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scallops at Florian by Curious Appetite food blog in Florence

scallops at Florian by Curious Appetite food blog in Florence

Scallops with Iberico Jamon paired with Tuscan Traminer Grappa is not your usual Trattoria fare Read more…

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Curious Appetite is a Gourmet Blog by Coral Sisk, Italian-American writer, certified Italian sommelier & culinary tourism specialist from Seattle living in Florence, Italy

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Carmignano DOCG, found NE of Florence in the Prato

Carmignano DOCG, found NE of Florence in the Prato area (same home for almond biscotti!) has had a long history in and out of the spotlight. Carmignano is responsible for the first Tuscan wine of its kind: a uniquely blended Cabernet and Sangiovese. Its long history makes it a meeting point for Super Tuscan and traditional Tuscan wines.

This rich delicious wine pairs well with semi-aged Tuscan Pecorino, meaty stews and for vegetarians, the famous pappa al pomodoro (a bread and tomato porridge-like soup from Tuscany's cucina povera).

We can thank Caterina de Medici for this bodylicious wine, after her time in France, she brought back both Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc vines to be grown in Carmignano.

This bottle snapped is from one of my favorite enotecas in Florence (more faves in stories) and is said to have won wine of the year by Gambero Rosso @gambero_rosso- one of Italy's respected culinary publications.

Ever had Carmignano or wines with similar Cabernet/Sangiovese make-up? What would you pair with it food-wise?
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#tuscanwine #winelovers #italianwine #italianwinelovers #cabernetsauvignon #carmignano #italywineregions #wineregions #winedestinations #caterinademedici #tuscany #tuscanyitaly #tuscanywine #tuscanlifestyle #supertuscan #sangiovese #winetastingitaly #italystyle #cntraveler #winespectator #gamberorosso #bbctravel #italytravel #winetravel #italyonmymind #winewednesday

I’ve probably shared this view from San Miniato

I’ve probably shared this view from San Miniato al Monte at least 12 times on this feed, but I truly never tire of it and hope you all don’t either.

I’ve also mentioned this is my favorite circuit to jog up to, starting from Sant’Ambrogio-ish. It’s a fun one with plenty of stairs/steady incline but the views, sweats and endorphins are worth the mini city climb.

It’s been an extremely stressful period (where are my marbles) but I find solace in exercise and jogging up to one of the most beautiful views in the world, although I struggle to find the time.

How are you all de-stressing in this toilet of a year? Curious for your tips! Hope you’ve all had a splendid weekend, however possible 😘#curiousappetite #postcardsfromitaly

Traditional aged 12 year old @acetobalsamicomodena

Traditional aged 12 year old @acetobalsamicomodena drenched on crema gelato with a slice of salame di cioccolato (a dark chocolate cookie log with dry crunchy white cookies and hazelnuts baked in to give the effect of being a fat-speckled salami) plus other fun ways to make use of this liquid umami (like on squash stuffed pasta and aged parmigiano-reggiano!)

I spent this past Thursday (more in stories!) learning all about this precious gastronomic element with one of Modena’s most historic producers and president of @acetobalsamicomodena consortium and I can’t wait to write more about it (if I can get over my current writing block!)

My mind has been blown on why it’s important to Italy’s culinary wheelhouse and how to be more discerning when purchasing.

How do you eat this uniquely made vinegar? (another gift grapes has given the world!) I personally love it on the very last slide 😋🧀 #curiousappetite #balsamicvinegar

P.s. if you have bottled “balsamic” glaze please throw it away because it is basically industrially cooked vinegar with sugar and cornstarch, unless you’re into that kind of thing 🤷🏻‍♀️

Grazie @mementomartina for the gelato photo and company, and @marco.gemelli for the epic invite!

A little feedback from one of our #florentinegourm

A little feedback from one of our #florentinegourmetclub recipients: “Grazie mille for our food box- I think my husband loves you more than me for the pecorino cheese you sent! I made a big plate today with all our goodies. Delicious!"

I promise to not make any marital riffs over cheese! 😂 Up your Italian snack board game at home with one of our Italian food boxes from our Gourmet Club- link in bio under "Shop!"

