I recently met Jody Mattioli, a young artist who designs and hand-makes the most exceptional metal objects. I was struck by the originality of his sole wine rack in particular (see photo), and think it …

The Biblioteca delle Oblate has it ALL this December! This recently restored public space was already a great place to hang out and study, meet friends or colleagues, and eat lunch or snack. Now, this …

This Fall (until late Jan 2010), Palazzo Strozzi offers two important exhibits on realism and art. The major show “Art and Illusions – Masterpieces of Trompe l’Oeil” has received a lot of attention from the …

Folks! my comprehensive book review of Jane Fortune’s “Invisible Women” is now online and in the paper! Read the article in The Florentine and see below to win your own copy!
Short summary: Invisible Women is …

Opening today: German photographer Candida Höfer’s monumental photographs of some of Florence’s most impressive interiors on display at Palazzo Medici Riccardi, under the auspices of the Fondazione Palazzo Strozzi.
Photo: Candida Höfer: “Biblioteca Marucelliana Firenze I …

Last night I attended the opening of ARTour, which can best be described as a Tuscan artisans’ itinerary. Work in various media by contemporary artisans is displayed in unusual locations: an antique carpet dealer, a …

People often ask me where “real” Florentines go shopping. The answer is that we do shop downtown, and at outlet malls. But in town, via Gioberti (map!) is one of my favourite streets for a …

The other day I got to meet Karen Bryan, a full time online information specialist (ok, that’s “blogger”) who brings us Europe a la Carte blog and Top Travel Content Europe, an aggregator website. Europe …

The initiative called ARTour is an opportunity to see (and purchase, if you wish) unique handcrafted objects by Tuscan artisans.
I am going to the opening on December 9th and you are welcome to come; the …

OK, I admit that I’ve never been to Sardinia. We considered it last summer, but ended up closer to home, in Elba. So when Paolo from Charming Sardinia contacted me and offered a guest post, …

Traditional Christmas Roast and Fundraiser for Groups
December 13, 2009

The Phantom Christmas
Starter: Welcome of mulled wine, cheese straws, blue cheese & walnut paté with port jelly
Main: Roast stuffed goose with prunes & cognac served with roast …

I have recently received news of the Happy New Tuscany contest from the Regione Toscana.
You can WIN a super duper luxury week in Tuscany between Christmas and New Years (flight included), or New Years’ Eve …