Former Disney CEO, Michael Eisner, recently commented that finding a beautiful AND funny woman is a rarity.

I find the concept of this duality to be fascinating, because I just might agree with him.

Ah yes. Back to School. Summer is coming to an end which means we will soon see the re-birth of Ugg boots, pumpkin flavored everything, and news stories that coat campuses in a veneer of victim-hood.

The outrage has started early this year, even before the first sip of pumpkin-spice latte could touch consumers’ lips. Fraternities are …wait for it… fraternizing with their schools’ newest students.(Read article here.) Many have been photographed hanging signs and sheets outside their homes, welcoming freshman women to campus in a special block calligraphy that can only belong to an adolescent male. While I appreciate their attempt at crafting, this is certainly not a project that the brothers picked up on Pinterest.

“Freshman Daughter Drop-off” seems to be the overwhelming favorite among guys who have never learned the act of subtlety. A close second is “21 to Drink, 18ish to spend the night” which was the brainchild of the kid who always has to talk to the cops when they show up to his house party.

These half-humorous attempts to re-create the plot to every college based rom-com should be just that, worthy of half-a laugh. Unfortunately, those with eyes and an over-active set of thumbs have taken to social media to express their outrage. They then go home, suffering from exhaustion to watch American Pie for the hundredth time. Because suddenly, it’s all too real. The threat of living in a world with misogynistic jack-asses is in plain sight and it’s too much for those with sensitive eyes to handle.

I for one, applaud the houses that show off their stupidity like a Sloman Shield. Smart women – avoid those homes, for the house is saturated with bad boys. Not all bad, I’m sure, but stupid enough to not stock their bathrooms with the toilet paper necessary for a lady with a full bladder. One would assume that a woman, smart enough to get into college would know to avoid such nightmares. Especially these girls’ parents. I wonder if the parents who aim to shut down these fraternities doubt their own abilities? Did they not instill in their offspring the values and common sense necessary to avoid situations like these? Good parenting should encourage a young woman to make her own choices –the ones that are best for her.

News flash parents, the world is full of metaphorical fraternities, and not all of them wear signs.

Tomorrow it all begins again. The butterflies, anxiety, excessive drinking, bloating, and emotional hangovers.

Otherwise known as, “The Bachelor” Season 20.

Now, I’m really not a cult-tv watcher. I don’t fill the DVR with “my shows” or host weekly viewing parties of the latest scripted series, but I am totally into “The Bachelor.”

I find reality t.v. to be somewhat relaxing. After spending hours each day reading through news articles and carefully crafting colorful talking points, the last thing I want to do when I get home is work on following a plot line.

Thankfully, “The Bachelor” is a show that not only thinks for you, but clearly points out each season’s villain, town drunk, class clown, and princess. All while carefully editing to clue you in to exactly who will be the last 4-6 women standing in stylish stilettos.

Even better, in a world where terror is a real threat and social issues confront us at every corner, “The Bachelor” is an isolated bubble of optimism and intrigue. It’s as simple as boy meets girl and girl and girl and so on.

This season should be particularly addicting for a few a reasons. Our prince charming is Bachelor Ben, the reject from Kaitlyn’s season. He’s got boyish charm, a boyish face, and the oldest urban myth — manly manners.

Rumor has it (thanks spoilers) that Ben is breaking from tradition this season and not locking lips with every lady present — as most previous Bachelors have. While women swoon with delight at this chivalry, men everywhere must be cursing his chasteness. Because to be the bachelor is to win some sort of lottery, where women who only know the MadLibs version of you throw themselves at you — thanks to faux romance, cameras, and booze (the ultimate trifecta.)

We also have notorious virgin Becca back again as a contestant. The world was first introduced to her during Farmer Chris’s season. She’s so sweet you want to hate her, but it’s actually impossible to do so. I’m looking forward to seeing how the two interact. Seems like a match made in heaven — but producers would want us to think that, wouldn’t they?

