a little bite of everything

A vodka & tomato sauce

  

Alla Vecchia Bettola is a typical Tuscan place. It’s simple, beautiful, welcoming and warm. You’ll be drawn to the picturesque decor, which consists of rustic heavy-looking wood and marble tables, numerous frames on the walls and exuberant Florentine regulars. This place is unique because it has character. You’ll fall in love with their divine signature “penne alla Bettola” (10 euros) in a distinctive sauce made of vodka, tomato and cream. Be aware that the pasta is cooked “al dente”, which means “not too soft, firm enough” in other words they‘re cooked the way they should be. They serve typical Florentine dishes: the usual bistecca, crostini, etc. and in particular, you have to try the "porcini" mushrooms (cepes), which are incredibly tasty. I have to say that’s my favorite restaurant in Florence even if (or rather, especially because) it is out of the center.  If you have to spend  only one evening in Florence and if you seek to experience the true Florentine atmosphere where people enjoy sharing great simple food, Alla Vecchia Bettola is the place to go. In this restaurant, you’ll feel Florentine, you’ll feel home. At least I do.

 

Alla Vecchia Bettola

34R via Luigi Ariosto

Florence, Italy

+39 055 22 41 58

A lunch box

 

At lunch time, most businessmen in the City hurry back to their offices with a sandwich from Pret-A-Manger. Instead, my friend took me to Leon, which sounded like a good compromise between his busy schedule and my eager to have a sit-down meal. I have to admit that I don’t have particularly high expectations when I eat out in London, let alone when I go to a fast-food restaurant. This may explain my crush on Leon. You just don’t expect the decor to be so cozy and warm, the staff to be smiley and more importantly, the food to be nutritious and healthy. I had a “Benny’s Winter Chicken Curry” (5.20 GBP, ie. 6 euros) which is basically chicken in a rich coconut milk-cardamom-cinnamon-chilli sauce, served with organic brown rice. Ok, that sounds a bit pretentious (and pricey, but hey, that’s London for you) for a few pieces of chicken fillet served in a box, but the aliments are seasonal, top quality and fresh, and honest, that tastes REALLY good! The menu offers a wide range of fresh and fun dishes: homemade “fresh today” hummus, mexican/ aioli/chilli chicken wraps, “superfood” salads and hyper-energizing smoothies. I was also amused to see the eclectic crowd that Leon attracts: hippie-chic 20-somethings knitting on the sofas, HR managers interviewing CEO-wannabes, and obviously, businessmen like my friend and tourists like me. With its carefully-sourced food, fun recipes and comfy coffee-place-like ambiance, Leon is an exception among traditional fast-food chains, which eventually makes you want to come back at tea time.

Leon

35-36 Great Marlboroough St

London, UK