Florence Finds!

Hey Steemers!
I wanted to start my blog off with an exploration of one of my favorite cities in the world- Florence, Italy. (Firenze, as they say) I studied abroad there two years ago, and returned this summer for travel purposes. I love creating second homes in far flung places, and this definitely feels like a "casa lontano de casa". In this first installment, we'll start with food.. specifically, the humble panini.

Firenze Addition One: Food
Panino (aka Sandwiches)
Panini (plural for Panino) are the cheap, DELICIOUS way to eat your way through Firenze! There are many small, family- owned shops that I have drooled in and around in my time there.
1) Pino's!

Pictured above: spicy salami, brie, arugala, and tomatoes on MADE THAT DAY foccacia bread
Pino's is owned by a wonderful wife and husband duo. They are welcoming and charming, and preside over a cute delicatessen attached to a small seating room. The husband collects wine as well, and the place is filled with old wine bottles. (This also means they ordering a glass of red with your sandwich is the way to go!)
Most of the sandwiches are 4 euros and ALL are made on fresh- made foccacia bread. There are spreads, veggies, and cheeses galore, in addition to a wide variety of meats.
They are happy to allow you to make additions to their signature sandwiches, usually without additional charge!
PSA: much of the bread in Florence is unique, as they bake it without salt and allow it to become fairly dry before serving it. Pino's does NOT do this- their chewy, salted foccacia is flavorful and perfect. ALSO! These sandwiches are what we think of as "panini's", as in they are actually pressed, hot, and gooey.
2) The Oil Shoppe!

Owned by one charismatic man, this hole in the wall sandwich shop has more options than anywhere else in the city. The walls are lined with clotheslines and clothespins, hanging from which are notecards that describe wild flavor combinations. Black truffle spread, smoked gouda, braesola (cured beef), walnut pesto... Anything your wildest dreams have imagined. Ask and you shall receive. Sandwiches are a bit pricier (around 7-8 euros) but they are substantial. Also almost forgot HOMEADE POTATO CHIPS RUN DON'T WALK!

3) All'Antico Vinaio

What to say about this place... huge, saucy, and delicious sandwiches. Always say yes to them drizzling olive oil over your fixin's. Always. Fluffy foccacia, freshly baked.. Heaps of meat and toppings. There is always a massive line, but it does move quickly and is very worth it!
The guys who own and operate this place are hilarious as well- chat it up with the guy with the "wanderlust" tattoo on his arm. He'll say it's pronounced in the German style (vunder- loost, spelled for pronunciation).
5 euros for what could easily be shared between two people, savored over a long period of time, or scarfed in its entirety whilst sitting on the sidewalk outside the shop. The last is the most popular option. They are also happy to add whatever veggies and spreads your heart desires for no additional charge- try the truffle cheese spread!

4) Pizzeria Franco

Featured above- proscuitto cotto with truffle oil and truffle butter// proscuitto crudo with arugala, mozzarella, and fresh tomatoes
I realize I have now lead you astray and perhaps caused confusion or a lapse in your trust... Let me state for the record that this small pizzeria ALSO has amazing sandwiches. But we happened to get the pizza. Just look at it.
These individually- sized pizzas were 5 euros each. Unique in their use of olive oil in lieu of tomato (or any sort of) sauce. The only thing that gets baked is the crust, so you taste the freshness and individuality of each topping.
You will sit at small tables directly next to the cobblestone street, as the walls of this place open completely. Right near the Ponte Vecchio, but on a small enough, cobblestone side street to allow you to enjoy your meal.
**NOTE: the difference between proscuitto crudo and cotto. "Crudo" means raw, this is a cured pork option. DELICIOUS. "cotto" means cooked. Each are delicious and different, explore which tickles your fancy, crumbles your cookie, blows up your skirt...

And so ends addition one of Florence Finds! If this is something that interests people, I am passionate about spreading the word about good food. Always interested in conversations about that :)