I, for one, can’t wait to see each girl get out of the limo and introduce themselves — and by can’t wait I mean, really, let’s get it over with. Past seasons are known for their collection of rehearsed entrances that are beyond over-produced. It’s always so painful to watch these women juggle gowns, props, and an elevated blood alcohol level. Truly, any woman who approaches Ben with a simple greeting and a hug is a winner in my book. Take note ladies — if you need a shtick to be remembered, you’re not memorable.

It really is fascinating how the franchise has lasted as long as it has. The landscape of dating has changed so much over the last few years, due largely in part to technology and dating apps, but this reality t.v. dating show has remained about the same. I think it’s because as much as dating and relationships have changed, our ideals about romance and love have not. We continue to glorify the idea of meeting our perfect soul mate. Even though  the success rate of previous contestant hovers around 20%, we remain optimistic. The heart is a strong organ that can take a lot of abuse. And just like “The Bachelor,” we keep coming back for more. 

So I just watched “My Cousin Vinny” for the first time last week. I know. Crazy that it took me so long! What’s better than a film with Marisa Tomei, the Karate Kid, and heavy New York accents? Not much. Except maybe one of my elaborate metaphors that equates today’s GOP bro-battle to this early 90’s courtroom comedy.

That’s right. I’m. About. To go there.

Donald Trump is Joe Pesci. He’s the outsider. The big talker. The guy who has a style all his own, with the kind of deluded self-confidence you wish you had. He’s there to clean up the mess.

America is Ralph Macchio. We’re in a pickle. We need someone on our side. Someone who will defend our character, our interests, and make us great again. Donny says he’ll do the job. He’ll come to our rescue, and we are thrilled!

The only problem is, he’s never done it before.

Which, isn’t a yuge problem. I mean, he’s been around. He understands how the system works, so we’ll give Donny the benefit of the doubt.

But then he starts talking. What is he saying? His verbiage is unorthodox, which, honestly, is very entertaining, but hey, our lives are on the line here! Does he even know how the system works? We want a guy who will be able to deliver what he promised.

And so some of us get nervous. The #NeverTrump crowd is Mitchell Whitfield, Macchio’s friend. He freaks out and (for a bit) decides he’d rather go with the guy who’s been around the block. The public defender. A bit more, established, if you will. Sure he has an awful stutter, but he’s technically saying all of the right things.

And the ones who are the most frustrated with Donny are female voters, aka Marisa Tomei. It’s a love hate relationship with this guy (as in roughly half of female GOP voters can see themselves supporting Trump, and the other half can’t.) His thick head (of hair) and New York stubbornness is almost impossible to get through. But if he wants female support, us ladies are really going to have to put our foot down… the clock is ticking.

Now is the time for Donny to ask the question I ask myself at least once a day, “What would Joe Pesci do?” I sure hope he’s seen the film, because the answer lies in the script:

If you want to win, you need to play by the rules.

Pesci studies. He prepares. He completely immerses himself into the environment he wants to thrive in. (“were these magic grits?”)

But that doesn’t mean Don needs to completely abandon his style. Does Pesci? Of course not. He uses his style to his advantage, but he knows his audience. And he’s not too proud to adjust in a way that will render the best result.

He’s also not too proud to accept help when it’s offered to him. Trump’s campaign staff is also Marisa Tomei. She wants to help. She tries offering him advice. And just as she’s about to throw in the towel, Pesci realizes he needs her to win the case. He needs an expert. She was at his fingertips all along, and finally, he grabs on.

So please, Donny, I beg of you, watch this movie, study this movie, LIVE this movie. Because otherwise, you may lose the presidency…and the Oscar.

I once had an older co-worker tell me that the person you are at 28 is pretty much the person you’re going to be for the rest of your life. Your likes and dislikes will stay constant from that point forward.

Why? My 20 year old self asked.

Because, he answered, your taste in music is no longer changing, so neither really are you.

At the time, I thought he was crazy. What does that even mean? And what does music have to do with personal evolution?

Everything. It has everything to do with who you are. And I know this now, because I am turning 28 in less than a month.

