End of the Day

After enjoying the sunset from Piazzale Michelangelo, Don and I followed the crowds of tourists back down the serpentine street towards the center of Florence. On the way up we had noticed a sign for a 15 euro burger dinner, complete with fries and a soft drink. We are not huge fans of fries and sodas, but 15 euros ($17.50) for a burger sounded like it would hit the spot. Mind you, earlier in the trip we learned that Florence is known for their beef. We hoped they were also known for their hamburgers.

Indoor dining was full, and there was a heat lamp inside the tent, so we opted for outdoor dining even though it was a little chilly outside. As we watched people who came after us be seated inside, and we were still waiting for our burgers, we asked if we could move indoors. I'm so glad that we did! Inside had all the ambiance that was lacking outside. The walls were filled with wine racks. The tables seemed to be full of locals, as well as American college students likely on exchange like Ashley. No one was in a rush. Our server was charming and extremely helpful. We were able to swap out a glass of wine and a cup of hot tea for the soft drink. The burger was everything we hoped it would be -- just as good as the burgers we enjoy at Firkin Tavern in Ewing and The Counter in NYC. One of our favorite meals, and not just because of the price tag.

After enjoying our burgers, we walked through the opening in Florence's wall and met up with Ashley for gelato at her second favorite gelato place. We shared dark chocolate orange, bb (blueberry?), and ricotta with figs. Ashley enjoyed pineapple, mint and ginger plus the dark chocolate orange.

It is such a treat walking around a city like Florence after the tourists go home, er, I mean day trippers. Suddenly (or so it seemed each night) the city is no longer crowded and you can relax just a enough to realize the place is stunning and magical. Pickpockets are always a concern, but without the crowds, it is easier to see what is happening.

As we walked Ashley back to her place, she showed us these little windows that were used during the Plague to distribute wine. Some were reopened during the pandemic as a socially distant way to serve wine. What was once old is new again.