Trip to Florence

[prozach1576]

Stock up on ties at the open air markets. It's sketchy as hell but I got some really, really nice unlined ties there for four euro apiece.

 

[Britalian]

If you're a silk scarf kinda guy there are some nice shops and not too pricey around the open air markets , not far from the SMN station. Good for gifts etc for 'the ladies'.

 

[BigHandMan]

Originally Posted by kolecho

I mght be making a business trip to Florence soon. There are some artisans to pay homage to, but, I am also interested in leather goods that Florence seems to be known for. Suggestions are welcome. Thanks.
For leather goods, try the San Lorenzo open market. It had decent leather goods for reasonable prices when we visited. If memory serves, vendors were open to haggling a bit on prices. I picked up a leather portfolio for me and a red leather purse for my wife when we were there about 5 years ago. Both have held up very well over time, especially considering the price we paid. Just be sure to carefully check the quality of what you're buying - there was a pretty wide range of stuff available, not all of it great. Think higher-end American flea-market.

I don't recall when the market is actually open, but think it's daily. You can probably find more info by googling, etc.

Also, if it's still there, check out Gusto pizzeria, not far from the Duomo. We ate there at least once a day. Great brick-oven pizza, beer, salads, etc. Good eats.

 

[mack11211]

Principe used to have socks in every color and size, but this was 10 years ago.

 

[prozach1576]

Originally Posted by Britalian

If you're a silk scarf kinda guy there are some nice shops and not too pricey around the open air markets , not far from the SMN station. Good for gifts etc for 'the ladies'.
Yeah, I bought three cashmere scarves at the market you're talking about. The markets are fantastic for cheap accessories.

 

[dkzzzz]

Small open markets have wonderfull chess-sets with figurines made of stone (marble) or metal. The decent ones use to retail for around US150. Great gift. I wish I bought one for myself. Oh well next time.

 

[luk-cha]

Originally Posted by Britalian

sorry: Negroni is the slightly bitter cocktail.

Yes, the land of the motors.

the negroni is equal parts of gin, campari and grand manier shake and serve strainght up an i martini glass with a flammed orange peel

 

[Britalian]

Originally Posted by luk-cha

the negroni is equal parts of gin, campari and grand manier shake and serve strainght up an i martini glass with a flammed orange peel

Not sure about the Grand Marnier as I've only even had it with gin, campari, sweet vermouth (eg Martini Rosso). It's become one of my favourites. Something that took a little getting used to.

 

[luk-cha]

Originally Posted by Britalian

Not sure about the Grand Marnier as I've only even had it with gin, campari, sweet vermouth (eg Martini Rosso). It's become one of my favourites. Something that took a little getting used to.

you are right it is vermouth! i just double checked - but i have just mix this up and it ain't too bad!

 

[Britalian]

Originally Posted by luk-cha

you are right it is vermouth! i just double checked - but i have just mix this up and it ain't too bad!

give it name, as they say...

 

[vogda]

Originally Posted by luk-cha

the negroni is equal parts of gin, campari and grand manier shake and serve strainght up an i martini glass with a flammed orange peel

The Negroni is equal parts of gin, campari and vermut rosso (sweet vermouth eg Martini rosso cinzano or carpano rosso) do not shake never shake a negroni and serve on the rocks in a old fashioned glass garnish with orange and lemon slice
There is Il Negroni sbagliato avoid the gin so Martini Rosso Bitter Campari on the rocks and fill it up with Prosecco Spumante or Champagne

 

[kolecho]

Let's get back on track. Any other sartorial contributions?

 

[luk-cha]

Originally Posted by Britalian

give it name, as they say...

my florence!

 

[T4phage]

Picking up leather goods etc from the market is very much a hit or miss thing... as for most such purchases.. CHECK CAREFULLY! Also, many of the street vendors are actually from one of the myriad leather stores in the area, and the price may even be cheaper if you buy it from the store!

Other 'suggestions' for Firenze:
Santa Maria Novella
Lorenzo Villoresi for a bespoke fragrance.

 

[itsstillmatt]

Originally Posted by T4phage

Picking up leather goods etc from the market is very much a hit or miss thing... as for most such purchases.. CHECK CAREFULLY! Also, many of the street vendors are actually from one of the myriad leather stores in the area, and the price may even be cheaper if you buy it from the store!

Other 'suggestions' for Firenze:
Santa Maria Novella
Lorenzo Villoresi for a bespoke fragrance.
Both the church and shop of SMN are beautiful. I am not the world's biggest Florence fan, so... Eat steak.