Cold, Cold Florentine Winter

With the temperature below zero this week and most of Italy frozen under a heavy blanket of snow, we decided to venture out today for a little walk in centro.  The icy wind blowing a gale along the river made me wonder whether we should have stayed indoors as even with my many winter layers, woolen beanie, scarf, puffy coat and Ugg boots, I still felt the bitter cold forcing it’s way into my body.

Matteo was bundled up in his own cocoon and I would have easily swapped places with him if I could have fit inside his pram.  All that could be seen of him was his little face peering out from his puffy suit with hood and he slept for most of the time we were outside so was obviously very cosy and warm.

I’m so surprised that Florence has not been hit with snow as badly as the rest of Italy, especially with how cold it is.  I guess in one way, I should be grateful as memories of the last big snowfall recall a city that was not equipped to deal with this attack from mother nature.  On the other hand, as we now live so close to the center and I can walk everywhere, I would at least like some pretty snow to admire considering it is so bloody freezing!

i' Mangiarino

Our little walk today  took us past a little trattoria in Via dello Studio called ‘I Mangiarino’.  We decided to have a quick lunch here and were really impressed with the quality of food.  We started by sharing a plate of crostini.  Flavours were pomodoro, fegatini, lardo (my favourite!) and fagioli.  The olive oil used was exceptional and I would have been very content to have been given the bottle with a loaf of bread to soak it up!

Crosini Misti Toscani

Emiliano then had the Ribollita (Tuscan bread & vegetable soup) and I had ravioli with pecorino, walnuts and sage.  Both meals were delicious and accompanied with the biggest glass of red wine I have ever seen, certainly warmed us up and gave us the energy to walk back home again. Well the Tiramisu probably helped a bit too!

Ribollita

I ‘Mangiarino – Via dello Studio 5/r Firenze 50122