Florence – Rays Picks NYC

Italy Trip 2013

My week long trip to Italy was inspired by my eagerness to try authentic Italian cuisine and wanting to see the awe inspiring sites and beautiful architectures that made this country a must-visit in the world. With stops at Milan, Rome and Florence, I dined at little café’s, family-run tratorria’s and Michelin starred restaurants

My epicurean journey started in Milan at Bar Della Scalla, close to the Duomo. This is where I had the first-hand taste of risotto Milanese—a dish that is so simple and yet so good. That day, I also took part in a Michelin star dinner at Innocenti Evasioni where the chef Eric Picco (who I met the night of my visit) prepared a wonderful dinner.

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The following day I was off to Rome where I walked and walked in awe of all the marvelous and majestic architecture. To top it off, a visit at the Vatican City granted me the opportunity to witness Pope Francis hold his daily Wednesday mass then to the old Roman ruins and the Coliseum. Of course this wouldn’t be the same if I hadn’t indulged myself with Roman style pizza along the way.

My dinner choice that night did not disappoint. I decided on Pipero Al Rex, one of Rome’s most talked about restaurant. The duo of owners Alessandro Pipero’s hospitality and Chef Luciano Moncellino creativity in the kitchen earned the restaurant a Michelin star.

The next day I made a trip to Florence for a day, which isn’t enough time to really absorb everything the city has to offer. Nevertheless I enjoyed walking around this beautiful metropolis. The city itself is an outdoor art exhibit, a paradise for artist both young and old.

I went to Mercato Centrale for lunch and had Tuscan chicken and fresh pastas at one of the family owned restaurant inside the market. While I toured the market, it was nice to see the vibrant color of fresh produced and smell different types of cheeses as well as sampling a variety of olive oil that came from region of Tuscany.

Mercato Centrale:

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Dinner was at Ora D’Aria, another Michelin star restaurant located by the famous Ponte Vecchio where the chef Marco Stabile prepared two kinds of delightful tasting menu. I was obviously spoiled by this time and expected nothing less as I continued my journey.

I stopped over at Milan for the next two days before flying back to New York City. There, I had first experiences of appretivo hour and more pasta at Bar Gatto that Milan is known for. Aperitivo hour is what happy hour for us here in the. Purchase a drink then indulged at a buffet of small bites made fresh daily.

Bar Gatto Aperitivo Hour:

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I sampled some delectable pastries at Sgroi Panetteria Pasticceria before having a final dinner at Ritorante Sadler to end a fun filled trip. Chef and owner Claudio Sadler is one of the most respected person in Milan’s culinary scene. The two Michelin star restaurant was on point and everything that I had expected

Espresso in Italy was terrific! The best coffee I’ve ever had, the roasted beans has a touch of sweetness that I can drink all day. It’s consistent throughout the country; the taste is the same in Milan, Rome and Florence.

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Six days in Italy is so short. I wished that I could have spent more time here and visit other parts of the country. I promised myself that I will be back here and this time I will be armed and ready for more tantalizing treats for the eyes and for my appetite.

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Ora D’Aria *

Ora D’Aria
Via dei Georgofili 11R
50122 FLorence, Italy
39 055 200 1699
Official Site

On my way back to Milan from Rome I stopped at Florence. It’s truly a beautiful city, rich in history and arts. The artistry of the Renaissance is seen at every corner of the city. After a long day walking around sightseeing, when it was time for dinner, Ora D’Aria was the restaurant of choice. The location couldn’t be better, a block away from Ponte Vecchio and walking distance from the town center.

Considered among the top dining establishments in Florence, it was first awarded a Michelin star in the guide’s 2012 edition and held on to it ever since. This was the one of only three Michelin starred restaurant in Florence, a surprisingly small numbers of stars awarded in my opinion especially for such a distinguished city.

The kitchen operates under a young chef and owner, Marco Stabile—a home grown talent from the region of Tuscany. Chef Stabile worked in some of Italy’s finest restaurants and is a member of the prestigious Jeunes Restaurateur D’Europe.

Ora D’Aria offers two types of tasting menu, “The Tuscan”, inspired by regional produced and the seafood centric Il Pesce, Il Marea , Il Bosco . A la carte options are available as well. The tasting menus consist of six courses valued at 70 and 75 euros respectively and since I dined with a companion, I was able to sample both.

