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Lunch or Dinner
in Private Florentine home

Have you ever wanted to step into a private Florentine home to dine with locals? If peeking into the lives of a typical Italian family to talk food, art and traditions sounds like an enchanting way to spend an afternoon or evening in Florence then have a peek below. Whether it be dining 'al fresco' on a roof top terrace overlooking the world's most enchanting Renaissance city or in the dining room of the hostess's penthouse apartment, this out of the ordinary dining experience will not only get one's tastebuds dancing, it's bound to dish out memories to savor for years to come. Just email: sindyfirenze@yahoo.com with questions and/or travel dates to book.

Below are a few sample menus. Keep in mind that Tuscan cuisine is seasonal so you can be sure your hostess will serve the finest local delicacies the season has to offer. Menu suggestions are also welcome.

A Sample Three Course Lunch Menu

Antipasto: creamy artichoke canapés; Panzanella (Tuscan bread and vegetable salad); fried zucchini blossoms.

First Courses:Tagliatelle noodles with julienne zucchini, cherry tomatoes, fresh basil and pine nuts OR a savory pasta & fagioli (fresh pasta and bean soup) OR a creamy pesto lasagna or savory risotto are possible choices.

Light Entrées: Cheese and Cold Cut Platter; a vegetable frittata smothered in parmesan cheese; a tangy arugula and cherry tomato salad dressed in a balsamic vinaigrette are just a few spring and summer dishes.

Dessert: Biscotti di Prato (Almond cookies) and sweet wine Or seasonal delicacy will be served with coffee.

Wine, bread and coffee are included in the meal.

*Price: 35.00 euro pp - min 4 max 8 diners

* Children 15.00 euro; under six years of age there is no charge

Please book at least two days in advance. Special dishes may be requested.

A Sample Dinner Menu

Antipasti & Prosecco: Three types of finger canapes (artichoke, olive and sausage), fried zucchini blossoms, stuffed tomatoes and tasty olives with be paired a sparkling white wine or light red (if preferred).

First Course: Pesto Lasagna OR Gnocchi in a creamy gorgonzola sauce OR Fettucine with julienne zucchini and shrimp OR Spinach and Ricotta Ravioli in a butter and fresh sage sauce OR a savory seasonal risotto are just a few choices.

Second Course: Chicken Fricassee (creamy lemon sauce) OR Chicken sautéed in herbs and smothered in Tuscan olives, OR Tuscan pork roast (Wellington style) OR Florentine steak with fresh rosemary and green peppercorns are a few of the meat choices. For vegetarians, Eggplant stuffed with ricotta and baked in a savory sauce is just one of many tasty entrées to choose from. There are also entrées for fish lovers as well. Just ask the hostess.

Side Dish: Florentine stewed green beans OR oven baked herb potatoes OR white cannellini beans dressed with fresh sage and drizzled with cold press olive oil OR Florentine peas AND mixed green salad are a few choices that accompany entrées.

Dessert: A seasonal dessert, sweet wine, coffee and after dinner liqueurs conclude the dining experience.

A Note on wine: Each course is paired with a local Tuscan wine, red and/or wine of the hostess's choice.

Price: 45.00 euro per person. Min. 4 Max 8 persons

Children: 15.00 euro; under six years no charge.

Antipasto hour begins at 7:30 p.m. with dessert and after dinner drinks being served around 9:30 p.m.

This dining experience can be booked up to two days in advance.

A Note about menus

Since Tuscan cooking is seasonal, the hostess will make meal suggestions to stage the freshest season produce and meats available. Wild boar stew with polenta, Ribollita (a Tuscan bread/vegetable soup made with black cabbage and beans) or chestnut stuffed ravioli are just a few of the dishes you might find on a winter table in Tuscany. So, when planning your menu, ask the hostess for seasonal selections.