Free Wednesday

We are halfway through Erik's 2 weeks of doubles and out of the blue he had Wednesday off! I was so relieved to know that he got a break. Plus, the school was closed on Wednesday so I was home, too! Sometimes I wonder if things are going so well-what will happen next? But the fondant on the cake was that we got to see the new Harry Potter. I'm a huge fan, clearly.

Oh, and my parents and sisters are going to Cape Cod tomorrow and they're picking me up on the way. We've never been, but I can't wait to spend time with my family. I never get to see them this much. The next week gazing across the sound at Martha's Vineyard will keep my mind off the fact that Erik is working a million hours a week.


Don't forget to write a comment on my free Ben & Jerry's post. There is still time to get a free Flipped Out ice cream! I picked up mine today at Target Greatland but since they come in a two pack I'll wait until Erik gets home to have an ice cream social.

Food is Love,
Hilary

The Best of Firenze

The best spot in Firenze, Italia is no where near The David, The Duomo, or the Ponte Vecchio. A true taste of Italy is located on the other side of the Arno. No, I'm not talking about the Pitti Palace either. I'm referring to the best restaurant in all of Italia! Ok, so I only ate in Venice, Florence, and Milan -(McDonald's... {twice}). Aside from the blemish of MickyD's on my food record, I think I have pretty good taste in restaurants.

Sant'Agostino23 is a small and hip in a non-hip way. The restaurant is cozy charm in a local neighborhood in Florence. We stumbled upon Sant'Agostino when were desperate for a good Italian meal. After all, everyone told us that we would eat like kings there. I was disappointed in Italy initially, but once we found Sant'Agostino I knew Italy had gems. But like all gems, they have to be hunted for and sought out.

Walking down via S. Agostino (get it?), we passed number 23. We had already poked our heads into what felt like dozens of stale looking restaurants with old sandwiches wilting in the windows. But something about 23 was different. It felt like New York. It seemed real and sincere and a little bad ass, too. There were articles from Food and Wine and other local Italian media sources posted outside. We stepped inside and BUMMER, they weren't open for another hour. But after talking with the general manager and saying hello to chef Mirko Innocenti we knew we had to come back. Erik's chef radar must have been going off because as soon as we walked out he said, "Did you see those guys? They're hard core." How could he know? Must be a chef thing. Although we were famished and suffering from gurgling bellies, we walked to a local park to pass the time taking silly pictures with a pigeons.

The menu at Sant'Agostino23 can be described as meaningful, direct, and approachable. I loved everything we ate. The first time we went (yes, we ate here two nights in a row) we ate in the traditional way with antipasti, primi, and secondi. I wish I could remember the specials we had, but I have a terrible food memory. I can only remember the things we ate on the menu because I asked to keep one. The second night we ate there we asked for three pastas to share. Spaghetti con bottarga di tonno, gnudi ricotta e spinaci al burro e salvia, and fagottini di pasta fresca con ricotta e cariciofi. NO questions asked, this place would fly in New York.

But until they decide to open a West Village branch, I'll be dreaming about Sant'Agostino23.
Photos of Sant'Agostino23.
DCW_NYC
-Hilary-

Home Sweet Home

It's feels so good to be home. As much as I pride myself on being an open-minded adventurous person, I am so glad to be home in quiet Newport Jersey City. The trip was amazing and when I'm able to convert my body from Celsius back to Fahrenheit I'll be able to write more about the trip. But for now my eyelides are weary so I'll leave you with some highlights:

1. Over 500 pictures! What beautiful cities.

2. Held hands with my chefhusband. Like high school all over again.

3. Italian MTV is 240 million times better than US MTV.

4. Found one of very few non-tourist restaurants and ate there two nights in a row.

5. Got lots at least 6 times and loved it.

DCW_NYC
-Hilary-

Holy Cannoli!

What was I thinking??? Why did I let Erik plan this vacation? Well, he plans all of the vacations which seem to make up for the lack of housework and bill paying he does. LOVE YOU.

We are leaving in 4 days with NO DIRECTION. No plans, no maps, no translation dictionaries. Holy Cannoli. We are in for it. Flying into Milan Sunday/Monday. 2 days in Venice. 3 days in Florence. It's going to be quick, but memorable. I can't wait, but I'm scared because we don't have a plan. Well, we have 2/3 hotels, but no train tickets. Last year we went to Costa Rica-you don't need a plan for Costa Rica. Beach, sun, sand, hammock, read, hang out with monkeys. The year before that we went on a Caribbean cruise- you don't need a plan for a cruise. They plan the whole thing for you. But Italy-you need a freakin' plan!!

So far this is all I have:

1. eat

2. drink

3. chill with my chef BEFORE 2 AM.

Any suggestions?

DCW_NYC
-Hilary-