WHAZHOT · MADE IN FLO' · ONLY IN FLO' · DISCOUNT COUPONS
sections
Booking
.
culture
.
Blow away winter blues with a Florentine sundowner! The unbeatable aperitif
[Susan Glasspool]
Although the Italians are not what we would call drinkers - they prefer to drink with their meals - the evening aperitif is now creeping in as a fashionable end of the working day pick-me-up, and not just to whet the appetite before dinner (though workaholics use it as an excuse for yet another business meeting). It has become a popular ritual and part of a relaxing process to spend with friends over a light drink. There could hardly be a better way to unwind at the end of a long day in the office or school, muted by soft background music that aids rather than impedes conversation. It is hardly surprising that bars are full at this time of day and happy to offer their assiduous clients a variety of delicious savoury snacks! If you turn up for a drink after 6pm, you can expect to stock up for free on a good spread of complimentary nibbles that can range from the ordinary appetizer to classic freshly cooked Tuscan dishes like ribollita or pappa al pomodoro (bread based vegetable soups), croutons, fondues, salamis and hams, cold meats, pasta, chunks of focaccia, mini pizzas, carpaccios, sushi, crudités with olive oil dips, chips, peanuts, olives, cherry tomatoes, pop corn, fruit salads and more besides.
Sounds yummy doesn’t it? Students may find this the perfect answer to a free dinner, though you are not expected to gorge on these goodies as they are not meant to substitute a full meal! The aperitif itself can be wine, champagne, cocktails, liqueurs or cocktails, even beer.
Curious? Enjoy an Italian style sundowner, munchies, chill music and atmosphere before hitting the town!
Where to go? Why there are plenty of places, but Vivi recommends:
B.Gallo in Piazza del Duomo 1 is another really special place that combines good food and drinks with a view. Its enviable position directly onto Piazza del Duomo is perfect for an aperitif from its extensive wine and beverages lists (and then stay on to dine!). Try their creative before or after-dinner drinks that can really “be drunk with the eyes”.
The historic bar and restaurant Chalet Fontana, in Via San Leonardo 8r, halfway between Porta Romana and Piazzale Michelangelo, is a delight for Florentines and tourists alike. It is the perfect place for an aperitif, plus special Buffet, while the restaurant offers traditional Tuscan based menus, monster Fish Platters and pizzas cooked in a wood oven. Night time roamers can drop in late to enjoy live music in the Piano Bar.
Rex Cafè in characteristic Via Fiesolana, 25r is an extremely popular venue with the young. Open daily from 6.30pm until late at night, it is perfect for a quick sundowner, buffet snack and long drinks, backed up by various forms of evening entertainment, monologues, poetry readings and dance shows (from 10pm) and just the place to organise a celebration get-together or party among friends.
MORE