Sabatini Restaurant or Ristorante Sabatini as it is called by the Italians is one of the oldest and most recognized restaurants in Florence. This historic restaurant has opened its doors to discerning diners from the past eighty years from its location in Via dei Panzini.
 
Sabatini Restaurant is an ideal place for fine dining. It has an informal yet elegant ambience with wooden ceilings, traditional and international food and professional yet friendly service. It caters a lot to business lunches and dinners.
 
Although the Bistecca di Fiorentina cooked on a traditional charcoal grill is still the favourite dish of many there are other spaghetti dishes and starters (antipasti) which are very tasty. They specialize in featuring traditional Tuscan dishes made with fresh and wholesome ingredients. The antipasto alla Sabatini is a highly recommended starter. Another dish which deserves mention is the tripe dish made in typical Florentine style. It goes without saying that the pasta is made fresh at the restaurant. The desserts are tasty.
 
The wine list is extensive featuring both Tuscan and international labels. They also have many excellent vintages to suit the discerning palate. It is quite highly priced. Since Sabatini Restaurant is the favourite of many tourists, businessmen and lovers of fine dining it is better to make a reservation.

Have you ever wanted to see Galileo’s or Leonardo’s original instruments- the ancient instruments that have changed the outlook of science? Then the Institute and Museum of the History of Science or Istituto e Museo di Storia della Scienza in Florence is the correct place for you to visit. 
 
The Institute and Museum of the History of Science is housed in the historic Castellani Palace. It is situated overlooking Piazza Dei Guidici, Florence near the Arno River. The museum opened its door to a delighted and fascinated public in 1930 and is very popular especially with students and any one who loves science and history.
 
The Institute and Museum of the History of Science showcases the scientific progress during the renaissance. There are scientific instruments dating way back from the thirteenth century upto the nineteenth century. They show us the progress of science through the centuries. There are many rare and interesting scientific objects, instruments and manuscripts. Some of the rare scientific instruments you can view include Galileo’s compass, microscope and telescope.
 
The museum has so many scientific objects and instruments relating to astronomy, chemistry, pharmacy, medicine and general science. There is a total floor dedicated to the scientific collection of the House of Medici. There are so many scientific wonders to explore which you should definitely see for yourself. Some of them include ancient thermometers, surgical equipment, wax and terracotta models of obstetrics and other medical procedures. There are also sections devoted for pneumatics, mechanics, astronomy, chemistry etc.
 
The Institute and Museum of the History of Science also has an Institute which conducts seminars and workshops as well as publishes scientific periodicals. There is an excellent library in addition to the museum.
 
The Institute and Museum of the History of Science is indeed a place where you can spend a few hours if not the entire day when you visit Florence. It is indeed an educational and interesting place where you can fruitfully spend some time when you visit Florence.

Whatever its origin whether Florentine or French beignets are sinfully calorie laden delights which can literally make you want to break your fast especially when accompanied by a steaming hot café au lait.
 
Some sources trace the famous so called French doughnuts or “bignes” (means to raise in French) to Florentine origins. It is said that beignets were ancient Florentine “pasta soffiata” meaning batter that was blown or puffed. Catherine di Medici’s cooks are credited to have introduced these delicacies from Florence to the French Court.
 
Beignets are also sometimes described as French doughnuts. The beignet has travelled from Florence to France and then finally reached New Orleans through the French colonists. Many believe that the beignet has found its true identity in New Orleans and other parts of America where it is an integral part of the breakfast as well as snack menus of many.
 
Beignets are generally square shaped bits of dough which are deep fried. As they are deep fried they are also considered as fritters. They are dusted with powdered sugar and served hot. Sometimes they also have fruit and vegetable fillings. Different countries have their own variation with Germany preferring fruit fillings.
 
Wherever they have originated from, they are indeed one of the universally loved sweet pastries of the world. They are also easy to make from the scratch at home. Enjoy these rich little delights whether you buy them from a café, a bakery or make them at home.

Although Giovanni Boccaccio is more often than not associated with his friend Petrarch, he has created his own name and place in Florentine history and literature.
 
Giovanni Boccaccio is a famous Florentine writer/poet and humanist of the renaissance. He was born probably in Florence or it may have even been Certaldo in Tuscany in June or July 1313. Although born out of wedlock to an unknown woman and a wealthy Florentine merchant, Boccacino di Chellino he was officially recognized by his father and was named Giovanni Boccaccio and grew up in Florence.
 
Giovanni Boccaccio spent most his life in Italy and travelled all over the country including Florence. He began his career as an apprentice in the bank his father worked in, moved on to study canon law but gained fame as a writer and poet.
 
In 1332 Boccaccio began his first foray into literature with his essays in Latin - the Allegorica Mitologica and Elegia di Costanza as well as vernacular poetry. In 1350 Giovanni Boccaccio met Petrarch in Florence and forged a lifelong friendship which lasted till Petrarch’s death.
 
Giovanni Boccaccio became a diplomat and government representative for Florence on and off during the period 1351 to 1371 to Padua, Rome, Ravenna, Brandenburg and Avignon.
 
However Boccaccio has received most accolades for his major works which include his famous and vernacular poetry, the Decameron and Concerning Famous Woman. The Decameron has been translated into most of the European as well as other languages, the earliest English translation dating back to 1620. He is famous for his prose works, his poetry as well as his pastorals.
 
On December 21, 1375 Giovanni Boccaccio died in his home at Certaldo leaving behind a legacy of famous writings. Giovanni Boccaccio has been considered as one of the first humanists along with Petrarch, a good friend as well as a man of independent thought and a patriot.

If you love sea food like I do don’t miss the opportunity of visiting Da Stefano on Via Senese, Galluzo in the southern part of Florence. This restaurant has a fairly extensive menu and the excellent seafood available makes this the reason why many diners especially seek out this restaurant.

Da Stefano is open only during the evenings as the motto of the restaurant is “only, fish, only fresh and only evenings.” The atmosphere is relaxed and friendly and in summer dining at the terrace is encouraged.
 
The menu at Da Stefano is simply yummy. All the dishes are popular and Stefano personally tells diners about the catch of the day and makes recommendations. Some of the more popular dishes include spaghetti with lobster, hot mixed seafood. All the fish dishes served are absolutely fresh and cooked with a lot of TLC tender loving care to enhance their flavours so that people keep coming back for more.
 
The starters include sliced fish, oysters, shrimp cocktail, smoked salmon and octopus. For main dishes you can choose from different seafood stews and fish combinations with pasta. For the second course you have fish fillets, scampi dishes, crabs or shrimps with vegetables. Do not forget to order at least one of what are called Stefano’s special dishes. Which ever sea food you choose whether it is lobster or shrimp, or fish or mixed sea food you definitely are in for a yummy seafood treat of the highest standard. There are a few sweet desserts including crème brulee, cakes, sorbets and fruit.
 
At Da Stefano the wine list is fairly extensive. There are many famous red and white Tuscan wines. Champagne, sparkling wine, rose wines and even some French wines are available.
 
As with other popular restaurants in Florence it is always better to book a table in advance.