My taste has certainly changed over the last two decades. Different artists and genres made their ways in and out of my life like crushes and best friend bracelets. But just as a cheap token can leave a vivid green mark on my wrist, so can a specific album be forever imprinted on my past.

They say that scent is the strongest sense tied to memory, which, I don’t think anyone can argue. But sound is a serious close second for me — specifically song. When I hear an old familiar tune, I not only recall the melody and lyrics, but also the age I was when I heard it, where I was when listening to it, and how I was feeling as the sound permeated my eardrums.

Bubble Gum Pop and Jimmy Buffet were staples in the Nosuchinsky household. “Goody Goody Gum Drop” and “Fins” while quite different in style and message both leave me feeling happy and carefree — an honest reflection of my childhood.

Then, moving into the middle school days, self-conscious back-brace wearing Joanne found some solace in Sheryl Crow’s “C’mon C’mon” album, along with a Lenny Kravitz’s Greatest Hits album. I’ve always been a sucker for really good poignant lyrics, although 12 year old me could not fully appreciate the lyrical nuances of “Black Velveteen”

High School was a time of heightened emotions — first loves, heartbreaks, and long short-bus rides to my performing arts high school. John Mayer’s “Room for Squares” album is still one of my favorites to this day. I’ve listened to it so many times, I’ve started specifically listening to the base line in each song because there is always more love to be discovered there. Gavin Degraw’s “Chariot Stripped” album introduced me to my love for acoustics, while offering a plethora of lyrics for cryptic AIM away statuses.

And then DASHBOARD CONFESSIONAL. “Screaming Infidelities” and “Vindicated” were always belted out over the dashboard (hate myself) of the car my friends and I were cruising around in on our way to Surf Taco. At the time, that break-up or unrequited crush felt like the end of the world, and Dashboard just GOT that. It’s especially nice hearing those songs now when you realize you don’t even remember that cute skateboarder’s name anymore.

In college, I was even more emotional (thanks theatre classes), with a peaked interest in weird/over-seas songstresses. Regina Spektor, Charlotte Martin, and Kate Nash filled my pre-performance playlists to allow for relaxation followed by an emotional breakdown. They also played on repeat when my long-term boyfriend broke up with me —which is probably why I don’t listen to them much anymore.

And upon my move to New York City, I memorized every word to Mr. New York’s album, shutting out the world on my walks through midtown. Billy Joel helped even the scariest chapter of my life seem noble somehow.

And now, as my seriously late 20’s approach, I find I’m not listening to music in the same way anymore. It’s not about sorting out my feelings, but rather, conjuring one. Whether it’s old school Destiny’s Child pushing me to run farther on the treadmill, or The Beach Boys reminding me to chill, I know the kinds of music that I like. It’s the stuff I know, or rather, the stuff that knows me.

It’s the same reason why we go back to old lovers, or visit old stomping grounds. It’s not so much the song we love as much as the person we were when we heard it. The song is the same, and for a second, when we hear it, so are we.

Now that the leaves are changing color it’s time for your wardrobe to change accordingly. These are the fall items that every 20-something woman should have in their closet.

Thick Skin

As the weather gets colder, so will your heart. There are going to be plenty of pregnancy and birth announcements this fall so be sure to prepare for this inevitable change by adding an extra layer of skin to your outfit. That way, when visiting the maternally inclined, their icy looks of judgement won’t leave you frozen in your tracks.

Thinking Cap

Was everyone born in October/November? It sure feels that way. You’re going to be invited to so many parties and social gatherings that are way less appealing than the Netflix que you’ve been getting to know intimately. You’re gonna need to think fast to come up with reasonable excuses to ditch your “friends” for your only real friend, Lorelai Gilmore.

Baggage

Vintage is totally in. Last season’s anxieties and mistakes will transition really well into this holiday season. Be sure to carry that heavy load everywhere you go. People may not ask you where you got it, but be sure to tell them all about it anyway.

A Navajo Rug

Is it a jacket? Or a shawl? Or a vest? No one knows, but it’s over-sized and hides your cider habit. It’s also culturally offensive which means you’ll blend right in!

