Archive for the ‘Wining & Dining’ Category

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15
Mar

Il Salviatino: a reference for Tuscan Gastronomy

The wonderful views make even the toughest ones go with the romanticism in Tuscany. But also its gastronomy is a good reason to fall in love with this remarkable Italian region. We all know Olive Oil proprieties for both healthy and exquisite palates and if one pours some of it on Tuscan Bread, the combination will be a total success. When you visit Florence, you can delight yourself with the ‘Bistecca a la Fiorentina’ (Florentine steak) along with a good wine. But most of all, there is a place where you can find the best dishes and even learn to cook them too! You must be wondering: “what place is that?” Doubtlessly the name of that cuisine paradise is: Il Salviatino, your luxury hotel in Florence.

Carmine Caló, the Michelin starred chef of Il Salviatino, gives all his best in order to create not the most amazing plates, but a whole culinary experience. The creativity of his, based on the philosophy “ingredients and imagination”, influence Mr. Caló’s will to experiment with tastes, but never forgetting the roots of Tuscan style. Sounds thought provoking huh? Well, if you like this and want to try it, don’t think it twice. At Il Salviatino we will be thrilled to have you!

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28
Feb

The ‘forever-young’ side of Florence

So many things have been said about the artistic dimension of Florence. Of course, culture is fantastic since it nourishes the soul, but sometimes you need to let go and just have fun. So what else has the city to offer? Besides visiting museums and monuments you can also do lots of activities in order to have a lovely stay.

The Tuscan capital is one of the fashion centers in the world. Therefore releasing your ‘buying self’ could be a good (¿or dangerous?) option. As well as boutiques like Gucci’s and Versace’s, there are some attractive street markets like the Mercato di San Lorenzo, near San Lorenzo’s Church, where you can find cool clothes, specifically for women. Inside of it you can have a walk through the Mercato Centrale, filled with delicious Tuscan gastronomy specialties.

If you start feeling like partying, you should know where to begin the night. You can have a drink at pubs as Fiddler’s Elbow or Mojo, both quite famous in town, and then go dancing to Andromeda, Yab or Central Park, some of the most important clubs in Florence. If you’re hungover the next day, you can recover with some fresh air by going picnic to Le Cascine, the biggest park in Florence.

These are only a few possibilities from the hundred ones between you can choose. But whatever you do, Il Salviatino, your luxury hotel in Florence, will be there for you.

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27
Jul

Il Giardino del buon vino.

In the context of the Estate Fiorentina 2012 (Summer Florence 2012) arises a wonderful project which tries to make the best of pleasures like outdoor activities under good weather and wining and dining. The result: the Giardino del Buon Vino or, what is the same, the Garden of Good Wine. A scenario willing to deepen and divulge the culture of the wine activity, projecting it as the result of human wit and of our capacity of interacting with the environment and its natural resources.

A welcoming place where one can attend photographic exhibitions focused on the techniques used in the wine production, on its history and that of the main Tuscan wine enterprises.  To enrich the experience, one will have the opportunity to attend weekly encounters with winemakers that will happily illustrate the characteristics of their wine, the peculiarities of their production area and the cultivation techniques.

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However, not everything starts and ends up only with wine. Suggestive Piazza Demidoff will host many other different small events such as concerts, shows, editorial presentations and poetry reading, etc. An excellent opportunity to enjoy wining along with many other activities in a superb natural environment that, combined with a stay at Il Salviatino, your luxury hotel in Florence, will make your summer days in Tuscany unique and worth remembering.

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20
Jul

Wednesdays with the Nobile Wine of Montepulciano.

Wining has turned out to be one of Tuscany’s most attractive activities together with art and culture. With the upcoming good weather, the possibilities to enjoy the pleasure of wine tasting in Tuscany expand and we are faced with the perfect plan. For this reason, Tuscany lovers who are also wine lovers, Wednesday is your lucky day. And why is that? Well, because charming Tuscan town Montepulciano has organized an attractive weekly experience by the hand of its most famous local product: the Nobile Wine of Montepulciano.

Every Wednesday up to the end of July, in the prestigious cornice of the Enoteca del Consorzio del Vino Nobile, all wine lovers will have the opportunity to discover history, productive philosophy and characteristics of Montepulciano’s wine. The ideal moment for an encounter between producers and consumers. For next Wednesday 25th of July: wine tastings of Nobile di Montepulciano by MonteMercurio and Tanagatta together with ribollita and extra virgin olive oil. Absolutely tempting!

View of Montepulciano.

View of Montepulciano.

The wining and dining experience in a unique scenario: a medieval and Renaissance hill town at 605m in the Italian province of Siena in southern Tuscany. Famous for its 14th century city  walls, its 1.5km main street, its beautiful Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta or its elegant Palazzo Comunale based on Florence’s Palazzo Vecchio.  These are only a few of the things that hide behind  Wednesdays with the Nobile of Montepulciano: one of the best wines of Italy, local delicacies, medieval beauty and exceptional company.

A great Wednesday that could be magically fulfilled by a matchless stay at Il Salviatino, the best 5 star hotel in Florence. Are you ready?

