La Giostra

When I think about how food and I really "DTR," (defined the relationship, thanks @mikey_z) my time spent abroad in Florence, Italy stands out as a real turning point. My idea of good Italian food was the family-style variety found in my hometown of Roslyn, New York: Matteo's and La Parma (I will absolutely post about these in the future because although they are not necessarily authentic Tuscan cuisine, they are absolutely phenomenal).

It's hard for me find a place to begin when addressing the food in Florence, so I will just begin with my favorite restaurant.

La Giostra
Borgo Pinti, 12

I was only abroad for five months, but my friends and I managed to establish a Monday night tradition of dining at La Giostra. Prosecco upon arrival, and several bottles of Pinot Grigio, our dinners were rowdy and delicious.

The freshest mozzarella cheese I've ever tasted, with perfect prosciutto, roasted asparagus with melted parmesan cheese and bread crumbs, and zucchini "carpaccio," so thinly sliced, and grilled to perfection, scattered with pine nuts, covered in parmesan cheese, and drizzled with fresh olive oil.

The food is incredible: pear and pecorino ravioli, ricotta and spinach gnocchi, wild boar pasta, veal milanese. Everything at La Giostra is simply delicious.

As a pastry cook, I must discuss the fantastic desserts at La Giostra. Their secret family recipe for tiramisu is unlike any tiramisu I've ever tasted. It's not bitter like many I've tried, it's so creamy and light, really really delicious. My favorite dessert was the gelato sundae. It was simply vanilla gelato covered with a sweet, mixed berry compote, perfection.

The restaurant itself is a

long, dim room, lit by candles and christmas lights. The walls are covered in photographs of loyal patrons, and historic images of Florence. Saldanno, the owner of the restaurant, is incredibly sexy, and a true gentleman. He wears a uniform of a sweatshirt, jeans, hundreds of bracelets, and several necklaces. We had him pose with us on our photograph that is now framed on the wall, amongst all of the photos of people who love La Giostra as much as we do.