www.theflorencenewspaper.com
11 nov - 25 nov 2011, Suppl. N.25
page 2
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Short Film Contest for University Students
Thanksgiving in Florence
Pizza in the blink of an eye!
Shooting WWII in Santo Spirito...
COLOR MAP INSIDE
and opening the set to study abroad students “La Villa Triste” to be shown at next year’s Venice Film Festival
photo by Jessica Reynolds
Lorenzo Picchi Doors are open for American and international students to assist in the filming of the scenes of La Villa Triste, a movie about the dramatic events preceding the liberation of Florence by the Allies in 1944. Fabrizio Favilli, the emergent director of the film that will be presented next year at the 69th edition of the Venice Film Festival, believes that younger generations should be given the opportunity to learn an essential part of Italian history, as well as to experience the live shooting of a movie that has potential to become a world-wide success. Production was slowed by the death of Massimo Serchielli – Spike Lee’s favorite Italian actor – in 2010, forcing Favilli to throw away all the scenes that were already shot
and start from scratch with a new protagonist actor. The movie will be characterized by its faithful reconstruction of both environments and historical facts. “It will be a return to neorealism,” says Favill. “All the interiors and the costumes are the originals, with a considerable cost for the producing company, and all the outdoor scenes will be shot in the same places where the events they refer to took place.” The return to the neorealist cinematic style is evident by the decision to shoot the movie in black and white in order to reproduce the feeling of that period. For a movie of this kind, representing the reality with the least possible interference means depicting
pillages, rapes, tortures and assassinations as “untouched” as possible. “The scenes will be rough, but there is no other way they coul be,” claims Favilli, echoing the teachings and spirit of Neorealism master Roberto Rossellini. The interior of La Villa Triste, the villa in Via Bolognese where the headquarters of the Nazi command and of the Fascist police were, has been perfectly reproduced in a palace in Santo Spirito square by the staff of Astrofilm, the independent label that will release the production. The palace is at number 23, near the Church and next to the military district of Florence. continued on page 3
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“A Guide to the City” is the bi-weekly supplement to www.theflorencenewspaper.com. The newspaper is distributed throughout the city of Florence in all key reference points for the English speaking community including hotels and hostels, universities and language schools, libraries, restaurants and cafes. Contact us at
info@theflorencenewspaper.com
Tel: 0559061542
CONTENTS FLORENCE NEWS 2-4 NATIONAL NEWS 5
Florence News
Short film contest for university students ASAUI – The Association of Scholars at American Universities in Italy, the City of Florence and Project Link in collaboration with Corriere Fiorentino and sponsored by SNCCI – The National Union of Italian Cinema Critics – Tuscan Group present: 2minuti al tramonto, 2minutes@twilight information and contact: florencefonefilmfest@gmail.com info@asaui.org http://asaui.org/ ASAUI, Comune di Firenze, in collaboration with Corriere Fiorentino and SNCCI – tuscan group present a short film contest open to all students of the Università di Firenze and to university students enrolled in any other university program in Florence. Every film (in English, Italian, or both) could have as a topic any aspect regarding the city of
Florence and its life, culture or experiences; it must last two minutes (including credits) and must be filmed in Florence at twilight, and shot entirely with a smartphone. Deadline for all entries is no later than November 25, 2011. The final awards evening will be on December 7 2011, when the prizes will be awarded to the winners To enter the contest: download the entry form and the disclaimers from the ASAUI webpage, www.asaui.org, fill them out and mail together with the video to: ASAUI c/o Elisa Terrazzi, Via del Campuccio 15, 50124 Firenze, or via e-mail at florencefonefilmfest@gmail.com.
PRIZES page 15
1st place: iPhone 4 32Gb by TIM/Red One 2nd place: Pad 32 GB WiFi + 3g 3rd place: iPod Touch 32 GB by Data Port
For more information: florencefonefilmfest@gmail.com info@asaui.org
LIVING IN THE CITY 6 CITY GUIDE 7-10 FOOD & WINE 11 FLORENCE HISTORY 12 STYLE & ENTERTAINMENT 13 TRAVEL 14 SPORT 15
STAFF
Graphic design by: Michela Peisih ©Florence University of the Arts, 2011 Photo by: Carrie Schoenborn
Editor in Chief (Direttore Responsabile)
Lorenzo Picchi direttore@theflorencenewspaper.com Managing Editor
Erich Schrader Writers
Erich Schrader Lorenzo Picchi Vincent Tacchi Grace Capuzzo Contributors
Kelly Nicastro Marissa Knox Dominic Brucciani Antonella Salvia Sallyanne Allegretti David Hernandez Layout and Design
Tonka Raycheva- Art Director Internship Adriana Kaneva Stefan Valchanov Nursena Yilmaz Ezgi Koksal Photography
Jessica Reynolds Marketing Meganer
Dennis Jusufbegovic Advertising
Alessandro Cerri Internship Grace Capuzzo Vincent Tacchi
Printed at Nuova Cesat SRL Via B. Buozzi 21| 50145 Firenze Registered at the Tribunale di Firenze No. 5512, 08/08/2006
Assassination Attempt on Archbishop Foiled
Betori unharmed, but secretary wounded in the attack
Erich Schrader A yet unidentified assailant made an attempt on the life of the Archbishop of Florence, Giuseppe Betori, on Friday, November 4th, but was unsuccessful. According to reports, the attack took place in the garage of the curia in Piazza San Giovanni when a man asked to speak with the Archbishop, but became angry when his request was denied, resulting on his shooting Betori’s secretary, Don Paolo Brogi, in the abdomen. After shooting Brogi, the gunman apparently aimed the 7.65 caliber pistol at the head of Archbishop Betori, but quickly and inexplicably fled before firing. Brogi, 41, was brought to the Hospital of Santa Maria Nuova, where tests showed that no vital organs were damaged.