What flavors are you missing from Italy?
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#aperitivo #aperitivobox #CuriousAppetite #aperitif #wineandcheese #cheeselovers #cheeseboards #charcuterie #tastingathome #italymagazine #wheretodrink #drinkItalian #gourmetfoodclub #LPfood #foodandwine #tasteofitaly #italiantasting #eattheworld #foodclub #guardianfeast #TLpicks #vinepair #guardiantravelsnaps #forbestravel #foodlovers #foodandwine #armchairtravel

We all love a good taste of Parmigiano-Reggiano, b

We all love a good taste of Parmigiano-Reggiano, but what's the perfect wine to pair?
When tasting aged cheeses like parmigiano, or pecorino, you'll want some juice with a little mouthwatering acidity and boldness to match.

If you are looking to serve up a red wine with Parmigiano, try out an Amarone or a Super Tuscan blend. If you're into bubbles, try a Lambrusco from Sorbara (my favorite sub-region for lambrusco! And don't you dare turn your nose up at lambrusco for being sweet- lambrusco has myriad shades!;))

Interested in learning more pairings? Join Curious Appetite's Sommelier-led Italian cheese and wine pairing next Friday October 23rd at 3:30pm ET time! One of our expert sommeliers in Florence will guide you through three different Italian cheeses and wines. You'll learn about both wine and cheese traditions of Italy, and some tricks to help you pair wine with the best flavors.

Sign up at the linktree in bio under "Eventbrite Page" branch.

But first, let us know your favorite Italian wine and cheese pairing below!
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#TuscanyItaly #VisitTuscany #italytravel #virtualitaly #virtualtasting #sommelierwinetasting #winetasting #italianwine #italymagazine #wheninflorence #aperitivo #telegraphtravel #forbestravelguide #travelandleisure #foodandwine #lovetheworld #tasteintravel #italygram #framesofitaly #italywine #italianwinelovers #italianwinetasting #florence #Yourflorence #prettylittleitaly #eatingitaly #drinkitalian
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Two favorites rolled into one: a semi-aged Tuscan

Two favorites rolled into one: a semi-aged Tuscan Pecorino aged with vinacce, i.e. grape pomace from Brunello wine! Pomace is the grape skins after they have gone through their first press in order to be made into wine. These grape skins can then be used to make grappa, or- flavor local cheeses!
This softer sheep's milk cheese has just a hint of grape must flavor, making a rich, delicious aperitivo snack. It pairs perfectly with a little Tuscan honey!

This cheesy Tuscan treat is included in our Fall-themed culinary gold food box from our gourmet club! Head on over to the link in bio to check out our Gourmet Club boxes and order one for yourself or as a gift!
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#cheese #cheeselovers #artisancheese #italiancheese #italianfood #italyfood #pecorino #sheepsmilkcheese #tuscanpecorino #wineandcheese #brunello #sangiovese #brunellodimontalcino #tasteofitaly #cheeseandhoney #Florence #italy #cheesetasting #italiancheese #dreamingofitaly #travelvirtually #seriouseats #foodandwine #buzzfeedfood #eater #tasteintravel #vinepair #eeeeeats #guardianfeast #italymagazine

Who needs a bar when a Florentine Mixologist can t

Who needs a bar when a Florentine Mixologist can teach you to whip up your own tasty cocktails right at home? (But still support your local bars however possible!)

Our next Virtual Mixology Workshop will be THIS Thursday October 15th at 4pm East Coast time (10pm Italy time) and open to screens across timezones (in case you miss this mix, the next one is November 12th same time/place and possibly very much needed after the you know what)- if that time works in your corner of the world, reserve your ticket to mix some classic Italian cocktails, plus some variations.

Here is what we will be learning about:
🥃Our favorite: Negroni & Negroni Sbagliato
🥂Seasonal Sparkling Fruity Cocktails (Bellini, Rossini, Puccini)
🍹The Classic Spritz
👉Plus some of our favorite Italian amari, craft liqueurs, bitters, and more!

Link in bio for full event details! What are you looking forward to trying out?

