Trattoria Da Burde

If you’re in the mood to taste authentic **Florentine cooking**, Frank Sinatra may just start crooning in the background as you step into Trattoria Da Burde. Nestled slightly outside of the bustling tourist areas, this gem is loved by locals and gives you that warm, homey feeling, where every dish tells a story. The rich aromas wafting from the kitchen make it hard to resist the house specialty: the famous **Bistecca alla Fiorentina**—a massive T-bone steak that could easily feed a small village (or just one very enthusiastic foodie).

The Meat of the Matter

When ordering, be prepared for a culinary spectacle. The steak is grilled to perfection, with a charred exterior and a tender, juicy interior, seasoned simply with coarse salt and pepper. Pair it with a glass of robust Chianti, and you’ve got yourself a meal worth writing home about. Just remember to stretch your stomach because you won’t want to miss dessert. Their **tiramisu** is the stuff of legends, so make sure to leave a little room!

Mercato Centrale

For a true taste of Florence, head over to the **Mercato Centrale**. This vibrant market is the heartbeat of the Florentine food scene. Picture this: as you walk through the market stalls, vendors beckon you with the freshest produce, artisanal cheeses, and delectable cured meats. It’s like stepping into a live food documentary where tasting is compulsory.

Sampling Local Delights

Stroll through the first floor, where you can sample delightfully diverse street food. Try a **porchetta sandwich**—a glorious masterpiece made of slow-roasted pork, seasoned with herbs, and stuffed into warm, crusty bread. Don’t forget to grab some **truffle oil** drizzled crostini for that added oomph! As you wander, you might just bump into a local shouting about the merits of their homemade **pasta**, so be sure to try a few different types. Your taste buds will thank you!

Pizzeria Gino Sorbillo

No trip to Italy would be complete without sinking your teeth into a slice of authentic Italian pizza. Located near the bustling **Piazza San Lorenzo**, Pizzeria Gino Sorbillo serves up pizzas that would make even the most stoic of food critics shed a tear of joy. Often referred to as one of the best pizzerias in Florence, Gino’s offers an extensive menu that balances traditional flavors with modern twists.

A Slice of Heaven

The Neapolitan-style pizza is baked in a wood-fired oven with a crust that achieves the delicate balance of charred yet soft, perfectly cradling toppings that sparkle with vibrancy. Whether you choose the classic Margherita or opt for something more adventurous like the **pizza with burrata and truffles**, you’re in for a culinary adventure. And hey, calories don’t count in Italy, right?

Gelateria dei Neri

After all that pizza and pasta, it’s time for dessert. And what better way to indulge than with a cone from **Gelateria dei Neri**? This delightful spot has become a **Florentine institution**, known for its gelato that could easily make you forget every other dessert. It’s like a sweet hug on a hot day!

Scoops of Delight

With flavors ranging from **classic chocolate** to exciting options like lavender or pistachio topped with candied orange, it’s a challenge to choose just one. Don’t be surprised if you end up with a scoop of three different flavors—after all, sharing is overrated when it comes to gelato. Plus, if you’re feeling bold, dare to try the **sorbetto** made from local fruits, which is as refreshing as a stroll along the Arno River.

Final Thoughts: A Flavorful Farewell

Florence is a feast not just for the eyes but for the stomach as well. As you meander through its historic streets, don’t forget to savor the local delights. With every bite, you’ll be partaking in a tradition that has thrived for centuries. So, take your time, indulge, and enjoy—because in the world of Florentine food, every moment deserves a little flair. Armed with this guide, may your culinary journey in Florence be richly flavored, slightly chaotic, and completely unforgettable.

The post The Best Places for Food Tasting in Florence appeared first on 203Challenges.

Rotterdam`s Markthal is the first covered Dutch market offering its visitors an explosion of tastes, the likes of which they have never experienced.

Impressive architecture

The horse-shaped €175m building by the Dutch MVRDV architects, opened in 2014 to create an iconic market, combining extraordinary architecture with fresh food coming from 176 different nationalities. Beneath the colorful roof known as Rotterdam`s very own Sistine Chapel, food lovers can choose between 96 unique stalls and 20 shops and restaurants.

Taste the world (Dutch cheese included)

Enjoy the taste of Surinamese spicy sausages` rolls, Amy`s organic frozen yogurts or the numerous variations of authentic Dutch Gouda cheese. The latter is typically made from pasteurized or raw cow`s milk and celebrated for its rich, unique flavor and smooth texture. Visitors can taste for free a whole range of young and aged Goudas, plain or with added herbs, nuts, and seasonings. For a cozy evening, what could beat slices of Gouda cheese paired with rich-flavored beer or a fruity wine?

Alternatively, visit one of the butchers and treat yourself with a leg of Jamon Iberico. This might as well be the perfect present for your granny.

Dutch delights

And don`t forget to buy some of the world`s best cookies that were invented by the Dutch – stroopwafels. Imagine two waffles filled with a layer of caramel-like syrup. Now put them on top of your mug filled with warm coffee or tea. When the steam heats the cookie, the caramel melts and you get the tastiest cookie you have ever tried.

While cheese and waffles are some of the most traditional Dutch food pleasures, we are missing on another Dutch favorite – fresh fish. Try a wide range of delicious fish meals, snacks, and salads. Don`t miss on the local favorite – kibbeling (fried cod) that is normally dipped in a fresh garlic sauce.
But enough talking, it`s time for tasting! The Markthal market is open daily. Why don`t you book a yummy trip to Rotterdam and share your awesome pictures with us?

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A dessert with a rich history

Doing justice to its name, this dessert is most typical for Catalonia, where it is known as crema cremada or burnt cream. Dating back to the fourteenth century, it is documented in the Catalan literature as one of the oldest desserts in Europe. Crema Catalana is traditionally served on the day of St. Joseph (Father`s Day) that is on March 19.

However, even on a normal day, tourists and locals alike can satisfy their sweet cravings with a delicious serve of the authentic Crema Catalana. It is a perfect ending to a hearty Spanish lunch and combines perfectly with a cup of strong, black coffee.

An authentic Spanish treat

After a long stroll around the streets of Barcelona (or any other beautiful Spanish city), you often find yourself seated at a nice restaurant luring visitors with its heavenly smells (at least that`s my personal experience).

On the menu is a wide range of desserts, but everyone is ordering just one thing – Crema Catalana. And there is a reason for this. Tasting a bit like its French counterpart creme brûlée, the Catalan cream has a distinctive flavor of cinnamon and lemon peel. Slightly crunchy and surprisingly light- tasting, it melts in your mouth, making your day a bit brighter.

So, are you having a dessert today? Choose wisely, because you might miss on the greatest indulgence your senses have ever experienced!

The post Spain`s Sweet Delight: Crema Catalana appeared first on 203Challenges.