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codfishNot only good for you, but also delicious...

Fish out of choice
[Susan Glasspool]

Are you quite sure you don’t like fish? Have you ever tried eating it Italian style? No? Well now is the time to begin! Fish can be cooked in thousands of ways - roasted, grilled, fried, poached, boiled, in a sauce or even raw - but the Italians instead know how to serve it in millions of ways, and each recipe is more delicious than the one before! It doesn’t have to be lobster or salmon either, octopus or squid, for instance, are reasonably priced and can be served up tender in succulent sauces or delicately flavoured with lemon. Many people may never have tried this kind of seafood, but, apart from being delicious - yes I know you’re worried about all those tentacles - they have the advantage of being without bones! Try the Tuscan fish stew or Cacciucco (only if you don’t mind bones), which is sublime and a great favourite with all the locals. There are so many fish in it that you need a knife and fork as well as a spoon! Raw fish is not limited just to the Japanese. If you are really sure about your restaurant you can ask for raw shellfish (and not just oysters) or “carpaccio”, slices of fresh tuna or swordfish soaked in oil and lemon, mouthwatering, refreshing and totally delicious. A note for all bone-haters: any good restaurant will de-bone the fish (which you may even have been allowed to select yourself) which really resolves the problem! As fish can be expensive, take care what type you choose, monk fish or even sardines, are often much cheaper, but just as good, as the more prized grouper (though this is really special).
Of course, as we are in Italy, pasta dishes with fish abound. Almost always created with shellfish - little clams, mussels, etc. - but also prawns, octopus and squid - the pasta can be strongly or delicately flavoured, with a touch of red pepper for an extra lift! Parsley is also an essential ingredient and although tomatoes are not always used, a few chopped cherry tomatoes give extra colour and flavour. You don't necessarily have to go to a specialised fish restaurant or to the seaside to taste imaginative fishy creations, as most of the better places to dine also offer a fish menu. So make the most of your stay by learning to be adventurous with fish!

Napo Leone
Piazza del Carmine 24 - tel. 055.281015
The interior recreates the old fashioned atmosphere of a Parisien cafè with outdoor tables overlooking the square. It is only open for dinner and serves typical meat dishes, a wide variety of pizzas and fresh fish.

Trattoria Zà Zà
Piazza del Mercato Centrale 26/27r - tel. 055.215411.
A splash of Bohemian glamour based on a classical Tuscan cuisine, with delicious stews, roasts, grills and fresh fish. Try their cacciucco or fish stew, a typically Tuscan dish that should not be missed.

La Via dell'Acqua
Via dell'Acqua 2-3 - tel. 055.290748
Acqua al 2's new restaurant and its watery address can mean only one thing: Acqua al 2 style fish specialities! iDefinitely worth trying, but remember it is only open in the evenings, except for Saturday and Sunday lunches.



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