find the lovely small shops that one expects in Florence. I guess this is the fate of globalization, for better or worse, and most European cities have the same landscape of stores.

I have been lucky to find some great shops that are indeed Tuscan and have the workmanship that we come to expect from Italy.

Uashmama right in the center of town, on Porta Rossa, a family run company founded in Tuscany, (https://www.lesorelle.toscana.it/en/homepage) is a find.

Here you will see sustainable items for the home as well as handbags that are made out of washed paper. Absolutely beautiful design and worth a look.

There is a lovely women’s clothing store near Piazzale Donatello, Le Civette on Via dei Della Robbia, 92. Beautiful Italian fashion.

Speaking of fashion….for years Italian handbags were the it bags everywhere…Gucci, Ferragamo, Prada etc. Now Florentine woman are wearing the “it” bag from Michael Kors. Times are definitely changing.

A sure sign of Spring is the opening of Maggio Fiorentino, the opera season at the Opera of Florence. Don Giovanni has opened the season and if you here there are two more performances left. Not to be missed…https://www.maggiofiorentino.com

Happy Spring everyone and see you soon. A presto!