We awoke late, startled that it was already 10 am. I made an espresso coffee for us, and then we headed off to the Mercato Centrale for some real food shopping.
We crossed the Duomo, and past some of the leather stalls we had seen the day before. Again Hera seemed to briefly be showing signs of Stendhal syndrome as another wave of emotion over came her.
I was about to take out my map, to be sure we were headed in the right direction, when we spied what looked like the Mercato Centrale. An enclosed market full of stalls selling fresh vegetables, meats and various cheeses.
We bought bread, parmagiano cheese, olive oil, prosciutto and Milanese salami, along with other vegetables and fresh porcini mushrooms. We looked at each other, and exclaimed to each other that porcini mushrooms are bolettes. (A type of mushroom)
We headed back home for our bruch. We dipped our bread into the olive oil. We decided not to add any balsamic vinegar, as the floral flavour of the olive oil was exceptional on its own. (Santoliva extra virgin olive oil, www.sordigiuseppe.it) Along with the parmagiano cheese, and cold cuts, we had a satisfying brunch.
The day before, we had walked past several leather shops, but Hera felt that one of the first shops had the purse she wanted. So we headed towards Santa Croce, and found the leather shop we saw the day before, to pick up a small purse.
We crossed the Arno river and gazed at the famous Ponte Vecchio bridge. The small streets and shops south of the Arno river are reminiscent of the West bank of Paris or Trastevere of Rome. We spent some time on the famous bridge filled with shops selling gold jewelry, then again walked back South of the Arno river. We walked across Pitti Palace, saving it for another day, and later bought some delightful oval cherry tomattos to eat as we strolled. So sweet and tasty, Hera saved some to seed and dry them, hoping to grow them when back home. (Winks to Elaine)
Heading back, we again sauntered over the Ponte Vecchio bridge filled with toursists, and again wandered the beautiful streets of Florence. Today was a day for unguided meandering walks. To get a feel for the city. After all, we are in no rush.
Back home, Hera fried the Porcini mushrooms in some butter and olive oil, while the Porcinin filled ravioli we bought earlier was served in a butter and olive oil sauce, along with some garlic, sun dried tomatoes, and a spice mixture we bought at the market. To accompany our meal, we had a 2008 Poggio Stella Rosso Di Montepulciano. A full bodied red, with mild tannins and a lovely lingering delicious after taste.
Talk about being spoiled. Exceptional wines, delicious cheese, and olive oil that alone makes the trip worthwhile. Settled into our comfotable apartment, we are now at home in Florence, and looking forwards to the days ahead.
Cheers,
Anthony & Hera