Black Paint

So much more comfortable than black leggings, and surprisingly less revealing.

These fall basics will make you the most basic, basically.

      I have a nasty habit. I measure success by accomplishments over time. Jobs, gigs, accolades. Each one propelling me further into adulthood, bringing me closer to my professional goals. Five years ago (yesterday), I was crowned Miss New York USA. That was a big one on the timeline of my life. I set a very difficult, seemingly uncharacteristic goal for myself and accomplished it. From there, the next five years were spent crafting a cable news career and then leaving said career to pursue my real passion – acting. Sometimes, when I feel a bit stalled or behind where I’d like to be, I remember just how much I’ve accomplished over time. How things I never anticipated or planned happening did, and how I’m so much better for it all. 

        I just saw a young woman in CVS giving herself a makeover with the drug store products. I was in awe of her utter lack of inhibition, her complete abandon when it came to all matters public and grooming. There she stood on aisle 8, applying direct from a fresh tube, coat after coat of blackest black mascara. Normally, I find this type of behavior disgusting. Social decorum not only prevents us all from becoming literal monsters, but encourages me to participate in an over-populated city. This instance was special, however. I found myself lingering by the budget lipstick made with real avocado in order to steal glances at this pharmacy’s Joan of Arc. There she stood, facing no mirror, applying numerous layers with a dangerously tiny wand. She wasn’t hiding her mission. Potentially losing an eye didn’t even phase her. She went on, creating a masterpiece with complete confidence. As I feigned interest in the Berry Blast gloss in front of me, another thought occurred – perhaps I’ve happened upon an incredible display of performance art. One that decries the societal pressures that every woman faces to paint on a daily mask, while also giving a giant middle finger to the corporations and beauty brands that market self-confidence and self-love for $8.95 a tube. This woman is not only slightly unhinged, but the definition of an American hero. I turned to continue my shopping, leaving our heroine to change the world one product at a time. I selected my two pairs of pantyhose (because a run in this patriarchic accessory just won’t do) and headed to the register. But before I left, I decided to check on Joan once more. I simply followed the smell of freshly killed ozone and jojoba to aisle 7, and there she was – squatting on the floor brushing her hair while rocking to an inaudible song. I like to think it was Cee-Lo Green’s “Forget You.” Forget her, I never will. Heroes are on all types of drugs, folks. And I’m never buying makeup from that CVS again.

Ciao bella!

My fiancé and I just spent the most magical 10 days in Italy, experiencing the history of Rome, the calm of the countryside, and Florence’s charm. We were invited to attend a friend’s wedding in the Marche region and thought it would be a great opportunity to visit a country that was truly foreign to us. I spent months researching everything I could; reading foodie blogs, watching travel vlogs, and basically studying Google maps any chance I got (I expected my sense of direction to be way better than it was.) I’m hoping that my experience can be helpful to others who are planning a similar trip, as I’m so grateful for those who blogged before me. We spent 3 nights in Rome, 2 nights in Fossombrone, and 3 nights in Florence. Please enjoy this chronological retelling of our Italian vacation.

ROME

We flew direct to Rome from JFK. As a nice kick off to our trip, we stopped at the TWA hotel, located at Terminal 5. Essentially, it’s a time capsule of an era gone by filled with modern hospitality (and prices.) Highly recommend checking it out before your next flight out of JFK.

I reserved a parking spot online in JFK’s long-term parking lot. The price felt reasonable at $20 per day, and the whole process was super easy.

We flew Delta direct to Rome over-night. I was determined to sleep on this flight. I bought melatonin gummies (that didn’t work) and a specific wrap around neck pillow (that I found incredibly uncomfortable.) So, alas, I didn’t get more than 30 minutes of light sleep, but I did get to watch Eat, Pray, Love AND Roman Holiday, so I still consider the flight a win.

AIRBNB

Unfortunately, 2 days before arrival, our host cancelled our reservation (for a legit reason so they’re not dead to me.) After a brief moment of panic, we were able to secure another host with a similar apartment in a great location. Kudos to the Airbnb support team who instantly messaged me similar homes and offered a discount on the re-booking.

