Living in Florence: Brunch at Volume Cafe

There comes a time in every American-in-Italy's life abroad when they say "Seriously, I just want some damn french toast." That happened to both Rob and I yesterday and we had no clue where to find a good 'ol fashioned brunch at a reasonable price. We considered going to The Diner (which I like, and is a decent spot), but didn't feel like making the trek there. So, we gave up and made our way to our favorite cafe, Volume, in Santo Spirito.

We were there for about an hour when a couple sitting a few tables down was brought the most amazing brunch platter. Eggs! Bacon! French toast! Orange Juice! It was a brunch sampler; a great Italian take on the American brunch. Rob ordred two plates on the spot. Our review? It was glorious...all of the typical brunch foods, but in small portions. We left feeling full, but not stuffed. And, at 10 euro per plate, it didn't break the bank.

Want to try out Volume's brunch? It's offered most Sundays between 11a.m.-2p.m. Piazza Santo Spirito, 5r. We'll see you there.

Visiting Florence, Italy: Jewelry Design Class at Beaded Lily

Last week my mom and I took a great jewelry design course at Beaded Lily, taught by my friend Lily. It was so much fun! We both made gorgeous necklaces featuring beads made in Italy, many by Lily's husband Tim in their shop. It was definitely a learning experience to see what actually goes in to crafting a piece of jewelry from scratch.

My mom is so excited to show off her handmade souvenir, and I have to admit that I have loved wearing my creation around town. In fact, I've already warned Rob that I may be taking up a new hobby.

If you are looking for something fun to do while in town, I highly suggest a class at Beaded Lily.

Mondo Musica, Part One

As I mentioned Tuesday, I spent last weekend in Cremona, where we visited the city and Mondo Musica 2011. What's Mondo Musica you ask? It's where some of the best instrument makers in Europe (the world?) come to show their newest creations and best work. People come from all over to browse the pianos and string instruments on display.

The piano room featured the strangest booth of the day: a player-piano featuring a balding old man with a cape. Tommaso tried to ask him a question before we realized what was going on. In the end though we did learn one thing - there is no true Italian word for creepy; which it too bad because it would have come in handy at that moment.

Day Trip to Cremona, Italy

Last weekend our friends Georgette and Tommaso invited us on a day trip to Cremona for Mondomusica 2011 and a side trip to the city of Cremona itself. Kate couldn't make it, but I was more than up for the 2.5 hr ride to Cremona.

Mondomusica was great - more on that another day; I'm taking over the blog this week - but Cremona was the surprise of the trip. Like a good tourist, I knew exactly nothing about Cremona before the trip, so everything was a surprise and everything made we want to return.

The city itself was beautiful and had a totally different aesthetic from Florence. As it turns out, Cremona has been home to some of Italy's greatest string instrument makers (the Stradivari among them) since who knows when. Europeans from all over would visit Cremona to find instruments, and the northern European influence especially can be seen all over. In fact, the city was part of Austria as early as 1707. Cremona retains that well-ordered, neat and clean Austrian feel to this day. When Neapolitans visit Florence, I'm told they remark about how clean the city is; Cremona made me feel like I've been living in Naples.

Anyway, some of the main sites of the city are in the photos above. It's a great town, especially if you're a music fan, so thanks to Georgette and Tommaso for taking me there.

Small Town Love: Panzano in Chianti

Because our vacation was booked at the last minute, we didn't really have much time to research the surrounding areas. I did some quick googling on Panzano in Chianti, the nearby town, and thought "Oh, that looks cute." What an understatement!

When you drive around Tuscany you pass through lots of small towns. We quickly developed our favorites and noted places to come back and visit. But, at the end of the trip I said to Rob, "I think Panzano is my favorite!" Lucky for us, it was only five minutes from our Agriturismo so we spent a lot of time there.

The people were nice, the dining options were great (and reasonably priced), the views from the town were spectacular and, even though it was August, we definitely felt a true local spirit. Like many towns in Tuscany there is definitely an Anglo-influence, but it's still very much Italian in the true sense.

If you've visited Panzano and have read this far down in the post I'm sure you are thinking "OK, but when are you going to talk about your visit to Dario?" Trust me, we'll write all about Antica Macelleria Cecchini in a separate post or two (because Dario deserves his own blog posts).

Anyway, we highly suggest a little trip to Panzano in Chianti, even if it's just for a quick lunch, visit the old part of the city and take some photos. It's a great little town on a hill!

OK, OK, you want a Dario preview? Check out his clip from No Reservations...