New Year’s Eve at Il Salviatino luxury hotel in Florence

‘L’Epoca Garbata’ on stage on New Year’s Eve at Il Salviatino.

Exclusive atmosphere and theater for a night reminiscent of times gone by.

Concurrent with Italian Christmas – the package conceived on the wake of tradition and refinement and available from December 8th through January 8th to let guests relish a truly traditional Italian Christmas – the ancient Villa nestled in the foothills of Fiesole hosts an extraordinary performance that pays tribute to the period when elegance reigned supreme in Italy.

The Roaring Twenties, ladies wrapped in long evening gowns dancing a wild swing and, for the first time, showing off their sensual legs in a stylish – and sometimes cheeky – way. The noir ambience of the Thirties, when cigarettes were taken out of shiny silver cases and smoked in the dim light.

The cheerful gaze of people dreaming of a brighter future in the Fifties, and wearing the first colorful clothing and prints. That is the essence of “L’Epoca Garbata” (Gracious Years), a performance that underlines the special aspects embodied in the first decades of the 20th century.

Every single detail of the set will give life to an unusual stage where the luxury and special refinement that distinguishes Il Salviatino is woven with theater and music: an homage to the past and, above all, a reinterpretation of the esthetics in vogue of days gone by.

Two theater companies are involved in the project: one is keen on movement, on the search for detail and the study of mimicry; the other has a special talent for conquering space. The performers, sometimes acrobats, sometimes an imperceptible presence in the Villa, will move around a sort of stage-maze.

Il Salviatino becomes a stage and its interiors become the elements of a set. Windows, doors and staircases become frames for animated paintings, and corridors are the location for living installations.

The evening moves the rhythm of jazz, in counterpoint with Sound designers who will accompany guests throughout the performance, caught between real space and the past up to the magnificently spellbinding Italian garden. 

31st DECEMBER 2011 - NEW YEAR’S EVE at IL SALVIATINO LIVE MUSIC AND ENTERTAINMENT

Welcome cocktail in the Library

Little Canapés Oysters with Tonic Water and Oyster Grass 

Thinly sliced Anchovies with Tomato and Onion Gelatin 

Sesame-Flavored Smoked Salmon Balls

Crispy Baby Calamari

Dinner served at the Le Serre Restaurant

Scallops with Jerusalem Artichoke, Asparagus and Red Prawn Cream 

Red Mullet and Hazelnuts with Parsley and Candied Lemon, Anchovy Crumble 

Scampi Bites in Saffron and Herring Egg Broth 

‘Verrigni’ Spaghetti with Green Broccoli, Colonnata Bacon and Lobster 

Black Cod with Steamed Vegetables and Polenta with Cheese 

Artisan Cotechino with Lentils and Potato Purée 

Christmas Cake Pudding with Exotic Fruits and Berries, English Vanilla Sauce

Holiday Pastries

Accompanying champagnes: 

Bruno Paillard Brut 

Bruno Paillard Rosé 

Bruno Paillard Millesimé ‘96

€ 250

with three Champagne tastings included 

Special price for an extra bottle of champagne for toasting: € 80

Il Salviatino

Via del Salviatino 21
Firenze 50137
ITALY
Tel. +39 055 9041111
Fax +39 055 9041247
info@salviatino.com

http://www.salviatino.com/

SE-STO the new glass rooftop restaurant of the Westin Excelsior Florence

Yesterday I have been to the new glass rooftop Bar and Restaurant of The Westin Excelsior Florence: SE•STO.  Almost entirely made of glass, has reopened its doors to Florence and its international crowd after 20 years. There's a breathtaking 360 degree view of the whole city over the rooftops, the churches and the bell towers with the River Arno and the Ponte Vecchio as background, all embraced by the picturesque hills of Tuscany.

There are 2 large terraces, one dedicated to the restaurant and one to the bar. The terrace facing the Arno River, the one dedicated to the bar, is covered by a veil of water that immediately recalls the flow of the river Arno beneath.

The interior furnishings recall the Sixties but keeping comfort always in mind. The result is a warm and cozy atmosphere with various different seating options, from soft sofas, to bar stools and colorful poufs , all enriched by wooden floors and ceilings and walls covered in original Florentine hand crafted leather.

I was there for lunch and I really enjoyed the menu by the Chef Entiana Osmenzeza: dishes of the Mediterranean gastronomic tradition, made with fresh seasonal products, accompanied by a a good wine selection.

SE•STO

For more information please contact:

Sara Migliore

PR Manager, Starwood Italy

Ph. +39 02 6336 3641

sara.migliore@starwoodhotels.com

Xmas Market in Santa Croce square

In these days you can enjoy the annual Christmas Market that takes place in Florence, in the central Santa Croce square. 

Woody stands full of nice things to buy, typical food and drinks from all over Europe are waiting for you.  Many ideas for your Xmas gifts!

Don't miss the opportunity to taste the hot dog with an original "wurstel" sausage from Germany for only 5 euros or a gorgeous slice of "strudel" (typical cake with apples coming from Austria, Germany and North of Italy) for 3 euros.

Open from 10 am to 8 pm.

Thanksgiving in Florence at St Regis luxury hotel

Here is the menu for the special occasion: have a nice thanksgiving in Florence!

Open day: shiatsu classes in Florence

Friday Nov 4TH 9.30 p.m.at the Izumo Gym Via Moreni – 14 in Florence, The Shiatsu’s school I.R.T.E. Research Institute of Energetic Therapy, welcomes are and all for shiatsu classes at Florence branch for school year 2011-2012.

During the evening, you will have the opportunity to discover shiatsu up close and satisfy your curiosity about this discipline in addition to getting to know the school and teachings.

Free entry for all, they only ask that you kindly RSVP by contacting on the following members: 

Andrea Mascaro 335 6076463 andreamascaro@shiatsuirte.it, 

Veronica Dolfi 347 0889969 veronica.dolfi@gmail.com, 

Beatrice Gori 335 5318564 bea.gori@gmail.com

Cheap lunch in a tuscan trattoria in the center of Florence

Last wednesday I went with a friend of mine to this trattoria to have a fast lunch. It's a typical florentine restaurant where you can eat the traditional dishes of the tuscan cuisine. You can find florentine people as well as tourists.
For lunch they have some special prices: 5 euros for the first course (generally a plate of pasta) and 7 euros the main course (meat + vegetables). Cover charge 2 euros.

It's not bad, I enjoyed my stew beef with potatoes.

Trattoria Pallottino

Via Isole delle Stinche 1r
50122 Florence, Italy
055 289 573

Eat sushi as much as you can at Pingusto Sushi Wok

Today I have been to Pingusto Sushi Wok: it's an asian food low cost restaurant: you can eat how much as you can and pay only 10 euros! It's not far from Santa Croce Square. On the top floor have a lovely view of the Dome.

A ride in a Ferrari? a 3 days appointment that in November will promote the "Tuscany of events"

DYNAMIC EVENTS TEST SHOW TO BRING EVENTS IN TUSCANY

More than 200 participants for an event that from November 10th to 13th will promote the Region with a series of innovative sport activities, to show the destination through an original way. Carlotta Ferrari: "It's the first time for Italy".

A ride in a Ferrari? Vespa? Quad? Or do you prefer a race in Versilia? All this and much more for the Italian destination marketing main event: the Dynamic Events Test Show. It is a three days appointment that from November 10th to 13th 2011 will promote the "Tuscany of events" through an original and unusual way. For the first time in Italy over 200 selected representatives of famous companies and event organizers will be involved in a series of "dynamic" activities. The event will be based in Piazza Ognissanti (Florence) with a tensile structure used as a reception, welcome & hospitality desk, press room, coffee station and briefing room. The square will be the starting point of most of the activities: tours with car and motorcycles, tours to unusual places, tour in a Ferrari, racing dragon boat, quad tours and sailing regattas, including demonstrations of roadshows and special lighting, snow events and guided cultural tours.

The event is organized by Firenze Convention Bureau and Dynamic Events, with the support of Toscana Promozione. It will take place in three Tuscan Provinces (Florence, Siena and Lucca, the Versilia). The extension in this three provinces is partly a result of the agreement reached between Toscana Promozione (Tuscan Region) and Firenze Convention Bureau to assign to the consortium a leading role in the promotion of the Tuscan congressional destinations for 2011.

"The Dynamic Test Show Events is an unprecedented event in the history of Italian meeting & incentive industry - says the Fcb Director Carlotta Ferrari -. It never happened that an event of this type would be based on multiple Provinces at the same time and along an area as wide. Despite the time that still separates us from the beginning of the event - Ferrari continues - we are getting many requests for participation, which diminish quality standards based on the order of two hundred units. How the Convention Bureau are sure that an event of this kind can give Florence and the Region as a whole national visibility and prestige that had never been achieved in the past. Thank you - concludes the Director – to Oliviero Cappuccini, president of Dynamic Events, Toscana Promozione and our members who will be directly involved in the organization".

Firenze Convention Bureau (Fcb) is a 16 year-old non profit organization that combines the cooperation of both public and private sectors in order to offer a service that is distinctively emblematic of the city of Florence. Fcb has the Province of Florence as its main stakeholder and the strong support of the Florentine Municipality, the Chamber of Commerce, the Tuscan Regional government as well as the input of the over 70 private members highly specialized in the meeting industry all with the common purpose of making the organization of events and congresses in the capital of Tuscany easier and faster. More info at www.dynamicevents.it.

Innovative exhibition in Florence, at Giorgio Vasari's house with video installation by Bill Viola

"500 OGGI Le Vite dell’Arte in Contemporanea" is a contemporary art project curated by Melania Lanzini and dedicated as part of the celebrations for the fifth centenary of the birth of Giorgio Vasari. Through an innovative exhibition that includes ten national and international artists, established and emerging who’s work with installation as a medium capable of embracing all other forms of art, 500 OGGI Le Vite dell’Arte in Contemporanea opens its doors to an exceptional setting in the palace that was once the former residence of Giorgio Vasari in Florence, close to Santa Croce.

The video installation Acceptance by internationally renowned and pioneering American video artist Bill Viola will be presented in the exhibition by FIRENZE ARTI VISIVE School of Fine Arts and will complement this important and prestigious event.
Credits for the image:
Bill Viola, Acceptance, 2008
Video in bianco e nero ad alta risoluzione su schermo al plasma cm 155,5 x 92,5 x 12,7
Performer: Weba Garretson
Foto: Kira Perov
8:14 minutes

During the inauguration the Sala delle Arti e degli Artisti will be open to the public. The Salon’s interior includes floor to ceiling fresco’s painted by Vasari and is considered one of Florence’s hidden treasures of the 16th century.

Installations by: Bill Viola, Melania Lanzini, Charles Loverme, Federica Gonnelli, Paolo Lauri, Marta Luppi, Fabio Chiantini, Avio Musetti, Stefano Castrucci & Piero Mazzoni.

Exhibition Hours

_Florence 22/30 October 2011

_Borgo Santa Croce, 8

_Opening: 22 October 2011 at 6:00 pm

Admittance to exhibition with invitation only. You can download and print the invitation from the website www.500oggi.org Open Monday thru Friday 4:00pm to 8:00pm by appointment only. During the gallery hours, the artists will accompany visitors along the path of the exhibition.

Contact T: 334 9029153

E: info@500oggi.org

Good wine bar in Florence where you can eat for cheap

Last saturday I went to Sweet Bar, a small wine bar not far from the center of Florence. It's a cosy place owned by 3 smart guys. You can find some of the best wine in town and some dishes from the kitchen: appetizers, first courses and some salads with vegetables, ham, fish... I ordered a gorgeous "Tagliatelle con tartufo" (=with truffle). Excellent! Only 12 euros.

The wine bar is nice, full of local people: young couples, guys coming out from the gym, moms with kids... If you don't speak italian don't worry, ask of Aliosha: he speaks english!

Sweet Bar (here on Foursquare)

via di Ripoli 8-10/r via Giampaolo Orsini

tel. 055.6587051

Rare plant exhibition and market in Tuscany

This weekend there will be "Botanica": the first exhibition and market of rare plants and collector’s plants. It combines artistic and scientific topics with the knowledge and the safeguard of the natural environment, particularly of the ancient and forgotten varieties of plants.

The monumental Park of Medicean Villa Caruso, close to Florence, will house on this occasion a great selection of flowers, shrubs, ornamental plants and fruit-bearing plants together with the association of the typical products of the florentine hills. Typical products and floriculture belong since ever to our heritage and therefore the development of our land as a resource is one of the main topic of the Public Administration of Lastra a Signa who stakes on the local peculiarities to achieve a sustainable development, according to the regional policies on agriculture. 

Entrance fee: 3 euros.

Massimo Sestini Photography Exhibition in the brand new Audi showroom in Florence

Tomorrow afternoon there will be the opening of the photography exhibition by italian reporter Massimo Sestini, that will take place in the new Audi showroom in Florence, owned by Volkswagen Group Firenze. The artist will present to the press his masterpieces and best pictures.

It's October... or July?

Never remember to have an October with this hot weather!!! It seems like it were July. Yesterday you could go to the seaside and swim! Today it's still 30° C degrees, that is more or less 86 °F (Fahrenheit). I wish I should't have to work. I took this picture of the Dome just few minutes ago...

Gucci museum in Florence

Tonight there will be the big event: the opening of Gucci Museum in the center of Florence! A special party will take places in central Piazza della Signoria square, with a very limited VIP list (only 250 guests) and the live performance of Blondie...

Live! when the art meets the rock music

You have still some days to visit the excellent exhibition devoted to rock music in parallel with the contemporary art: Live! art meets rock music.

At Pecci Contemporary Art Museum of Prato (close to Florence) you can admire the original guitars, the LP covers, many pictures and videos of many rockstars (from David Bowie, to the Pink Floyds, from Sex pistols to U2) that are compared with the Abstract art, the sculpture and contemporary paintings of artists as Damien Hirst, Keith Haring, Basquiat, Andy Warhol.

An history that starts from 1969, the year of Woodstock and of the last live performance of the Beatles (above the Apple Records Roof building) and goes on through the 80s, the 90s and terminates in the 2009, the date of the death of Michael Jackson, maybe the last pop star we had, painted by David Lachapelle.

The exhibition ends at the 16th of September, when there will be a great party with MTV and Ceres.
Centro per l’arte contemporanea Luigi Pecci
Viale della Repubblica 277, Prato
Tel. +39 0574 5317 
Free entrance.

Free live music in Florence

In Piazza Beccaria, not far form Santa Croce, every night enjoy a different live concert on the stage close to the club "Kitsch".

At 7.30 pm have a glass of wine for 7 euros and a "all you can eat" aperitif with pasta, pizza, vegetables, ham, cheese, wurstel, potatoes and more... You may find seat inside and outiside the club.

At 9.00 pm listen to the live jam on the stage: from jazz to blues, from italian rock to latin music. You don't have to pay for the concert.

Until September, 2011.

Best ice cream in Florence, Italy

A five-minute walk from Uffizi Gallery and Palazzo Vecchio this small "Gelateria de' Neri" dishes out superior sorbets and ice creams. The flavours are always changing, many ice cream flavours are innovative (be sure to try the ricotta cheese and figues).  Classics such as cioccolato (=chocolate), fior di latte (=white cream) and stracciatella (cream with pieces of chocolate) are supplemented by seasonal specials (strawberries, melon, peach, lemon...). I enjoyed the bittersweet intensity of the green tea and the pistacchio flavour ( creamy flavour of nuts from Bronte, a Sicilian city known for its pistachio).

All ices are made in house.

Two-flavour cones cost 2.50 euros.

Gelateria de' Neri

Via de' Neri, 20-22 red

Firenze.

Winetown: Florence the location of a special wine festival in courtyards and cloisters of historical buildings

At the end of September, 2011, there will be a great event in Florence: Winetown, a wine festival with a lot of events. What's going on in Florence for the Winetown wine festival? here are some tips:

• Shows and concerts that enliven the tastings of fine wines inside important Historical Buildings that will be open to the public only for this special occasion. 
•  There will be cooking shows, a discussion and reflection on the design of the bottle and new technology on the second floor of the "San Lorenzo" Central Market. 
• The treasure hunt through the streets of the historical center 
• The game Vinopoli for children to play. 

Two intense days, complete with an unusual itinerary and an unconventional way of bringing wine and people together.

Opening hours:

Saturday 24 September 2011 from 11:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.

Sunday 25 September 2011 from 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.

The tastings will be conducted during the opening hours of the event upon purchasing the WineCard.

WHAT IS WINE TOWN

Wine town is a new concept and way of communicating the territory: to enhance the wine making tradition in a different context than usual, the idea to open the great private buildings of the nobility of Florence, which will then be rediscovered by the general public. Wine Town 2011, with the support of Toscana Promozione, the City of Florence and the Wine Town Committee, is a permanent annual event. WINE TOWN will take place in Florence on Saturday the 24th and Sunday the 25th. The city of wine, the city that for its past was left with skills which were stratified by centuries of daily practice in the fields of tradition and therefore demands more than anything else, the right to be represented by one of its many strong themes. In short, the capital of the Chianti region, the lands of Tuscany, the Sangiovese, the great and historic families in the vineyards where they have always been and where most of them have withstood the difficult years of depopulation and, finally, many fond producers who, in recent decades have reshaped, reevaluated and requalified agricultural land, restoring the fabric of rural construction in Tuscany. 10 themes or ten points of view to talk about wine, architecture, art, archeology, marketing, communication, innovation and children’s play.

Ten is also the number of the provinces represented by different food products and the most important chefs in the ten Territories.

24th of September – 25th of September 2011

Sponsors: City of Florence (Comune di Firenze), Toscana Promozione and the Wine Town Committee

In cooperation with the Italian Sommelier Association (A.I.S Associazione Italiana Sommelier and the Italian Historic Houses Association ( A.D.S.I. Associazione Dimore Storiche Italiane).

Information: Wine Town Firenze Committee

Tel. +39 055 2050400/462 Fax. +39 055 2050500

info@winetown.it www.winetown.it

Shellac professional colour nail design

I already wrote about Joe, my hairdresser in Florence, right in the city center.

Now I can also have my nails done at Joe's: a young woman who works there has now specializes in semi-permanent nail-polish application, gel, nail reconstruction..

I'd never heard about semi-permanent nail-polish and it's been a real re-birth for me.

This is how it works: she first applies nail-polish (Shellac - CND); and then you place your hands into a sort of small oven so that in a couple of minutes your nails are dry!

And they look perfect! It stays for almost 2 weeks. I never before had such gorgeous hands and I can now forget about filing, polish remover and all the rest! And it's quite inexpensive, on top of that!!

And the colours are really cool: I personally love coral red and fucsia pink.

Hairforce

Via Ghibellina 74/R Florence
Tel. +39 (0)55 241736
hairforce@fastwebnet.it (you can make reservation by email!)

Luxury italian stone jewels

I just received an email from a italian reader who lives in France: she has created some luxury "mosaic jewels" with tuscan travertine stone. Here is what she wrote to me:

The idea of creating stone-made jewels came to my mind some years ago. When I run into the small mosaic tesseras of Tuscany travertine marble, I had the chance of setting stones off and driving them into an intimate and private world.

Besides being a clear esthetical choice, this series of stones and silver-made jewels represents for me also an ethical choice: recovering discarded materials from mosaics. Such a choice deeply roots in the Tuscany land and in its history. Precious objects are created from materials commonly used in the building industry. The simple design of my jewels merges contemporaneity and traditions and enhances the intrinsic beauty of the stones. It accords shapes and shades of color, thus putting forth a new concept of discreet and un-standardized luxury.

For info: http://www.valeriaevarossi.it/

Champagne and aperitif with amazing view in Florence

God Save The Wine of fairies and magic ...with Champagne and Italy's finest bubbles!

After having baptized the summer with the huge crowd at the God Save The Wine in the beautiful Teatro Romano in Fiesole, we came back where it all started in 2010 on the fascinating Terrace Bardini, one of the most striking spots in Florence to celebrate a night of spells and magic.

10 producers, a lot of bubbles, from Champagne to the "new" Prosecco unfilterd sur lie and Franciacorta DOCG, also featuring old and new red wines from Puglia, Sicilia (the vulcan Etna!) and some tuscan classic, not to mention the 80th birthday of Riserva Ducale Ruffino.

An invitation to discover corners of Italy (Apulia, Franciacorta, Maremma, the majestic Mount Etna, the varied Chianti Classico, the miracle of the North East with Prosecco) to renew the magic in our country using the power of Bacchus to seduce and abduct the senses and the imagination to travel with us, in the glass and the people we love to have party with...

Wine List of the evening (including a mixed warm buffet): only 20 euros! eat and drink as much as you like...

Champagne Pommery

Champagne Brut Apanage

Summertime Champagne Blanc de Blancs

Champagne Rosé s.a.

Ruffino (San Polo, Greve in Chianti FI)

Rosatello Rosato IGT Toscana 2010

La Solatia Pinot Grigio IGT Toscana 2010

Riserva Ducale Chianti Classico 2007

Contadi Castaldi (Adro - BS)

Franciacorta Brut

Franciacorta Satèn 2007

Franciacorta Rosè 2004

Tenuta La Badiola (Castiglion della Pescaia GR)

Acquagiusta Maremma Toscana Bianco Vermentino

Acquagiusta Maremma Toscana Rosato

Acquagiusta Maremma Toscana Rosso

Agricoltori del Geografico (Gaiole in Chianti SI)

Vermentino Campo Vernino IGT 2010

Chianti Classico DOCG Molinlungo 2008

Pulleraia Igt Rosso 2007 Merlot

Antichi Vinai

KOINE' etna rosso doc riserva 2007

PETRALAVA etna rosato doc 2010

PETRALAVA etna bianco doc 2010

Cantele Vini

Negroamaro I.G.T. Salento 2009 (100% Negroamaro)

Teresa Manara Bianco Salento I.G.T. 2009 (100% Chardonnay)

Rosato Negroamaro IGT Salento 2010 (100% Negroamaro)

Selezione Zanotto

Zanotto Col Fondo Vino Bianco Frizzante Colli Trevigiani

Zanotto Prosecco fermo IGT

Casa Belfi – Prosecco Colfòndo Azienda La Basseta. San Polo di Piave (Treviso)

20 € wine and food

Moba Terrazza Bardini

Costa San giorgio 4a, Firenze

tel. 055 - 2008 444

email: info@moba.fi.it

info e prenotazioni

Firenze Spettacolo info@firenzespettacolo.it

What's on in Florence in July

Here the are 2 events in english!

A Stubborn Woman - When Stefano Massini first learned about the death of Anna Politkovskaya he created more than a play.  He created an opportunity for those of us who work on it and those who see it to think about the world in which we live.  To consider the question of 'who is our enemy?'

Staged reading - English/Italian with subtitles

Le Murate  via dell'Agnolo Florence

9.30 pm, 15 July

The Nina Variations - When asked to write an adaptation of 'The Seagull' Steven Dietz said: "I was mesmerized by the magnitude of this single fateful encounter."  For those who wonder what 'could have happened' at any moment of our lives, Dietz offers several possibilties for two of Chekov's greatest characters.

Staged reading - English/Italian with subtitles

Le Murate  via dell'agnolo Florence

9.30 pm, 16 July

NEW I Phone application dedicated to eating places in Florence

BuonApp Firenze is a NEW I Phone application dedicated to eating places in Florence. It has been created for the gourmet foreigner and for all the locals always looking for quality food and new gourmet experiences.

The project was born especially to provide visitors with an authentic guide to good food. Our motto: Enough of restaurants for tourists where you eat badly and you pay a lot! With BuonApp you will be guaranteed a delicious meal!

BuonApp Firenze is a real Guide since restaurants are accurately selected and (worthy of note) their listing in the app is free of charge.

Places are tested personally by our team and listed only if of excellent quality.

The language of the reviews is not typical of the gastro critics, but the language of the social web 2.0, fresh, quick and direct.

Reviews are edited by a group of Florentine insiders, professionals from the world of Communication and with a real passion for good quality food.

Our recommendations are not trying to be “the Bible of Florentine restaurants” and for sure not everybody will agree to our choices, but we can promise that in restaurants recommended by BuonApp you will find very nice food and the bestquality/price relationship.

BuonApp Firenze has been developed by FabApps Florence in Italian, English and German.

PROJECT CREATORS AND DEVELOPERS

Heiko Mattern, creative, graphic designer specialized in I Phone/I Pad graphic interface

Lorenzo Fanti, Art Director and I Phone Apps expert, comes from a Florentine family of restaurateurs

Elena Farinelli, Florentine blogger, with her blog Io Amo Firenze point of reference on the web for the nightlife, places and restaurants in Florence

The present version on AppStore is the first one. In the next few weeks it will be updated with new restaurants and with app additional features (possibility to add a comment, videos, digital coupons).

Cultural Experience Through Conviviality: english night with food

I just wanted to remind you of the upcoming English night with ToscanaIN and The Florentine, organized as every year. It's going to be Monday July 11th 2011. The topic is food, and after we talk about it, we eat it. 10 euros as usual buys you the whole evening and lots of food, and no membership is required. Come out! it's going to be fun.

The third “English Night” organized by ToscanaIN association and The Florentine, speakers from all over the world recount encounters with Italian food from their own cultural points of view.

Coordinated by Alexandra Korey (The Florentine, SUF alumni)

Welcome from the Director of Syracuse University in Florence, Sasha Pellegrini

From 20.30 to 22.00 networking and buffet dinner in the SUF gardens.

Menu

This delicious cross-cultural menu is prepared by American Salad Co / La Buona Tavola in the person of our member Paula Carrier: Lentil tabbouleh, Couscous Panzanella, Salad Niçoise, Spinach and Feta Pie, Vol au vents with sausage and stracchino, Pizzette, Lemon cake. Drinks: spumante, red wine, fruit juice, water.

Cost

The cost of the evening (open to ToscanaIN members and to guests) is 10 € payable at the entrance. This fee covers operational costs and gives you access to the rich buffet aperitivo. Those who wish to join ToscanaIN association this evening may sign up for a 2011 membership card (20 €). Registration required. Here>>

An iphone application that helps you find good restaurants in Florence

An iphone application that helps you find good restaurants in florence? this is it, and it is free to download until july 15 so grab it while you can. Here it is>>

Pic nic organized by Sonnino's Castle in Tuscany

Sunday 26th June From 11 am to sunset in the meadows of Castello Sonnino (Via Volterrana Nord 6/A, Montespertoli) there will be a lovely Pic-nic in the shadow of the Moro. Great outdoor party organized by Castello Sonnino of Montespertoli in collaboration with Slow Food, Tuscany and Slow Food Empolese Valdelsa.

At the start the second edition of the playful pic-nic of Sonnino. The meadows around the castle will be set up with recovering materials, connected to country tradition, as the old olive crates turned into tables and benches all around the trees. You will have lunch and a snack with quality products “Km zero”, served with the Castle’s wine and oil.

The program of activities, both for kids and adults, will be various (impossible to be bored!): pottery and weaving workshop, puppets making with recycling materials, “farm theatre” with Amanted workshop by Dimitri Frosali, folk music with folk group Vincanto and, by big request, Pacciamama will be back to teach us how to make a veg-garden in a crate and you will join Emiliano Terreni extracting honey from the hoenycombs. Castello Sonnino will also open their XIV century Clock Tower that will give us the opportunity to admire the territory from an unique point of view.

The necessary for the pic-nic will be provided by Castello Sonnino

Don’t forget to bring a blanket!

Rates:

Adults 15 € Slow Food members 13 € Including lunch, snack, workshops and shows

Kids (7-12 years) 7 € Slow Food Kids members 5 €

Free entrance for kids under 6 years

With reservation until june 23th
Info and booking: tel 0571 657481 • cell 333 8015739, 335 353439 •
• info@castellosonnino.it; studiomelarancia@gmail.com

Fb: CASTELLO SONNINO MONTESPERTOLI
http://www.facebook.com/mobileprotection#!/profile.php?id=100002172136395

Pitti Uomo Fashion Fair in Florence

Pitti Uomo Fashion fair is coming back: about 1.000 brands/collections expected at this edition.

From the 14th to the 17th of June, 2011 in Florence, Italy.

THE MAIN PAVILION is the heart of Pitti Uomo. There is a long waiting list of exhibitors who want to show their collections in the Main Pavilion at Fortezza da Basso, the place which over the past few seasons has established itself as the “container” where Pitti Uomo develops the most current lifestyle trends. But, the Main Pavilion is also the symbol of how the fair has evolved over the years, exploring the multifaceted spirit of the biggest names in men’s fashions. On the one hand we have the Lower Level, with names such as Boglioli, Brunello Cucinelli, Church’s, Cruciani, Isaia, Lardini and others – and collections that express an elegant contamination among classic, experimental and sportswear. On the other is the Upper Level featuring leading names in the new classic, Albert Arts, Altea, Kiton, Herno, Luciano Barbera and Sartorio, that are known for their exclusive, high quality materials and true craftsmanship. Then, there is the Ground Floor where the collections dialogue more directly with sportswear (at the Cavaniglia Pavilion) on one side, and the experimental, avant-garde collections in the Fashion District (Futuro Maschile, Touch!, L’Altro Uomo) on the other. For years, these and other outstanding names have been coming to the Fortezza da Basso to refresh their identities in pace with the speed of the present.

