In the Florence episode of the second season of Dream of Italy on PBS, Kathy visits the bustling Central Market and tries a traditional Tuscan dish.
Mercato Centrale (central market), a Florence institution, since the late 19th century, sells everything needed to make traditional Tuscan meals – you will find meat, seafood, produce, spices and more on the first floor. One of those ingredients is the classic lampredotto (fourth stomach of the cow) – it tastes better than it sounds! You can try a juicy lampredotto sandwich at Da Nerbone on the first floor. The newly renovated second floor with prepared food stands and a wine bar is perfect for lunch or dinner. For more information, visit: mercatocentrale.it
Chef, cookbook author and food writer, Judy Witts Francini gives private tours of the market and you will feel like an insider because Judy knows everyone behind the stalls here and shares local culinary traditions as well as tastings. Her private three-hour tours can be booked Monday through Friday and are 350€ for a minimum of two people. For more information, visit: divinacucina.com
To learn how to experience everything Kathy did in Florence, get your free copy of the full Dream of Italy: Season Two Travel Guide here.
Learn more about Florence in the pages of our award-winning publication and get help planning your own trip to Florence!