The assailant is described as a male between 60 and 70 years of age with an unkempt, white beard, and homeless in appearance. Several suspects fitting the description have been brought in, but police have yet to identify the attacker. Video surveillance showed the man apparently fleeing the failed assassination attempt, wearing a black jacket and wool cap. Police and officials are still trying to piece together a motive for the attack to help catch the attacker, which includes investigating people who have recently had contact with the Archdiocese. Police are also looking into all the registered owners of 7.65 caliber pistols in the province, as well as ballistics reports on the cartridge case ejected and the bullet that hit Brogi.
According to officials, only a small group of people are aware of the Archbishop’s regular movements, and even fewer know of the rear entrance where the attack took place, suggesting that the assailant had prior knowledge of Betori’s habits and activities. A few days later, Archbishop Betori was greeted with a standing ovation at a conference in the Palazzo Vecchio while making his first public appearance since his attack. Brogi is currently still checked into Santa Maria Nuova, but his doctors have stated that there has not been a need to transfer him to intensive care. City, regional and state officials, as well as those in the clergy, have all wished Brogi a safe and speedy recovery.
Florence News
3
Shooting WWII in Santo Spirito...
and opening the set to study abroad students “La Villa Triste” to be shown at next year’s Venice Film Festival Lorenzo Picchi
continued from page 1
photo by Jessica Reynolds
the palace in piazza santo spirito where the interior of la villa triste is being reproduced
Inside its walls, everything has been reconstructed with terrific accuracy, making it is possible to literally breath the terrible atmosphere that was in the barracks where the Fascist groups, lead by psychopathic torturer Mario Carità, were committing their crimes and atrocities. The Nazi uniforms and guns, posters, newspapers, furniture and torture-tools are all the same as they were in the dramatic days of the civil war. Even the way the screenplay has been set follows the way the Villa Triste was structured, with the Fascist headquarters on the first floors, the torture rooms in the basement and the offices of the Gestapo on the upper floors. The historical facts are pretty well-known to older generations of Italians, but often neglected by the country’s youth.
“In a recent search that was con-
the actual villa triste where the headquarters of the fascist police and the nazis were.
ducted among students of Italian schools, it came out that only one out of a thousand of these kids knew the significance of the Villa Triste,” says Favilli. The days between September of 1943 and September 1944 were probably the most dramatic in Florentine history, with the Nazi occupiers and the reorganizing Italian fascists at the height of their cruelty, both against their antifascist rivals and the common people, who were terrified at a time when the war was inevitably going to be lost. Dramatic facts, such as Carità removing the body of an antifascist from a coffin and finishing him with a pistol shot only to throw him back inside, or of the infamous priest Epaminonda whistling Neapolitan songs to cover
the yells from torture victims, are now destined to come to the big screen to enter the conscience of the viewers, in a world where history always repeats itself, although rarely in the same way. A few years ago, famous Italian photographer Oliviero Toscani released a photo report in which he took close-ups of old people from the small village of Sant’Anna di Stazzema who, in their youth, assisted in the brutal retaliations of the Nazi soldiers against the innocent and undefended villagers. The report, published by the Italian magazine L’Espresso, demonstrated how the pain had remained untouched in their
glances, as if their eyes were still viewing the crimes in their unconscious. The hope for this new film is that younger generations will learn something from the past, in order to avoid their eyes viewing that same pain again.
Schools interested in assisting with the shooting of the movie please contact info@theflorencencenewspaper.com
illustration by vladimir sokolov
Local Perspective F F Bloody Foreigners… 4 A
One adopted local’s observations of Italian idiosyncrasies Dominic Brucciani
Only my second issue in and already I have something Italian to complain about; or wonder about at least. First, though, I’d like to share my concerns about doing so. I am a bit wary of observing what’s different or seemingly ridiculous because it’s a terrible habit to get into. When asked to sit down and write about life in Florence from the point of view of a settled foreigner, it is tempting simply to pick at the cultural fabric, scratching the irritations and poking at the inadequacies. Indeed I have known many who can’t help but to express the subconscious homesickness and feelings of cultural superiority that I think most, if not all, emigrants carry with them. We’re all chauvinists; what varies is how proud we are of the fact. The fact is, harmless observation can easily become unhelpful sneering. It would be a bit of a cheap shot, for example, to sit at the comfort of my computer and ask why Florentine men jog in cycling shorts. Maybe, despite all evidence to the contrary, it is selfaffirming or comfortable. Perhaps owning different pairs of shorts for individual activities is an unaffordable luxury in these difficult
times. It could be that it is simply triathlon season all year round and I haven’t bothered to inform myself. In short, the only answer to such a question is: it’s their town, damnit, and they can jog how they want to. Some subjects, however, are beyond such day-to-day peculiarities and merit observation; sometimes so often so that they descend into cliché. