“Danny’s not having pasta,” my daughter says. We’re setting the table for lunch at her house. I’ve brought a pot of ragu and tagliatelle, which we’ll eat with a generous dusting of freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano. If I were on death row, this would be my last supper request. Her husband, I gather, is in a…More
Tag Archives: Florence
Panforte: a chewy flavor bomb
While we’re in Italy, Tizi lays in supplies–treasures. Mainly chocolate. Over time we’ve put providers on our maps, in Rome, Florence, Siena, Venice. When we’re hanging out in San Marino and Pesaro, which is usually the case, her go-to place is Cioccolatteria & Confetteria Talmone. Now we have a new place, in nearby Fano. But…,…More
Yes, Rabbit–pan, oven, mouth
In the kitchen I originate very little. I’m an homage cook. I replicate and modify. One dish I’m proud of is a modified arrabiata pasta. Very modified. Extremely modified. Actually, it has little to do with arrabiata. The story: One year my wife and I had a long lunch in Montepulciano, the one in Tuscany…More
A Celebration Lunch
For celebration lunch today we have Greektown of Detroit, Barbuto of New York, and Howdy Richards of Freeland to thank. What are we celebrating? Being alive. Being together. More
Chics and Tuna
One of my fondest memories is having lunch at the Buca del Orafo in Florence. My wife took me there the first time–in 1978. We had a Fiorentina, the giant Italian t-bone steak, which was awesome. In subsequent visits we’ve skipped the steak and enjoyed the shaved artichoke and pecorino antipasto, pasta with fresh peas,…More
Three Days in Florence
Here are some recommendations for where to stay, daily itineraries, and where to eat. You will walk Florence for two and a half days, see a lot, and eat very well. Also recommended, a half-day trip by local train to Lucca. Most of the walking itineraries have the Duomo as the point of departure. I…More
Peas Please Me–definitely try this at home
How can something so simple be so good? This dish, like pasta with chickpeas, is simplicity and goodness. Look at that recipe for a little more detail on the steps. Here, briefly: More