This place was close to great cafes and restaurants, in walking distance to all the major sights, with working wifi and air conditioning. We didn’t spend much time in there (because Rome) but it was perfect for what we needed. Hosts will ask to take pictures of your passports. It’s not a scam, they just need to register you as a guest with authorities.

SIGHTS

We were mostly interested in food and drink on this vacation, but knew we couldn’t come all the way to Rome without checking out some serious landmarks. Most important to us were the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and the Pantheon. No shade to the Vatican, but we didn’t want to take up half a day looking at religious art surrounded by sweaty tourists.

We bought our tickets online in advance to gain skip the line access. (No tickets needed for the Pantheon.)

If you’re independent like us, and prefer to tour the sights at your own speed, I highly recommend downloading Rick Steves Italy Audio Tours. You can walk around at your own pace and still gain insight into what you’re looking at. The Colosseum and Pantheon were so impressive, in both size and significance. But to me, the Roman Forum was the most stunning. Imagining the ruins as they once were, while walking the same streets Caesar walked is a once in a lifetime experience.

In fact, the ruins are my favorite thing about Rome. It seems that every street you turn onto has a fountain, a statue, or remnants of a column. The collection of potable water fountains scattered around the city are both beautiful and much appreciated (especially in the July heat).

FOOD and DRINK

Coffee, pizza, spritz, pasta, wine, gelato. Repeat.

There is no such thing as a bad meal in Italy. Unless you have food allergies or enjoy writing bad reviews on Yelp. The coffee is small, some places close in the afternoon, aperitivo starts around 5pm, dinner starts after 7pm, and carry some cash for small tips (we’re chronic over-tippers and I won’t apologize for that.)

I made dinner reservations at 2 popular places, but the rest of the meals we decided on the fly.

Here’s a list of where we ate, and what I loved…

Emma Pizzeria con Cucina

• Stumbled upon this place for our first lunch. Huge spritzes, delicious pizza. 7/10

Roscioli Salumeria

• Made an early reservation here (7pm) for night 1. Found this place on a best-of list online. Rustic small interior. Great selection of meats and wines. We got the burrata with anchovies, mortadella, carbonara, tortellini, and a delish Barbaresco. 9/10

La Buvette

• In the cutest area near lots of shopping. Best lunch of the trip. Aperol Spritz, Caesar salad, fresh truffle pasta, and salmon with zucchini. So fresh and satisfying. 10/10

Armando al Pantheon

• This is where Stanley Tucci ate rigatoni all’amatriciana in Searching for Italy. Worth. The. Hype. Managed to score a reservation exactly one month out. When you order a glass of house red or white wine, the sommelier comes by to figure out your taste and grab you the right match. Very cool. Best mozzerella and tomato bruschetta I’ve ever had. All’amatriciana was very good, but the cacio e pepe was my favorite. Veal saltimbocca and potatoes were top notch. 10/10

BaGhetto Ristorante Kosher-Portico d’Ottavia

• We came for the Jewish artichokes and stayed for the lasagna and gnocchi (Douglas almost cried as he tasted the pasta) 9.5/10

Roscioli Forno

• Sensible post aperitivo, pre-dinner snack of the best focaccia style pizza with what I think was burrata cheese and pesto. I’m obsessed with pesto, and wish Rome had more of it. They don’t heat their pizza up, but it doesn’t need it. 10/10

Clorofilla Cucina & Distillati

• If you want a craft cocktail, this is your spot. Beautiful décor. Homemade syrups. If you sit at the bar, you get to pick the glass your drink comes in. 8/10

Pizzeria Dar Poeta

• In Trastevere. Slammed on a Tuesday night at 10pm. Full of locals. Service was pretty slow, but that can be said for most restaurants in Rome (at least when compared to NYC.) Ordered 2 arroncini balls, a white zucchini pie and a Napoli pizza. Washed it down with beer. Delizioso. 8/10

FUN BITS

Villa Borghese is a beautiful park worth spending some time in. Save your feet and rent a bike. At 10 euro for 1 hour, we peddled around in a two seater. It was quite the adventure.

