Monday, June 29, 2015

Abondanza ... Simpatico ... Buonissimo: La Vinaina is a Bargain and Treat in Residential Florence!



La Vinaina
Via dell'Agnolo, 48r, 50122 
Florence, Italy
Phone: +39.055.234.4120
Prices:  € € € €  


Around the corner from the wonderful Mercato Sant'Abrogio, my wife and I visited La Vinaina on several occasions with the students of the University of Kansas attending the study abroad program in Florence. Our apartment was just around the corner and we enjoyed the proximity, warm welcome, fresh ingredients, and very reasonable prices for lunch.


Being an amateur chef and restaurant critic, and having traveled to 49 countries around the world, I have eaten at few restaurants with the impeccable quality and value as we found at La Vinaina.

The pasta and bread...always fresh; the meat and fish...always prepared to perfection; the service...always attentive and friendly. I would recommend this restaurant to anybody...on a budget, like students, to more EXCLUSIVE and seasoned travelers alike. There is something for everyone at La Vinaina!



Watch my video collage dedicated to our friends at La Vinaina on CombatCritic TV:






or read more about this wonderful cucina tipica toscana in The CombatCritic Chronicle: 





I have also posted reviews on Yelp, Trip Advisor, and Fousquare...search for "CombatCritic" and send a Friend request.








CombatCritic gives La Vinaina 7 BOMBS OUT OF 10...bombs in this case are good!



LIKE La Vinaina on Facebook!

Title: Abondanza ... Simpatico ... Buonissimo: La Vinaina is a Bargain and Treat in Residential Florence!

Key Words: La Vinaina, vinaina, restaurant, trattoria, pasta, menu, Mercato Sant'Ambrogio, mercato, sant'ambrogio, ambrogio, food, Florence, Italy, Firenze, travel, value, CombatCritic

Pricey, Average Cuisine South Of The Arno



Osteria Santo Spirito
Piazza Santo Spirito, Firenze
Phone: 39 055 2382383
http://www.osteriasantospirito.it/
Prices:  € €  €  

Osteria Santo Spirito is a small osteria with outdoor (covered) patio on the Piazza Santo Spirito, varied menu, and fairly reasonable prices.

The Spezzatino Di Manzo (beef stew) was HUGE and delicious (€15) with big, tender chunks of beef and potatoes in a gravy much like you would find it the US. The gnocchi in salsa di formaggio gorgonzola e tartufo (€10 - cheese and truffle sauce) al forno (baked) was scrumptious and plentiful. The ravioli in cream and walnut sauce looked delicious and was also also huge (€12). The insalata mista (mixed green salad) came in a bowl the size of a cooking pot and was fresh and colorful.

The crostata di mirtilli (blackberry tort) was warm and tasty, and the accompanying caffe Italiano completed the meal nicely. The service was fair and the staff spoke English well. In all it was a nice lunch at moderate prices. Smaller portions and prices are also available on some dishes.

CombatCritic gives Osteria Santo Spirito 6 bombs Out of 10




Title: Pricey, Average Cuisine South Of The Arno

Key Words: Osteria Santa Spirito, osteria, hosteria, santo, spirito, restaurant, menu, Italian, Italy, Florence, Firenze, CombatCritic, TravelValue, travel, value, food, pasta, definitive, review, guide

Away From Tourists, Tuscan Charm Meets Fresh, Local Products In EastCentral Florence

Piazza Ghiberti, Florence.

E-mail:  mercato.ambrogio@virgilio.it


Having spent several weeks in Florence over the years, I find myself returning over and over again to the wonderful Mercato Sant'Ambrogio. Situated just northeast of Santa Croce and around the corner from the Loggia del Pesce and numerous antique stores, this indoor and outdoor market sells everything from underwear, socks, shoes and clothing to salami, cheeses, bread, pasta, fruit, vegetables and wine.

Locals abound and few tourists venture this far east of centro storico (historical center) even though Mercato Sant'Ambrogio has been around since 1873. The covered stalls outside offer shade from the summer heat, housing the fruit and vegetable vendors as well as those selling clothing, shoes, household items, and more. 

Much smaller, intimate, and less touristy than the Mercato Centrale located on the northern periphery of the historical center, Sant'Ambrogio feels much more comfortable and authentic. You can even sit down at the small Trattoria da Rocco (Mangino Gianpaolo) for a very inexpensive lunch (open Mon-Sat from 7 AM - 2 PM) at one of the few small tables where you will likely be dining with neighborhood residents rather than droves of tourists.
Gelateria Gallo Ghiottone Offers Tasty, Inexpensive Gelato Just Around The Corner!
So if you are looking for an authentic experience, inexpensive clothing, and fresh, local products away from the relentless tourist traps of Florence, Mercato Sant'Ambrogio is the place for you ...

CombatCritic Gives Mercato Sant'Ambrogio 9 Out Of 10 Bombs




Title: Away From Tourists, Tuscan Charm Meets Fresh, Local Products In EastCentral Florence

Key Words: Mercato Sant'Ambrogio, mercato, sant'ambrogio, ambrogio, Santa Croce, santa, croce, Florence, Firenze, market, indoor, outdoor, fruit, vegetables, shopping, travel, value