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15
Jun

The Tuscan Sun Festival.

June brings us warm temperatures and long sunny days to enjoy and discover a unique Italian region: Tuscany. And what a better occasion than of the hand of the Tuscan Sun Festival? Yes, you have heard well. For the first time in its ten years of existence, Florence hosts this magnificent outdoor festival usually held in the town of Cortona.

Of international renown, the Tuscan Sun Festival is considered as the region’s première arts event with an exhaustive program that honours every single art camp that pours a little more colour into our world: music, visual arts, culinary and wine, literature, film and local culture. A programme based upon international classical artists, actors and chefs that bring together all those small pleasures that make life shine brighter.

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Founded in 2003 by Barrett Wissman, cellist Nina Kotova and author of Under the Tuscan Sun, Frances Mayes, the Festival has traditionally been led by well – known artists together with the  proud – hearted Tuscan community maintaining its unique identity as a festival of  “artists to live with the artists”.

Thanks to the contributions of the Cassa di Risparmio and the collaboration of the Fondazione Teatro della Pergola and the sponsorship of Florence Town Hall, the Tuscan Sun Festival develops into a new dimension: wider and more prestigious with the participation of personalities of the highest level.

Music, theatre, literature and exquisite cuisine await for you from the 11th – 18th June in this festival honouring all five senses. Il Salviatino, the best luxury hotel in Florence, invites you to discover this opportunity along with the perfect stay. Enjoy Tuscany like never before.

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1
Jun

The scents of Lamole.

It is time to give a break to museum visits and trips and reserve some of our time to  worship those little pleasures that make life great: winning and dining. And what a better place than a small village in the outskirts of Florence? This is the scenario that I Profumi di Lamole (The Scents of Lamole) will be offering this weekend, from the 1st to the 3rd of June in a tiny village in Greve in Chianti. The 11th edition of this event proves Lamole as the capital of good drinking.

An annual event  willing to promote Lamole’s unusual and special vineyards situated at higher altitudes: up to 600 metres above sea level. The extraordinary and delightful fragrances of such wine can be enjoyed in the piazza at Lamole with an opening ceremony today at 5 P.M. awarding an outstanding native, which this year goes to Ernesto Gentili.

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Whatsoever, the main character will always be the same one: Lamole’s wine. And in order to honour il Gallo Nero wine, a traditional rite will inaugurate the event: the IX wine ceremony. A rite symbolising the sacred union of Lamole’s wines that are poured in a big bowl all at once. The resulting nectar is bottled but only for it’s symbolic value. Together with the significance of a team work there is the added value of it’s sticker, designed and renewed year after year. Surely, a bottle perfect for collectors.

However, wine will not be the only tasting encounter. Apetite will naturally arise and, in consequence, one will be able to sample local delicacies and Lamole’s naturally organic, fruity, aroma-rich olive oil. An unforgettable weekend surrounded by nature, wine and local tradition which could be perfected with a stay in the best luxury hotel in Florence: Il Salviatino.

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16
Apr

Relax in Florence

Florence is certainly one of the most recognized cities worldwide for its beauty, artistic value and architectural heritage, a place of pilgrimage for art lovers in its purest form. But Florence is also an ideal destination to spend a few days off and enjoy the unique environment the Italian Tuscany has to offer.

The beauty of its streets and squares transmits  real magic. It offers a host of charming places to discover and invites one to stroll down and have an appetizer in its famous taverns along the Arno River, as well as, to enjoy a glass of chianti, the typical red wine in this area.

View from Hotel Il Salviatino in Florence

View from Hotel Il Salviatino in Florence

Furthermore, with the arrival of spring,  Florence is revealed at its best through its gardens. The gardens are in full bloom which can be found along the entire town during this season. An inevitable stop at this point is the Boboli Gardens, located behind the Pitti Palace. It has  a total area of ​​45,000 square meters, which makes it the largest green area of Florence. Here, guests can visit the statue of the Goddess Fortuna or the Neptune Fountain and the beautiful lake that lies within.

The Giardino dell’Iris (Iris Garden) also proves to be an ideal route in the springtime. Symbol of the city of Florence since 1251, the Iris is the real star of this botanical garden which hosts more than 1,500 varieties of this flower. This can be all admired and appreciated together with the stunning views of the entire city.

Finally, to conclude your rest and pleasurable stay, there’s nothing better than to relax completely at the new Spa Il Salviatino, at your 5- star hotel in Florence. It offers a variety of treatments specifically created to balance body and mind in a state of total harmony. The “Relax and enjoy Florence” package is the perfect choice for those wishing to enjoy a massage with vegetable oils and antioxidants or a thousands-years old relaxation technique using the essence of Egyptian jasmine and a touch of mint to recover energy. It also includes a full tasting of Tuscan cuisine enabling guests to enjoy the holiday without having to worry about anything else.

In short, if you are looking for a few days of peace and tranquility, Florence is revealed as the perfect place to enjoy moments of rest and relaxation in a unique space.

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1
Feb

St. Valentine at Il Salviatino, creating everlasting memories

When it comes to celebrating Valentine’s day most people reach for the usual things, like chocolate, flowers and a candle light dinner at home.

