[article] Gastronomy Through the Backdoor: the Markets of Florence

Gastronomy Through the Backdoor: the Markets of Florence
Posted by Andrea in Florence on 11/Dec/2007

In Canada and the US, going to the market is either considered an event for special occasions, an outing, a break from the supermarket; or if you go there as part of your routine, it is a badge of your 'culinary expertise'. However, in Italy (and I imagine most other places in the world that filter life less) the market is still special, but because eating well is integral to daily life: populated by housewives and husbands, students and professional chefs, it is a given that gastronomy begins at the stalls. Granted, the market is a few steps removed from the watering and harvesting, feeding and slaughtering of even the average dish, but it is still a better point of departure for truly understanding cuisine than the supermarket.

The flavors for this venture are those of Florence, Italy – that famous Tuscan cooking! If you can go armed with some knowledge or at least a culinary guidebook, you'll be able to spot some of the most savoury and intriguing ingredients, which will aid you in your menu choices later on...

Read more:
http://www.sitebits.com/2007/gastronomy-through-the-back-door-markets-florence.html

the good ol' market place in Florence.The market is one of the things that I miss the most .The market is my amusement park where I go and get everything I need for my food of the day and where I like to talk to the vendors which I like a lot. Very good choice of writing target.One thing I noticed about the market in Italy this last time I was there with Mary is that the vendor behind the counter is not the usual nice Italian old man/woman but the hired Indian or Chinese or Romanian guy . Anyhow the market is the best lunch choice.Everything is better tasting and cheaper then anywhere else .

I know what you mean about nostalgia...I lived in Firenze for 5 years. While writing the article, I could hear the sounds of the market. What it offers is so unadorned and frank, simple and mundane in its pleasure.

I also noticed that the vendors had discovered the utility of immigrants - not everyone, but some.