The Theme for June: MAGICAL PITTI TOUR. Travel will be the overall theme of this edition of Pitti Uomo: a huge map – with routes, stations, transfer points destinations, and panoramic stops – will be posted in the forecourt of the Fortezza da Basso. It will be a magic trip that takes you into the worlds of Pitti, of fashion and contemporary life-styles. 

The SPORTSWEAR Segment: more important and interesting than ever
The big names in sportswear, the names that are dedicated to developing their “world”, that are reaping good results and are making ever bigger investments in Pitti Uomo – are proof of how the event is internationally acknowledged as the ideal place for presenting collections, new projects and new global lifestyle concepts. And to meet their needs, Pitti Uomo is expanding the “Sport & Sport” section and will add another area, the Padiglione della Ghiaia entirely devoted to sportswear to complement the offering at the Cavaniglia Pavilion. And as name such as G-Star Raw, Gant, Henry Cotton’s, Scoth & Soda and WP Lavori in Corso, move over to bigger spaces, with striking settings, we will also see important premières and reentries – such as the K-Way return to the world of Pitti Uomo.

Open cellars in Tuscany: Villa of Vignamaggio

VIGNAMAGGIO adheres to the happening Open Cellars 2011. You can visit the garden, the "Pomarium" and the winery in Greve in Chianti, Firenze. Guided tours will be conducted at 11 and 12 a.m. and at 3, 4 and 5 p.m.

29th of May 2011 - CANTINE APERTE

Vignamaggio is a small Renaissance gem, its setting still very similar to the original. The core of the villa dates back to the XIV century, but its current look is the one given at the end of the XVI century by the Gherardi family who had purchased it from the Gherardinis. A girl was born here in 1479 to a member of the family, the famous Mona Lisa whose portrait was subsequently painted by Leonardo da Vinci. Inside the Renaissance Villa, listed in the "Historical Building of Italy" there are double bedrooms and romantic suites with antique furniture and bed linen made exclusively for Vignamaggio.

Florence Design Week 2011: second edition

Next week there will be the Florence Design Week: an international contemporary showcase to enhance and preserve the historical and cultural heritage of Florence. From 24 to 29 May 2011 Florence will host the second edition of the Florence Design Week - Design Village 2011, under the High Patronage of the Ministry of Heritage and Culture, supported by the London Design Festival and in collaboration with the Municipality of Florence, Province of Florence, Calenzano.

A passion for design and art will lead visitors to discover the five senses, through an emotional journey in which the design will merge with the historic beauty of Florence, the festival will involve squares, art galleries, libraries and historic houses decorating the city with his works to see and admire the work of new generations of designers and companies, taste the food that the design can give and enjoy the smells of a city ​​at the height of his creative spring. Spread in various locations all around the city of Florence, Graphic and Visual Design, Industrial Design, Fashion Design, Interior Design, Music and Food Design will be celebrated during the whole week. Exhibitions, workshops, meetings, design-aperitifs and an innovative night-life will be organized to create a real network between designers and people, between past and future. Taking part at the Florence Design Week is a great possibility to perceive the city designed on a new and contemporary light!

Electric Party at Villa Romana in Florence

Electric Party is a stream of dramatic elements – songs, rhythm, dance, poetry – that emerge from a seemingly casual atmosphere, a party in which the poetic word intersects with the present circumstances in which we are living. This experiment in artistic contact explores the edges of theatrical and social behavior, and plays with the sometimes ambiguous division between them. Electric Party is an articulated game that unfolds throughout the night: songs, poems, dances and actions appear and disappear without resolution, continually playing with the rhythms of the party, riding its waves. While the guests eat, socialize, drink and dance, the gathering arrives to moments of high intensity through structured and precise sequences of action performed by the Open Program team.

This event takes place at Villa Romana in Florence. Please bring with you an offering to the Party of something to drink or eat.

For more information, please go to: http://www.villaromana.org/
or contact: Tel.: +39 - 055 - 22 16 54 Fax: +39 - 055 - 22 80 251 office@villaromana.org

Free entrance to Uffizi Gallery and other museums in Florence

Again you have the opportunity to visit the Uffizi Gallery (and other museums) for free, next Saturday night, thanks to the "European Night of Museums".

On May 14th 2011 Museums all over Europe will offer music, exhibitions, guided tours, tastings. For the first time the European Night was proposed in France in 2005. The cultural event is under the patronage of Unesco and European Council.

Palazzo Vecchio and the Family Museum adhere to the event, by offering to their audience a concert reconstructing a “musical evening” of the Renaissance period and a programme of guided tours to the Palazzo Vecchio.

Entrance is free, but reservation is requested.
- Guided tour of Palazzo Vecchio with Giorgio Vasari
- Tour of Salone dei Cinquecento
For info: http://www.palazzovecchio-familymuseum.it/

Florence Gelato Festival

At the end of May a great event for all ice-cream lovers: Firenze Gelato Festival! This delicious event is planned May 25th to May 29th 2011, it will take place in several places in the center of Florence. Don't miss the opportunity to taste the best gelato in Italy!

White night: museums open all night long, live music, reading and ballets in the streets

Tonight there will be the "Notte Bianca" that means "White night": it's the second edition of a special event taking place in Florence, Italy on the night between April, the 30th and May, the 1st. Uffizi Gallery will be open for free in the night, as well as other museums will have special opening hours. Every square will host some special performance: dancing, live music, reading, dj-set... 

There will be hundreds of people everywhere!

The center of Florence will be closed to cars and private traffic.

