Culinaria Bistrot: Slow Food Eating in the Oltrarno

Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls. May I present to you: Culinaria Bistrot:

Want to know what the slow food movement was MEANT to taste like? HERE. Very very dear people own this eatery. People with grit, people with heart. No fuss, no pretension. Reasonable pricing and truly an explosive tasting experience. I went here THREE times in one week. I never do that.

Why I love Culinaria Bistrot: The staff. These folks are international minded and care about supporting local producers and executing delicious flavors from both their experience and the territory. They make little terrine that seems like fois gras on buttery crack. They drizzle their plates with a sort of wine reduction and sea salt for that amazing sweet/salty/umami contrast. The chef is French but pays his respects to Tuscany but whipping local Vin Santo into this creamy, silky sage rich liver delights.

They sell and use natural olive oil (extra virgin is a given) from nearby olive oil producers who share a commitment to respecting the land with sustainable agriculture. They use breads with heritage grains that are risen naturally with wild yeasts. They pour wines from passionate producers who will make you cry with joy upon first sip they’re so authentic to the Tuscan wine identity. They slice cheeses from true farmstead cheesemongers who sacrifice their lives to wholesome products made in the traditional way. They express the seasonality of Tuscan’s bounty in a beautiful, gourmet way. I can’t even begin to express my gratitude that this eatery exists.

I trust everything Culinaria Bistrot serves. I never have a doubt that an ingredient isn’t natural or good for me. I feel nourished, I am assured my food monies are going to the right people. The owners have spent years visiting every nook and cranny of Tuscany, to find the most sustainable (and tasty) producers. The best part is that is is delicious. If you want to understand the REAL principles of the slow food movement, then you need to go to Culinaria.

Guys, thank you. You are proof that there is heart left in this world for good, sustainable eats with soul.

With a heart and belly full,

The Curious Appetite

Hey! I must confess- the owners are good friends of mine. But they did not ask me to write this post. I am proud to be their friends and so lucky to know people like this in Florence. I want you to be their friends too- contact me so we can go taste there together.

Culinaria Bistrot: Piazza Tasso, 13R Florence, Italy (near Santo Spirito) CLOSED TUESDAYS

https://www.facebook.com/culinaria.degustibus.bistro