Wednesday, January 19, 2011

Firenze: Tuscan Treats

One afternoon we were wandering around the side streets near the Ponte Vecchio, getting cold, wet and tires when we spotted a local-looking place. Wood fired pizza oven. Hmmm. This could be interesting. We looked over the menu and decided that would be the place for supper later. And, easy walking from the hotel. The name of this treasure is Le Antiche Carrozze.
I inquired about reservations and the fellow assured me in not much English that at the time we wanted to eat there would be no problem. And there was no problem. When we returned, we were seated quickly and soon had a bottle of a local wine and some good bread. The menu was varied and included several kinds of pizza, Italian style, and much more. Sal and I decided on Carbonara and were delighted with the dish. Perfectly cooked al dente pasta with a rich creamy eggy bacon sauce. To die for, literally it turns out. The combination of cream, egg and bacon fat is surely one of the most artery insulting mixes imaginable. But OMG what wonderful texture and flavor. We have tried Carbonara in other places and had only one to match this one. Years ago. Another tale for another time. We savored this meal, complemented with more nice local wine, and left sated.
Dinner for two including wine, appetizers, meal and tip = $85. A bargain in Florence.
Image: http://www.leantichecarrozze.it/en/menu-and-typical-tuscan-recipes.html