Dinner started out with a beef tare-tare, accompanied with an Italian beer, freshly diced beef that melts in your mouth and is a sizeable portion for an amouse-bouche.

In the Tuscan menu, the first course called The Hen, the egg and the egg, were all of the components of the dish stemming from a chicken cooked in different ways and in different flavor profiles. Pieces of chicken were soft, the egg was poached flawless and the broth made out of chicken was added flavoring.

The next two courses were the risotto and the game filled tortellini. Freshly made and al dente, the risotto rice was cooked just right. The tortellini and its stuffing were simply delicious

Tuscan Menu:

The following course was supposed to be the suckling pig, but since my dining companion and I were non-pork eaters, the restaurant more than gladly substituted a roasted pigeon dish. This was the first time, I was having pigeon and it tasted like the dark meat of the chicken. The way that it was roasted has a beautiful crunchy outside and the meat was tender. The pigeon was seasoned rightfully.

This was followed with an assortment of Tuscan cheeses with sliced bread. Each cheese has a distinct taste that is only known to this region.

On to the predominantly sea food tasting menu, the first course was Sea Bass sashimi that was marinated with citrus and fruits. The sashimi was fresh and clean, the orange and the persimmon added a lovely touch of acidity and the chestnut crumble provides an additional texture.

Il Pesce,Il Marea,Il Bosco Menu:

That was followed by roasted scallops. This was an appetizing dish. The caramelized onion went well with these fresh scallops that were roasted to perfection.

Next course was the cream of yellow pumpkin soup. The buttery soup with a touch of sweetness was cleverly inserted in between courses to balance the different flavor from each dish. It was also a dish on a cold night, which made it even more fitting.

My pasta dish was the pappardelle with cod fish and black truffles. The sublime combination of saltiness and earthiness with the texture of the fresh pasta made this my favorite dish.

I learned my lesson from previous dinner at Rome’s Pipero Al Rex, that by the time the fourth course came, I was helping my dining companion with the food. The staff asked us if we were ready for the dessert. This time I requested for remaining course: the fish of the day, which happens to be the branzino. The fish is fillet and roasted with proper seasoning. Served with black truffle puree, it adds flavor to this mouth watering fillet.

To finish up the tasting, we had the sorbet with chocolate and coffee powder and the sweetened pears for dessert. Guests can also choose the desserts a la carte. Desserts were good, unfortunately I’m not too fond of sweets. My companion on the other hand, who has sweet tooth, enjoyed both dessert.

Both tasting menus were terrific and there was not a single dish that I was displeased with. The food is simple, uncomplicated and only uses the freshest seasonal ingredients from the region. Each course were served with correct timing that allows the right progression of flavors. While the combination and the balancing of flavors are also well put together.

The wines are predominately from Tuscany. I requested a wine pairing with the tasting menu, but there was a miscommunication with the sommelier. I ended up with a wonderful regional white wine anyway. It has a similarity with Sauvignon Blanc and its fruitiness and acidity that helps enhanced the taste of each dishes. I also had lovely Chianti that Tuscany is known for.

Just like its food, Ora D’ Aria interior is simple and clean. The main dining room is airy, with high ceilings, wall of mirrors opposite the sliding glass door that leads to kitchen where guest can see the chef and his brigade in action. The night that I visited, there were a mixture of locals and tourists occupying the cloth covered two tops tables that is paired with stylish Saarinen designed arm less tulip chairs. The downstairs section with its exposed bricks, low ceiling and dimmer lighting is designed for a more intimate setting. There you also find the wine cellar.

There was an issue with the language with the staff, but it was nothing serious that would diminish the dining experience. The staff seemed a little uptight at first, but warmed up as the night went on. Each and every one of servers were attentive and very courteous, they were there to provide the service at the utmost.

By this time I was already spoiled by the hospitality that I’ve been receiving from the restaurants that I’ve visited on this trip that it came to no surprised to me when Chef Stabile served some of our dishes and introduced himself to us. As guest departs, Chef Stabile was waiting in the front bidding each and every guest farewell and thanking them for their patronage. When he found out that we were visiting from New York he gave us a parting gift, a bottle of Tuscan olive oil.

Many rank this restaurant behind the three Michelin star Enoteca Pinchiorri which is a valid statement. But after dining at this restaurant I can agree why Ora D’Aria is one of the top restaurants in Florence.

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