Local Expert
Nichole Buscher
Who says you can’t take it with you?
After finishing a degree in Audio Engineering in Boston, Nichole returned home to California where she worked for Sony Music, BMG & Columbia Records. One too many…
Who says you can’t take it with you?
After finishing a degree in Audio Engineering in Boston, Nichole returned home to California where she worked for Sony Music, BMG & Columbia Records. One too many Hollywood sightings later, she hopped on a plane to live out a lifelong dream of the “American in Europe” and never looked back. Even though an audio engineering degree didn’t get her far here, years of traveling and her wild curiosity has led to four years of professional tour guiding and travel consulting in Europe.
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Every year, travelers find themselves wondering what to do in a new city to celebrate the New Year. Florence is actually an easy city to enjoy, whether you’re out on the city streets or along the Arno river enjoying the fireworks, a New Year here is not to be missed. Here you’ll find a few ideas to keep the night going:
CENTRAL PARK PARTY
The most electrifying New Year's Eve party will take place at the one and only club Central Park! Imagine a sprawling 3,000 square foot elegant club with two rooms, each with its own distinct vibe and flair to please every nightlife palate. Notorious as the hangout for italian and international celebrities, models and scenesters. Mix and mingle along the impressive arched 45' glazed oak bar, lounge at one of the sleek leather VIP banquettes and dance the night away on the 500 square foot dance floor.
Located few steps from S.M.Novella train station, this party will be sizzling hot New Year's Eve event. No matter where you are, the 1,000 watt state of the art sound system, high tech lighting and a world renowned DJ spinning a mix of Hip Hop, Dance, Rock, Top-40 & 80's will have you partying until the sun comes up!
PRICES:
Dinner at 9pm and admission to the party: 80€/person
Dinner at 9pm and admission to the party with reserved table: 120€/person
Admission to the party after midnight: 40€/person
Admission to the party after midnight with reserved table: 60€/person
Access to the party is exclusively on advance tickets. Buy tickets: 3406905027 - 3334273104.
Trattoria Garga
Not in the mood for a club scene? Fancy a good meal instead? I’d suggest trying Trattoria Garga, a fantastic Trattoria in central Florence which also offers daily cooking classes. The chef and owners Sharon Oddson and Giuliano Gargani will welcome you with open arms and warm hospitality. With incredible food and wine, locals and tourists alike flock here for the New Year, so be sure to book a table well in advance and come hungry.
Trattoria Garga:
Via del Moro, 48/r, 50123 Firenze, Italia
Tel: +39 055 2398898
For a truly unique dining experience, why not have a meal while looking at five hundred year old frescoes? The luxurious Ristorante Alle Murate in Florence offers a lovely New Years dinner for just 150€ per person. Before we get to the meal part, here’s a bit of info on the establishment and why its so special:
A rare example of profane art in a medieval public building brought to light after five hundred years. In the centre of the valuted ceiling is a magnificent circular representation of medieval Florence surrounded by its walls, the Arno river and the crests of the old city of Florence. The recently restored 14th century premises of the Guild of Judges and Notaries in the heart of Florence, offer a unique experience in Florentine art and archeology, dating from the Roman epoca until early Renaissance. You can dinner with the unique experience of admiring the real face of Dante Alighieri. Don't miss this opportunity!
New Year’s Menu:
Capon stock with hand made ravioli and Valdarnese hen’s special egg, Red prawns from Sicily, turnip tops sauce and bresaola from Chianina beef, Tortelli stuffed with burrata and ricotta cheese, sea bass ragout, Pumpkin soufflé, foie gras, black cabbage sauce, Free range lamb from Casentino country: leg stuffed with artichokes, stewed shoulder and fried chop, Variation on chocolate and citrus fruit: dark chocolate cake with tangerine sauce, orange jelly and white chocolate mousse.
Price: 150,00 euro per person
Wines are not included but Spumante bottle included
for info: Ristorante Alle Murate, Via del Proconsolo 16/r per info: Tel. 055240618 silvia@allemurate.it
Florence has all types of great gifts to bring our family and friends ones back home. So this holiday season, why not stay away from cheap, tourist gifts that go lovingly in a drawer and are never to be seen again? The handmade gift selection in Florence is vast, with a number of craft workshops and boutiques where you can find fun trinkets at great prices.
Of course, this means getting off the main drag and hitting the lesser known parts of the city. Think of it like a treasure hunt and the tinier the shop, the better the gift. Keep a look out for things like handmade bags or those great Italian handmade shoes, leather jackets, jewelry and funky Florentine clothing (not the type in the high end shops, but rather handmade high end, with hand written labels, fun buttons and great stitching). If I had a nickel for every time someone complimented me on my handmade scarf from Europe or my earrings from Rome....
Not really into fashion or clothing? Another great take home gift from Italy are the lovely paper stores, with handmade paper, envelopes, or custom made stamps and wax kits (not the Brazilian type). Anything you can find that is handmade in Florence, usually has a history, passed down from generation to generation. If the shop is far away from the tourist path, try bargaining in a soft subtle fashion. If the price is firm and the item is worth it, buy it. It will be a lasting memory for you of your treasure hunting in Italy and a great gift for a loved one at home.
With all the beautiful women in Italy, its no wonder there’s a restaurant named after all of them. If you’re looking for a place to rub elbows with the locals, this is the place. Located just west of the Duomo on the street with the same beautiful name, the Belle Donne promises fantastic traditional cuisine with specialty dishes to keep you coming back.
With only about 12 tables inside, you’ll find the decor charming and nostalgic with old movie posters, funky art and antiques. Hand written menus, fantastic Osso Bucco, arugula salad with pecorino and artichokes, eggplant Parmesan and roasted chicken with peppers . Their house wine is pretty much just that, a a Chianti Classico with a Osteria Belle Donne label which compliments any meal.
Definitely a place you’ll want to start making reservations at for both lunch and dinner, but not to worry, the place is still usually filled with Italians and the few odd tourists who’ve heard of such a great place.
Osteria Belle Donne
Via delle Belle Donne, 16r
50123 Firenze (Toscane), Italy
+39 055 2382609
The Palazzo Medici Riccardi hosts some of the most impressive exhibitions in Florence, and this month’s show is no exception. The focus is on the master himself, Raffaello and the newly restored “La Madonna del Cardellino”.
What is interesting about this particular work of art is that it has undergone centuries of restoration, many times being damaged along the way. History has it that Raffaello’s Madona dei Cardellino “met an unfortunate fate” years ago in 1548 when in Lorenzo’s house, the building collapsed during a landslide and fragments of the piece were discovered only to be put back together again in the best way possible.
After years of numerous restorations, repainting, and failed attempts to bring it back to its original state, the Palazzo Medici Riccardi is proud to display the “reborn” masterpiece, with art historians declaring it to be returned to its ancient splendor.
With such a long history of natural disaster, and years of resisting, this work of art is a must see and a true miracle for the art world.
For more information: www.palazzo-medici.it
Ph. 055 2760 340
Opening: every days from 9.00 to 19.00, Wednesday excluded.
Tickets: full 7,00 € - reduced € 4,00
For what seems like centuries, the Italians have always dressed well. From their luxurious papal robes to the queen’s lavish gowns, to the annual fashion shows in Milano, Italians have been the envy of their neighbors in the fashion world.
So this holiday season, you’re probably wondering how you can compete at those Gucci prices??? Well, I’ve got a little secret that may surprise you. It’s called “The Mall”. Not just an urban legend, the Mall is what we Americans may call an outlet center. Just 30 minutes by taxi from Florence center, the Mall is a fantastic place to buy designer Italian labels at a fraction of the cost.
With names like Valentino, Armani, Bottega Veneta, Sergio Rossi, Yves Saint Laurent, Ermengildo Zegna and, last but not least Gucci, it is hard to resist the charms of the major labels.
You can find discounts of hundreds of dollars, some with an additional % taken off at the register, you’ll find the line at the cash register stretched out the door!
Personally, I am not a shopper. But everyone coming to Italy likes to take something home for their loved ones, and better yet, a little token to remember their trip for themselves. So forget the coffee mug with the Pope on it, or the perverse Michelangelo boxer shorts. Make your way to The Mall for extreme savings on designer labels and a paupers look at designer fashion in style.
Location: The Mall, Via Europa 8, Leccio, Reggello (+055 865 7775, outlet-firenze.com).
Open 9am-6pm, Tues 9am-1pm and winter Sun 3pm-6pm.