Free entrance to Uffizi Gallery and other museums in Florence

Tonight starts again the "Martedì in Arte” (="Tuesday in Art"): that means that you can enter for free in many florentine museums every last Tuesday of each month, from 7 to 11 p.m.

And don't forget that next Saturday, March, the 30th, in Florence there wil be the "Notte Bianca" (="White night") that means that stores and museums are open all night long until morning! For this special occasion there will be free entrance to Uffizi Gallery until midnight. Don't miss this opportunity to visit the most famous masterpieces of Italian Renassaince, for free!

Easter in Florence

What do to at Easter in Florence? As every year, you can enjoy the Burst of the Carriage, a florentine Sunday tradition that is held every year on Easter morning. In front of the Dome, there's this suggestive ceremony: first 2 huge cows bring the cart in front of the main church of the city, then after the holy mess a big fire is launched: fireworks from the inside spread all over...

Live jazz music with gorgeous view of Duomo

Tonight at Caffetteria delle Oblate, the bar at the top of the public Library "Le Oblate", close to Piazza Duomo, there will be a free jazz concert performed by 3 young florentine players. During the live performance you can have some finger food and a glass of wine. 

Free admission to the concert.
You pay only if you have a drink.

Danza in fiera in Florence (dance fair)

Danza in Fiera gathers for 4 days all dance businesses, training and artistic sectors, ranging from classical ballet to contem­porary, from modern to tango, from hip hop to Latin dancing, from country to musical and from ethnic dancing to tribal and waltz.

What does Danza in Fiera offer?

• booths of dance apparel, fitness fashion, sport and wellness products but also areas dedicated to dance studios, dance groups and associations
• shows with national and international dance performers
• free classes, masterclasses with famous dancers and masters
• meetings, workshops, talk shows, exhibitions all about dancing
• contests and competitions
• castings and auditions to become a real professional dancer

NATURAL WELLNESS area, EVERY DAY at Spadolini Pavilion - ground floor

6th edition of Danzainfiera its also an unique occasion to get in touch with many companies belonging to natural wellness sectors. In the 100 sqm area "Spadolini Pavilion" ground floor, public will test a lot of wellness products:

- GIERRE GM: Italian exclusive distributor of Prananat, wellness and fitness carpet
- ORGANIC TRIBE: creative design for organic cotton shirts(gots) , 100% Made in Italy.
- IDEA TOSCANA: all pleasure of olive oil in many cosmetics products.
- DLS srl: Italian distributor of NOENE soles
- LIGANCE: creams and specfic products for dancer's training

Opening time:

Thursday 3.00 pm – 9.00 pm
Friday/Saturday 10.00 am – 9.00 pm
Sunday 10.00 am – 8 pm

Tickets:

1 day € 15,00
4 days € 40,00

Free entrance:
- kids under 8 years
- disabled persons

Jazz club live music in Florence

Program of March 2011

Concerts start at 10.15 pm - members only

For 8 euros only (renewal 5 euros) you can buy a membership card valid till 31st December 2011

Info & reservations: Vincenzo Ricchi, 335 6146115; after 9 p.m., 055-2479700

Tuesday 1st BLUES JAM SESSION + “STAY FREE BAND,” led by one of the most important blues musicians in Tuscany. Roberto Uggiosi: guitar & vocals; Marco Polidori: bass; Luca Solini: drums.

Wednesday 2nd NADIA ANGILELLA GROUP. Modern arrangement of Italian 40's and 50's songs and 30's and 40's American swing, with bossa nova & more. Nadia Angilella: vocals; Mario Codacci: sax; Silvano Grandi: piano; Piero Barbetti: drums; Paolo Bulletti: bass.

Thursday 3th “Jazz new standards”. Tonight JAZZ JAM SESSION, with Marco Pezzola: piano; Carlo Bonamico: bass; Cosimo Marchese: drums.

Friday 4th PERFIDIA QUARTET. The group, whose name comes from a very famous 30's bolero, works to restore the intense and full of pathos atmosphere of bolero, son and latino music, especially the traditional Cuban. Francesco Birardi and Gianni Biondi: guitars & vocals; Paolo Casu: percussions; “Sandrito” Garbey: trumpet.

Saturday 5th Special Event! FRANCESCO SANTUCCI QUARTET. FRANCESCO SANTUCCI: sax; LUCA MARIANINI: tromba, MAX TEMPIA: Hammond; Cosimo Marchese: batteria. An ecceptional “All Star Band”.

Sunday 6th and Monday 7th closed.

Tuesday 8th CARNIVAL BLUES JAM SESSION + “STAY FREE BAND,” led by one of the most important blues musicians in Tuscany. Roberto Uggiosi: guitar & vocals; Marco Polidori: bass; Luca Solini: drums.

Wednesday 9th JAZZ FROM THE VILLAGE. JAZZ ENSEMBLES OF NEW YORK UNIVERSITY. Every two weeks, a night dedicated to new talents in Jazz! The best jazz students of New York University of Florence on stage at Jazz Club with other musicians; after the concert, Jam Session!

Thursday 10th “Jam triorganic electric style” - JAZZ JAM SESSION (Jazz funk free style) with Franco Santarnecchi: Hammond; Luca Gelli: guitar; Cosimo Marchese: drums.

Friday 11th SCIABADOGA. Leonardo Galigani: vocals, drums and trumpet; Folco Tredici: guitar and h armonica; Emiliano Tozzi: vocals, bass and clarinet. Three skilled musicians for a lively rock-swing night.

Saturday 12th I.F.S (Italian Funky Sound). Franco Baggiani, Cosimo Boni, Gianni Ciapetti: trumpet; Andrea Coppini & Giacomo Downie: sax; Roberto Beneventi: accordion; Leonardo Passigli: guitar; Filippo Poggi: bass; Gerard La Torraca: percussions; Fabio Ferrini: drums; Vincenzo Genovese: keyboards. A sound inspired by the jazz- rock of Miles Davis and Herbie Hanckock.

