Among all the moments we spent in Florence, one that left a lasting impression was sharing platters of cheese and cured meats at the end of the day. The aperitivo experience—paired with Tuscan wine—offered not only incredible flavors but also an unforgettable atmosphere.✨
💡What is “Aperitivo”?
The word aperitivo comes from the Latin aperire, meaning “to open”—as in to open the appetite. While originally referring to a pre-dinner drink, today it’s become something more: a cherished moment of unwinding and connecting with others as the day winds down.
In Florence and across Tuscany, locals and visitors alike gather for this daily ritual. You’ll find aperitivo platters filled with regional salami, cheeses, and seasonal delicacies, enjoyed alongside a glass of wine. As the sun begins to set, bars and restaurants throughout the city come alive. The street near our accommodation was lined with inviting spots, and we found ourselves returning not once, but twice!
🇮🇹 Our Family Style: Apéro Dînatoire 🇫🇷
The Italian aperitivo culture reminded us of France’s beloved apéro. In fact, there’s even a French twist called apéro dînatoire—a blend of apéro and dinner, where everyone gathers to graze on small bites instead of sitting down to a full meal.
As a Franco-Japanese family, this casual, shareable style is a weekend and holiday staple for us. The Italian approach felt incredibly familiar. Our children loved the freedom to pick what they liked, and for us, the whole experience felt like a natural extension of our everyday life.😊
🧀 Appetizer Platters to Remember
Our first platter was a dream: slices of Pecorino cheese served with fig jam, Tuscan classics like bresaola and fennel-spiced finocchiona, and even bread topped with Lardo di Colonnata. Add a few marinated vegetables and a glass of Chianti 🍷—we were instantly in heaven.
Let’s talk about Pecorino. Made from sheep’s milk (pecora in Italian), it’s a traditional cheese with a deeply satisfying flavor. In Tuscany, you’ll find versions that are young and milky, or aged and nutty. I’m a huge fan of sheep’s milk cheese, so I was truly in my element!❤️
Another highlight was a platter featuring Burrata. This Southern Italian cheese is a soft pouch of mozzarella filled with stracciatella—a luscious mix of shredded mozzarella and cream. Once sliced open, the creamy center spills out like a dream. Paired with prosciutto, arugula, and rustic bread… simply divine. It was a perfect example of how Italian food can be both simple and luxurious at once.😍
The starters were so good, we ended up ordering more bread: focaccia-scented with olive oil, and chewy, flavorful ciabatta—both a perfect match for the rich antipasti.
And yes… we ordered more Pecorino too 😅. Served again with a sweet jam, it was simple yet completely unforgettable.
🍷 Slow Food and Tuscan Reds
On our last night, we dined at a Slow Food restaurant known for its local specialties. Hanging hams framed the room. Our red wine came in a ceramic pitcher, and the platter featured more Tuscan cured meats along with generous slices of Pecorino Toscano.
One item in particular caught our eye: the white slices at the center of the board—Lardo, a regional delicacy from Colonnata. It may look like just fat, but don’t be fooled. It’s cured with herbs and spices in marble basins, resulting in a melt-in-your-mouth texture and aromatic depth. When placed on warm bread, it transforms—delicate, flavorful, and surprisingly light. We couldn’t resist pouring another glass of wine.😋
☘️ The Taste of Tuscany at Twilight
Gourmet dinners are wonderful—but sometimes, it’s these casual moments that linger in your memory. If you visit Florence, don’t miss the chance to experience local Pecorino and cured meats with a glass of wine as the sun sets. It’s a true taste of Tuscany.
🌟 Coming Up in Vol.3
Back home, the Tuscan goodies we brought back—like sun-dried tomatoes and truffle oil—found their way into our own kitchen. In Vol.3, I’ll share how we brought the flavors of Florence to our family table, along with stories from the city’s iconic sights. Stay tuned!
