Archive for 'Food and Wine'

Italians are serious about their pizza, as are tourist because, most of us could probably agree, it is one of the highlights of any trip to Italy. To help you have the best possible trip to Italy (and the best possible pizza), we have compiled a list of some of the highest rated and most beloved pizza places in Tuscany. Read on for the pizza you have always dreamed of and find a luxury villa in Tuscany for the holiday you have always dreamed of.

3. Lucca – Pizzeria da Felice

Pizzeria da Felice has been in business for over a hundred years and, yet, remains the most beloved pizza place in Lucca. Located on Via Buia 12, it is the type of place that inspires repeat visits; so much so that some report visiting several times in a trip and, even, twice in one day!

Pizza is a must if you are visiting in Italy and it's not hard to find tasty pizza but we thought it might be helpful to compile a list of some of the best-rated and most beloved pizza places in Tuscany for your convenience. Once you have found a luxury villa in Tuscany, just stop by any of these places and fill up your tummy with some delicious treats.

1. Florence – Pizza Man

The top-rated pizza place in Florence on TripAdvisor, this is a very well-established and beloved business that actually has franchises in several different locations around Florence (Via C. Del Prete, Via Rocca Tedalda, Via Dell’Agnolo, Via Del Sansovino, Via Pacinotti and V.le De Amicis)
and, even, one in London. Viale De Amicis is, in fact, the favoured location but we wager that most are probably just as good and, if reviews are anything to go by, it's really very good. They note that “the place is FULL of locals” and “the staff is friendly and the pizza is great”.

Montaione is a stunning Tuscan village in the Province of Florence that is, potentially, the most beautiful town in all of Tuscany; a rather big claim, we are aware, but not a baseless one. Perched up high on a hill, accessible only by winding mountain roads snaking through thickly wooded surroundings, this lesser-known gem is wildly picturesque, though, perhaps, not the most happening spot in the world. However, if you are looking to well and truly get away from it all for a while, why not find a luxury villa in Florence and spend a day in the stunning surroundings of this incredibly peaceful hamlet?

Far off the typical tourist route, away from long queues and bustling crowds and steeped in preserved natural beauty and cultural gems, the town has more to offer than first meets the eye. While the town does not have its own vineyards, which is a reason that many of its young people have left for elsewhere and more job opportunities, it is located in the Elsa Valley.

One of the most desirable, exclusive and expensive foods in the world are truffles and they also happen to be rather abundant in large swathes of the Tuscan countryside. One of Tuscany's most famous and beloved foods, locals are very proud of the regional delicacy and there are actually several fairs and festivals around Tuscany that are expressly dedicated to the truffle each Autumn. For foodies planning trips to Tuscany in the next few months, tracking down a truffle festival is a must. The scent – even to those who aren't fond of the taste – is unforgettable and delicious, the excitement is palpable, the traditions are strong and fascinating and the markets offer access to dishes that are both fresh and cheaper than you are likely to ever find elsewhere.

Zuccotto is a delicious semi-frozen, chilled dessert made with brandy, cake and ice cream, said to have originated in Florence, though many Italians have not heard of it before. The name means "little pumpkin" in Italian and is so-called because of the shape of the mould used for making it. Thought to have been inspired by the “Duomo di Firenze”, Florence's main cathedral, topped by a distinctive dome. Another theory says that it was inspired by a cardinal's semi-spherical skullcap or zucchetto.

Originally a “semifreddo” dessert that contained ice-cream, this is now often replaced with fresh cream. Typically, however, you can expect to find semifreddo surrounded by sponge cake. The inside is usually of two colors, a white half, which sometimes has candied fruit or bits of chocolate, and a dark half, to which cocoa is added. Finally, ricotta, sugar and cream are added. It is served cold and can be served with the same liquor used inside the dessert or with a coffee liqueur.