Culture, Cuisine and Chasing the Lights

[Pushka]

It is quite a climb to the top of the Arc de Triomphe, but as your pics show, worth the effort. Sadly when I was there last April it was grey and overcast, so photos not nearly as spectacular as yours.

I am glad you said that. Thought it was just me huffing and puffing. Apparently there is a lift!

We had great views up top in July. Just needed some vino and cheese for perfection on a balmy summer night.

 

[love_the_life]

The Vasari Corridor was really interesting though when we visited tickets were hard to get, from memory only one tour a day and limited numbers. I have heard that they have realised what a money spinner this is and so there is greater availability. It was really cool entering in the Uffizi but coming out in the gardens at the P Pitti. We had a really good guide who talked about why it was built and also explained the portraits that were there.
I keep looking at my FF points to see if we have enough to go to Europe at the end of next year maybe (but think we may be at the back of the plane :shock: although if we spent time on the way maybe not so bad - right, who am I kidding????). I'm going to Singapore in Y in a couple of weeks, that will test me.

 

[amaroo]

After a couple of hours cruising the Uffizi... it was time for lunch.

Decided to check out a local celebrity chef - Fabio Picchi. This fellow has quite a following and has built up an impressive stable of restaurants.

Today it's Cafe Cibreo https://www.tripadvisor.com.au/Rest...15-Reviews-Caffe_Cibreo-Florence_Tuscany.html

We loved it! No nonsense operation with great food and attitude...

 

[amaroo]

Delicious meal...

 

[amaroo]

It is quite a climb to the top of the Arc de Triomphe, but as your pics show, worth the effort. Sadly when I was there last April it was grey and overcast, so photos not nearly as spectacular as yours.

We've been blessed with some great weather.

This is my 6th visit to Paris and I've knocked off three things I've never done... 1) Climb the Arc 2) Seine cruise 3) Pompidou. Today there will be a fourth... tossing up between the newly reopen Musee Rodin or Musee du quai Branly

 

[OATEK]

We've been blessed with some great weather.

This is my 6th visit to Paris and I've knocked off three things I've never done... 1) Climb the Arc 2) Seine cruise 3) Pompidou. Today there will be a fourth... tossing up between the newly reopen Musee Rodin or Musee du quai Branly 樂

I did the first two last time. Heart was pounding away when I emerged on top of the Arc. We also took wine and cheese to consume on the Champ de Mars as the Eiffel tower lights came on - seemed to be more Parisians than tourists!

Found the unassuming Carnavalet Museum gave a very interesting "tour" of Paris interiors through recent centuries.

 

[Pushka]

Pompidou is brilliant isn't it.
I thought this one was particularly creative.


And my arteries are clogging just looking at the food.

 

[TheRealTMA]

The Vasari Corridor was really interesting though when we visited tickets were hard to get, from memory only one tour a day and limited numbers...

Yes it's fabulous to visit. The way to get tickets is to book online before you arrive. Tickets are very limited but one can usually get in if you are flexible, depending on the time of the year.

 

[amaroo]

Florence - gorgeous city!

 

[amaroo]

After a visit to the spa/hot tub - it was time for dinner.

Sabatini https://www.tripadvisor.com.au/Rest...716394-Reviews-Sabatini-Florence_Tuscany.html

Could be described as old world charm... very decent meal.

 

[amaroo]

The flambé dishes were nice... the steak florentine was delicious!

 

[TheRealTMA]

After a visit to the spa/hot tub - it was time for dinner.

Sabatini https://www.tripadvisor.com.au/Rest...716394-Reviews-Sabatini-Florence_Tuscany.html

Could be described as old world charm... very decent meal.

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Nice spaghetti al pomodoro for primi. Note that a true bistecca should be served with beans, not 'chips'! And definitely never with 'greens'. Sops to tourists.

The meat looks to be cooked nicely. Did you follow it with vin santo and cantucci?

 

[Rugby]

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The flambé dishes were nice... the steak florentine was delicious!

I was wondering if you were going to tackle one of those bad boys - 2kgs?

 

[amaroo]

Nice spaghetti al pomodoro for primi. Note that a true bistecca should be served with beans, not 'chips'! And definitely never with 'greens'. Sops to tourists.

The meat looks to be cooked nicely. Did you follow it with vin santo and cantucci?

Lol we backed up with another the next night (different place), not a chip in sight.

Cooked nicely and very tasty.

I was wondering if you were going to tackle one of those bad boys - 2kgs?

Only if you count the two togetherboth were around the 1kg mark.

Impressive cuts!

 

[TheRealTMA]

Lol we backed up with another the next night (different place), not a chip in sight.

Cooked nicely and very tasty.



Only if you count the two togetherboth were around the 1kg mark.

Impressive cuts!

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Yes much better!

The Chianina breed with nice meat for 1Kg BBQ T-Bone! (Although rarely done by Australians, it is apparently permissible to share one Bistecca between multiple people. - )

How much per etto were you paying?

 

[amaroo]

Yes much better!

The Chianina breed with nice meat for 1Kg BBQ T-Bone! (Although rarely done by Australians, it is apparently permissible to share one Bistecca between multiple people. - )

How much per etto were you paying?

IIRC €90/kg. Saw prices between €70 and €150/kg.

Terrific cut of meat, and when cooked correctly - Bellissimo!

 

[love_the_life]

That's sure a heap of meat, looks like half a cow. We wouldn't be able to get through even a fraction of it. Usually I buy one piece of steak (@300 - 350g) for the two of us.

 

[amaroo]

NYE, time for a drive through Tuscany. First up - Montepulciano.

 

[amaroo]

Next - Montalcino.



Lovely drive!

 

[amaroo]

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