Sunday 13th and Monday 14th closed.

Tuesday 15th BLUES JAM SESSION + “STAY FREE BAND,” led by one of the most important blues musicians in Tuscany. Roberto Uggiosi: guitar & vocals; Marco Polidori: bass; Luca Solini: drums.

Wednesday 16th C.A.M. ON! Concert with the teachers of C.A.M. (Centro Attività Musicali) in Florence. With Cosimo Marchese, Alessandro Di Puccio, Stefano Rapicavoli, Leonardo Volo, Massimiliano Calderai.

Thursday 17th Cool & Be Bop JAZZ JAM SESSION. Tonight “cool jazz jam session” with Silvano Grandi: piano; Maurizio Bozzi: bass guitar and double bass; Cosimo Marchese: drums.

Friday 18th MUSICHERIA. Claudio Giovagnoli: sax; Leonardo Volo: electric piano, keyboards; Carlo Bonamico: bass; Bernardo Guerra: drums. A super-band playing best contemporary jazz.

Saturday 19th Special event! From New York STEVE HUDSON CHAMBER ENSEMBLE. A group dedicated to performing original music that seeks to inspire. The ensemble's roots are in jazz and classical music however their sound has no boundaries and is influenced by genres such as tango, folk, and indie rock music. The quartet features violinist Zach Brock, cellist Jean-Philippe Feiss, percussionist Martin Urbach, and Steve Hudson on piano and melodica. Keyboard Magazine writes of Hudson's unique sound, “Exquisitely beautiful compositions…there is a quest for beauty in his lines that evoke the masters.”

Sunday 20th and Monday 21st closed.

Tuesday 22th BLUES JAM SESSION + “STAY FREE BAND,” led by one of the most important blues musicians in Tuscany. Roberto Uggiosi: guitar & vocals; Marco Polidori: bass; Luca Solini: drums.

Wednesday 23th JAZZ FROM THE VILLAGE. JAZZ ENSEMBLES OF NEW YORK UNIVERSITY. Every two weeks, a night dedicated to new talents in Jazz! The best jazz students of New York University of Florence on stage at Jazz Club with other musicians; after the concert, Jam Session!

Thursday 24th MODERN JAZZ JAM SESSION + “Quartet House Band”. Tonight jazz jam session with Simone Marrucci: guitar; Nicola Cellai: trumpet; Francesca Taranto: bass guitar; Cosimo Marchese: drums.

Friday 25th. THE BEERS BROTHERS. SOUL BAND. Ten musicians with the passion of the Blues Brothers and the vitality of The Commitments.

Saturday 26th CLAUDIA TELLINI QUARTET “Kind of standard”. Claudia Tellini: voce; Mauro Avanzini: sassofono, flauto; Nicola Vernuccio: contrabbasso; Andrea Melani: batteria. Four exceptional musicians play famous standard, with personal arrangement and style.

Sunday 27th and Monday 28th closed.

Tuesday 29th BLUES JAM SESSION + “STAY FREE BAND,” led by one of the most important blues musicians in Tuscany. Roberto Uggiosi: guitar & vocals; Marco Polidori: bass; Luca Solini: drums.

Wednesday 30th VINTAGE PEOPLE. Giovanna Andreani ed Elena Sarti: vocals; Roberto Sarti e Alessandro Calabrò: guitars; Franco Agresti: bass; Fabio Poggiali: drums. Pop cover band.

Thursday 31st Mr. BANANA BAND. Marco “Mr. Banana” Pieraccini: guitar and vocals; Marco Polidori: bass; Alessandro Solenni: keyboards; Marco Confetti: drums. Original compositions of “Mr. Banana” Pieraccini, inspired by all the nuances of black music. Presentation of new CD Come from Here.

Pitti Immagine 79: Men Fashion trade fair

For the 79th edition of Pitti Immagine Uomo, Trussardi dal 1911 presents its new Men’s Collection Fall/Winter 2011-12 in a spectacular runway show held at Stazione Leopolda in Florence. The show celebrates an important anniversary for the Italian fashion house: 100 years of excellence, quality, artisan workmanship, and exquisite details. The history of Trussardi is primarily a story about its finest material: leather. 100 years of artisan leather-working, a trade that has defined the group since 1911 when Dante Trussardi produced his first pair of leather gloves for his company. Milan Vukmirovic, the Creative Director of Trussardi dal 1911, focused on Trussardi’s DNA and used his distinctive, dynamic, self-possessed style to pay homage to the heritage and understated cosmopolitan luxury of the brand. Accessories play an important part in this collection with a special capsule collection celebrating the 100th anniversary of Trussardi Group. As stars of the catwalk, these iconic objects represent the company’s century of savoir faire that also looks to new horizons as the greyhound agilely and swiftly runs towards the future. 

The fashion show held on Wednesday, January 12 (Stazione Leopolda, Florence, 7:00 p.m.) is a celebration that Trussardi wants to share with everyone. In fact, the show will be streamed live over the Internet at www.trussardi.com. 

On this occasion, Stazione Leopolda will also become a true emblem of the Trussardi world. The latest styles will blend with its history revealed through the protagonists, icons, products, collections, places, and events that have made Trussardi one of the most important players of the international fashion scene. With everything from the original gloves of the Dante Trussardi Glove Factory to the company’s outstanding design projects of automobiles and airplanes, handbags made of innovative materials and bicycles, gorgeous evening gowns and Trussardi Design chairs, the fashion show will be a spectacular stage for an extraordinary presentation of the history of the company. 

The exhibit will remain until January 16 in Florence (open to the public every day from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.) and will then be transferred to Milan at Palazzo Trussardi Alla Scala (Piazza della Scala 5), where it can be seen in January and February as a special event during the Men and Women’s Fashion Weeks. For 2011, Trussardi dal 1911 presents an extraordinary collection and new moods that blend past, present and future to celebrate Trussardi Group.

More info about Pitti Fair on next days...