Thanks to @girlinroam for sharing this photo of her awesome booze set-up!
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#Onlinetravel #armchairtravel #cocktailclass #virtualteambuilding #teambuildingideas #florenceitaly #iloveitaly #mixologyathome #punchdrinks #fodorstravel #foodtours #bbctravel #travelandleisure #fodorsonthego #atlasobscura #LPfood #foodandwine #lovetheworld #negroni #craftcocktails #theflorentine #cntraveler #theculturetrip #italiancocktails #italiandrinks #drinkitalian #amari #digestives #prosecco #mixology

Florence is known for bizarre panini fillings like

Florence is known for bizarre panini fillings like 4th cow gut lampredotto but Marco at Semel took things to another level with his lumache (ahem, snails 🐌) stewed “in umido” with garden veggies “al campagnolo.” Marco explained this recipe was from Piedmont, and said it was the first time in 13 years he’s decided to offer this obscure stewed filling, citing the younger generations are less interested/aware of the gamma of strange Italian proteins. He said recently a 20 something year old came in asking what “Aringa” (herring) was (which is hardly offbeat!)

Today I was stoked @helencfarrell invited me to chat with @theflorentine to discuss food in Florence, including naming off some our favorite places to dine, get coffee and some reflections on Florence’s food scene during this whole pesky pandemic thing. Link over @theflorentine as part of their #TFtogether series

Where are some of your favorite very Florentine places to nibble, snack and/or feast? Buon appetito! #curiousappetite #florenceitaly

The classic Italian breakfast doesn't always have

The classic Italian breakfast doesn't always have to be "caffè e cornetto". Sometimes you find a real treat like the Florentine budino di riso!😃
These tasty rice pudding pastries are made with arborio or carnaroli rice (the same rice used for risotto!) & everything nice- eggs, butter, milk, and vanilla.

Is your mouth watering yet? Though I couldn't tell you where to grab them outside of Florence, they are easy enough to make at home, especially when you have the perfect ingredients like excellent organic rice made in Tuscany!

Lucky for you, this Tuscan-grown rice included in the Tuscany Fall Culinary Gold box! Hurry and grab yours at the link in bio, limited boxes available! Mention "budino di riso" at check-out and we'll include an extra recipe for these Florentine treats in your box!
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#florence #baking #italianbaking #dreamingofitaly #foodhistory #foodinflorence #visititaly #winegrapes #foodtravel #florenceitaly #iloveitaly #italymagazine #foodtours #nytfood #travelandleisure #foodandwine #breakfastinitaly #nytcooking #culturetrip #italiandesserts #tastetheworld #tasteofitaly #theflorentine #cntraveler #breakfast #risotto #ricesweets #italiansweets #italianpastries #italianfood

Not just your average Negroni: the Curious Appetit

Not just your average Negroni: the Curious Appetite Negroni club brings you the BEST bitters and local craft spirits we can find- you all know I love a uniquely made craft negroni!

Curious what our Negroni Club Members are saying? "We love everything in our Negroni boxes! 😍[My family and I] LOVE the ingredients “A+++” my Negroni enthusiast aunt says. The Negroni made with my box was amazing- the herbs and bitters are so tangible, but yet maintain the overall smoothness factor!! Thanks for all the effort you put into the Negroni boxes, they were expertly executed! "

Your box also comes with a ticket to attend one of our virtual events. If you can't swing the club or already have Negroni provisions at home, you can join our virtual mixology class next Thursday October 15th at 4pm Eastern Time with our expert mixologist and learn the tricks of the perfect Negroni, Spritz, and other classic Italian cocktails.

Grab your box or your tickets to our Virtual Mixology class at the link in bio!
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#madeinitaly #whatitalyis #littleitaly #loveitaly #negroni #florenceitaly #italyfood #fooditaly #negroniweek #italy_foods #negronitime #negronisbagliato #negronicocktail #negronilovers #gourmetfoodclub #foodclub #mixology #mixologyclass #mixologist #vermouth #gin #italianamari #italianspirits #italiancocktails #armchairtravel #travelfromhome #athomecocktails #culturetrip #cntraveler #cocktailsofinstagram