Rome has Lime scooters! I’d never been on one. But rather than walk 20 minutes to the Colosseum we rented e-scooters through the app and arrived in no time. It was terrifying, but a quick way to get around if you’re pressed for time or already met your step count.

There are clean public toilets that cost 1 euro to enter. Always a good idea to have some euros on you for this reason.

There are self-service laundry stations in Rome. If you packed light like we did and sweated through everything, do a load and have a cocktail nearby while you wait.

Want a picture taken of you and your partner. Go up to a couple trying to take a selfie and offer to take their photo for them. 9 times out of 10 they will offer to return the favor.

WARNINGS

Do not take the rose when the man hands it to you.

If you’re going to learn “Where’s the bathroom?” in Italian, also spend some time learning how to translate their response. You ask in Italian, they answer in Italian.

While Rome has Uber, their pre-book option is not reliable. Uber couldn’t find a car for our early booking one morning, so I cancelled and thankfully, was able to book a van through the app. 

MARCHE REGION

Pronounced Mar-kay, this is the area we were visiting for the wedding. Douglas booked our train tickets to Fano about a month in advance. Time-wise, the only train that worked with our schedule left Rome at 5:40am. After a brief layover in Ancona, with some of the BEST train station cappuccino, we arrived in Fano: a beach town full of locals and gorgeous beach clubs. We had a few hours to kill before a shuttle would take us to the wedding venue, and Douglas was determined to swim in the Adriatic Sea.

We arrived at a beach club’s reception dressed in denim with luggage in tow. And boy, did we luck out. The one English speaking employee offered to store our luggage for us while we sunned ourselves. He even had his brother run home and grab us some towels since we had none. Pretty sure we have Douglas’s charm and a generous tip to thank for that hospitality.

This relaxing day at the beach was exactly what we needed after 3 days of sightseeing and a 4 hour train ride. I’d never been to a rock beach before and I loved it! Aperol Spritzes and sandwiches made for a perfect lunch. I was surprised how few people were there. Perhaps locals mostly visit on weekends. If you’re thinking of visiting an Italian beach, I highly recommend Fano.

Fossombrone

Rolling hills and stunning farmland can be seen for miles. Our bus driver did a heroic job navigating the narrow road that wound up a super steep hill to get us to our accommodations. Le Stonghe was the name of the property our friends chose for their wedding destination. Made up of a few villas and a large main house, we truly felt like we were extras on an episode of Succession. Apart from the wedding ceremony itself, the rest of our time was spent at the pool, drinking wine, eating, and taking photos. No need to rent a photo booth when your venue is the perfect backdrop.

This was a really great way to see another side of Italy. We were completely isolated. No tourists or bustling streets. Just countryside, sunsets, and mosquitoes. Lots of mosquitoes. I suggest adding a local moment into your trip. The Marche region is so quaint, rustic and peaceful, and I would never have thought to visit if not for our friends’ nuptials.

FLORENCE

We arrived by train into Florence at around 2pm and headed right to our hotel to check in. I decided on Hotel Balestri. I liked that it was right next to the Arno River and offered a free breakfast. While we had a few issues with our room key and door, and there were unexplained Goofy statues everywhere, we scored an incredible view and loved the strong air conditioning. Front desk staff was quick to accommodate any and all requests.

SIGHTS

Again, we weren’t too interested in museums or tours. While the Duomo is an incredible sight, and absolutely huge in person, I had no desire to climb through a narrow stairwell all the way to the top during a heat wave in July. These are the sights that made the cut…

Galleria dell’Accademia – The David

We couldn’t come to Florence and not see this dramatic statue in person. I ordered our tickets in advance online. I picked them up at the box office before waiting in our allotted time’s line.

Like the Colosseum and the Pantheon, we listened to a Rick Steves audio tour. The David is certainly the main attraction here, but I was just as impressed with the unfinished sculptures known as the “Prisoners.” Seeing a bit of Michelangelo’s process while listening to the story behind each piece made the experience all the more memorable.