But as always Il Salviatino dares you to think bigger, welcoming you and your beloved one with a special Package valid from 11th to 19th of February. May that be a triumphant beginning to what will be an unforgettable romantic getaway.

This year’s St. Valentine Package includes, besides accommodation in De Luxe Room with breakfast “à la carte”, a romantic dinner for two and a 30 minutes couple massage.

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Although it will be hard to want to leave the hotel even for a minute, we advise you to do so and explore the city of Florence which is on its own very romantic.

A golden sunset in Ponte Vecchio gazing at Arno river, a sip of Tuscan’s fine wine, and a quick stop in one of the top Florentine Chocolatiers could provide you lovely memories to treasure for a lifetime.

It is said that originally St. Valentine in Italy was celebrated by young lovers in ornamental gardens enjoying music and poetry reading. It could be pleasant to take a few hours of your time to visit Pitti’s Palace and stroll into the Boboli’s Gardens, to have a little taste of what this day could have been like so long ago.

Trusting your fine taste Il Salviatino welcomes you, with a glass of Champagne, to an Aphrodisiac Dinner for two to be served on the February 14th , with a tailored menu created by our Chef Carmine Caló.

As a guest in this 5 star hotel in Florence set your mind on simply enjoying with your Valentine the incomparable environment of Florence, the City of Renaissance.

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31
Jan

Tuscan Carnival. An unforgettable experience

Costume parades, joyful music, splendorous masks… Those are no more than just a few of the countless details that make Carnival in Tuscany simply magical.

This festivity usually takes place four Sundays before the Shrove Tuesday, in Italian “Martedi Graso”, and it is an event celebrated like no other, specially in Viareggio. A city located at a relatively short distance from Florence.

Begun in February 1873, Viareggio’s Carnival is considered worldwide to be one of the finest celebrations in all Italy, and its biggest assets are definitely the float parades displaying enormous figures made of papier-mâché, alongside 200 people dressed up in full costume.

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Each one of those figures take about a year to be built, and there is a lot to it that doesn’t meet the eye. Besides being impressive works of art in the outside, bringing them to live through mechanical movements makes them fairly complex structures.

Every year thousands of people from all over the world choose Viareggio as a Carnival destination, and many say the major reason to do so is the opportunity to enjoy the parade and see what theme they come up with each year.

Although dressing up in full costume is not strictly required most people choose to do so, while other prefer to keep it simple and just wear a “Burlamacco” mask or put on some fancy make-up. Whatever may the case be, what really matters is enjoying the party atmosphere.

Needless to say that no description could ever match the sensation of being there.
Il Salviatino will be keeping at your disposal a special carnival package, valid every weekend from the 4th of February to the 4th of March.

It includes, besides a 2 nights stay in De Luxe Double Room of our luxury hotel in Florence, a trip to Viareggio with Lunch for two. All of this to let you experience Tuscan’s Carnival at its best.

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28
Dec

Italian tradition. The most special night of the year at Il Salviatino.

Without a doubt, the most special and magical moment of the year is New Year’s Eve.  As we prepare to bid goodbye to the year full of memories, we also await a new beginning filled with unknown excitement.

If we want to start the year with a positive attitude, we should follow New Year’s Eve traditions. Eating lentils before the clock strikes midnight will bring fortune to the New year.  As throwing something old will give us renewed dreams. Let’s not forget about wearing red underwear underneath our best attire.  This will bring us good luck as soon as  the very first minute of 2012.

For this night, our luxury hotel in Florence Il Salviatino has prepared for you a very special event: “L’Epoca Garbata” (Gracious Years) , linked to the package “An Italian Christmas” . This will make your stay at the the hotel very memorable during the holiday season.

“L’Epoca Garbata” (Gracious Years) pays tribute to the period when elegance reigned supreme in Italy

Il Salviatino has taken utmost care in organizing the details of New Year’s Eve celebration. We  have prepared an exquisite dinner menu which includes dishes like Scallops with Jerusalem artichoke, asparagus and red prawn cream; Red mullet and hazelnuts with parsley and candied lemon, anchovy crumble… Last but not least, a desert that unites the essence of Christmas season with gastronomy: Christmas cake pudding with exotic fruits and berries, English vanilla sauce. And Holiday pastries.

Dinner will be accompanied by live music and entertainment to enjoy an extraordinary performance that pays tribute to the period when elegance reigned supreme in Italy.

The Roaring Twenties, ladies wrapped in long evening gowns dancing a wild swing and, for the first time, showing off their sensual legs in a stylish – and sometimes cheeky – way. The noir ambience of the Thirties, when cigarettes were taken out of shiny silver cases and smoked in the dim light.

The cheerful gaze of people dreaming of a brighter future in the Fifties, and wearing the first colorful clothing and prints. That is the essence of “L’Epoca Garbata” (Gracious Years), a performance that underlines the special aspects embodied in the first decades of the 20th century in Italy.

Guests only have to worry about enjoying this very special night. Il Salviatino provides you a unique environment to have an unforgettable start of 2012.

Find more information, check us out at: www.averyspecialholiday.com

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