January 14: Food Tour

Today was the first day that classes began for me at the International Studies Institute. After a longer day of classes and syllabi, we were excited to go on a free food tour of some of the best places to eat and drink in the middle of the city. The first stop on the food tour was The Red Garter, an American style bar where we were given wings and beer. The Red Garter is karaoke bar every night of the week, with football Sunday’s and Beer Pong Tournaments every Thursday. It was interesting to start the Italian food tour off with wings, but after trying some and realizing how great they were, I understand why people love to come here so much.

Next was Pino’s, a panini shop right around the corner from where my apartment is. After trying multiple panini’s in the city, I was skeptical to see how this could really be the best one. However, after trying a taste of a panini with prosciutto, tomato, pesto, and mozzarella along with a small glass of wine, I understood why. I am so excited to come back here and try so many of their other panini’s.

Further on the tour was a beer hall and following that was a small gelato place that also served crepes and waffles. I have yet to have gelato so I was THRILLED to finally try. At the shop I got a cone with nutella and dark chocolate gelato. The dark chocolate was one of the best gelato’s I’ve had and as someone who is sensitive to super rich chocolate and ice cream, it was perfect.

Following the gelato was the last stop, a pizzeria called Gatto. Here, we had bread and various types of pizza, finishing it off with a shot of limoncellio. On every Wednesday night, Gato has 15 euro family style dinner with wine, bruschetta and bread, and various types of pasta.

After eating all of this, I am BEYOND full. However, this was a great way to get dinner and learn about some new and awesome places in my surrounding area (for free). I will definitely be returning to the panini shop and the gelato shop, but hope to continue to discover other new and awesome restaurants. As food is one of the main reasons I was excited to study in Florence, this trip was truly a great time. Good thing I joined a gym today, because it will be much needed tomorrow!