Piazzale Michelangelo

One of the best views of Florence during sunset on the other side of the river. The hike up the hill is not that bad, so don’t let a lazy person’s warnings scare you. While we planned on staying ’til the sun went down, our timing wasn’t great. We sat with the sun directly in our eyes for about 10 minutes before deciding to head down early and take a shower.

Ponte Vecchio

A very old bridge lined with jewelry shops. I was excited to check out the gold on this bridge, hoping to buy myself a few pieces…until I realized just how expensive gold is. I did find a beautiful pendant necklace for a great price (due to the fact that it’s actually gold plated silver. No regrets.)

Wine Tasting in Chianti Region

We booked this tour through Airbnb experiences and I’m so glad we did. This was my favorite day of our trip. A Florence local picked up our small group up from a meeting point super close to our hotel. We then visited 2 wineries and 2 medieval towns. Douglas and I lucked out because we were sitting in front with the guide and were able to ask him lots of questions about the countryside and life in Tuscany.

While the wine was great (we have 12 bottles coming our way in a few weeks) and the views absolutely stunning, my favorite part was getting to chat with the other people in our group – 3 young Canadians and a couple from the Midwest. By the end of the trip, we were all fast friends, exchanging info and offering up our homes should anyone come visit (NYC happy hour doesn’t have quite the same effect on me.) The intimate nature of this experience was truly something special, and I’d suggest a similar tour to anyone visiting Florence.

FOOD AND DRINK

Hostaria il Desco

• My research led me to this place for Florentine Steak, and it was spectacular- medium rare with a great salty char. Really good price point, too. The chicken liver and lard crostini (yes I ate fat on toast) was killer. Get the wild boar ragu tagliatelle. Wash it all down with a bottle of Montepulciano. Great vibes. 10/10

Some restaurant near Basilica di Santo Spirito

• I want to say it was Gustapanino, but I’m really not sure. Huge menu of different kinds of pizzas. They were so good. One Napoli, one white with blue cheese. The white pie was my favorite. 9/10

Trattoria Mamma Gina

• A friend who used to live in Florence recommended this spot and the Bolognese especially. The house wine was so delicious and cheap. Meatballs were solid. Pasta bolognese was super filling and phenomenal. Truffle pasta was a delightfully light foil. Barely had room for our chicken secondi. 9/10

All’antico Vinaio

• Those huge cheap sandwiches you see in every #Florence post you’ve come across. Do it. Line wasn’t super long, and with 3 locations all next to each other, it moves fast. Get a sandwich from the menu. The Boss was perfection. 10/10

Trattoria L’Oriuolo

• Ordered 2 pasta dishes. The one place we went that was just ok. But even “just ok” in Italy is a 7/10.

FUN BITS

The vintage shopping in Florence is incredible. Go to Epoca Vintage. Great selection of clothing/accessories. I almost bought 3 different coats. In 95 degree heat.

Leather is EVERYWHERE. I was on the lookout for a tote bag, and found one at “Misster” a large store with a super friendly owner. I had an image in my head of what I wanted. I quickly found the style and color I was looking for, and the owner pointed out that it was made there in Florence. The brand name Rossi looked familiar to me, and then I looked down at my backpack. The leather bag I’d been carrying daily, that I purchase in Solvang California, is also a Rossi bag. It was fate.

Mercato Centrale has a huge food hall on the second floor (or in Italian, the 1^st floor). If we didn’t have lunch plans while we were there, we would have overindulged for sure.

WARNINGS

There are still bugs in Florence, and if you open up those big beautiful hotel windows for the ultimate river view, you will get bit.

Perhaps it was just the places we visited, but it seemed there were fewer English speaking people here. At one watch shop, the owner had to run out and grab a younger man from another business to translate for him.

IN CONCLUSION

Italy is the best. I hope this helps you plan, but some of the best meals/experiences were unplanned. Get lost and enjoy!