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Champagne!!discover the tastes of Florentine apertivo

Enchanted evenings
[caitlin dwyer]

Bon Appetit!Aperitivo is American Happy Hour's classier Italian cousin. In the early evenings before dinner, many bars provide tantalizing appetizers for anyone who buys a drink. Designed to whet the appetite for the upcoming meal and offer a relaxing way to wind down after the day, aperitivo is one Italian tradition not to be missed.

For twelve years, Rex Cafe has thrived on its renowed aperitivo: a delicious variety of appetizers, a good wine selection, and a hip, friendly atmosphere. Tucked down the quiet Via Fiesolana, Rex Cafe attracts a young crowd of Italians and students looking for an authentic Florentine aperitivo. Its blue neon sign recalls an American jazz club; lively recorded jazz music accentuates the colorful red walls, funky mosaics, and classy low lighting. During the daily aperitivo from 18.30-21.30, tomato salsa bubbles over a tiny live flame, and a buffet of bread, olives, grilled onions and peppers, salami, cheese, sweet mustard sauce and mushrooms await the hungry. To accompany the appetizers, Rex offers a variety of drinks ranging from a glass of wine (3-4 euros), to classic aperitifs like the Negroni or Gin Fizz (5.50), to original cocktail creations such as the Green Day, a light, sweet mix of vodka sour and kiwi (5.50).
Besides the aperitivo itself, Rex offers a swanky, fun atmosphere: proprieter Alessio Vari eagerly points out the bar's nautical theme. The 360° bar was constructed from a rare wood once used for shipbuilding, and the back wall boasts a glittering world map, a reference to the fact that Rex takes its name from a 1930s oceanliner that journeyed between Europe and the US. One side of the bar is themed day and the other night in the back, the private Sala Rossa offers more tranquil seating bathed in red light. After aperitivo hours end, Rex converts to a more traditional bar: rock or soft house music and busy drinks until 3am. Still, this isn't the place to go crazy on a Saturday. With an original Rex concoction, a full table, and the transports of lively conversation, you can truly achieve Rex Cafe's philosophy: bere e viaggiare (drink and travel)! (via Fiesolana 23/r, www.rexcafe.it)


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