Part II 

 

When we reached the Pitti Palace (former home of the powerful Di Medici family) we found a  Chianti wine tasting in progress. After a survey of the producers I opted to pass and hold out for the good stuff.  Directly behind the palace was the Bidoli Gardens, one of Europe's first public parks. The view from the top of the hill was incredible and the smell of lavender and bay leaf filled the air. One thing about Florence and Europe in general, the do a whole lot more walking than people in the US. Maybe our cost of healthcare wouldn't be so out of control if our cities were set up to accommodate people rather than automobiles?  Well a that walking worked up an appetite but we wanted to save room for the big dinner with Riccardo that night. We decided to try the Obika Mozzarella Bar I had spotted near our hotel the day before. Guys I don't mean to brag but boy do I know how to pick them. Obika is a new concept of fresh eating that started in Rome but now has locations in Milan, Florence and even New York and Tokyo, although I doubt the cheese in the last two locations could be as fresh as what we tried that day. We ordered a sampler plate for four, Arugula salads and a bottle of Verdicchio. In Italy they take their food seriously and Mozzarella has the same protections (DOP) as wine. Authenticity is of major concern. I always thought that Mozzarella was all over Italy but it's not. It's a product of the south and comes from the water buffalo that produce the milk it comes from. And there are many kinds of Mozzarella, something I also did not know. Our favorite was the Stracciatella di Burrata which was creamy and stringy and not at all the most attractive in the sampler. Another lesson learned. For those of you who want to know more here's a link to the website. The place is pretty high tech and modern looking but the food is timeless.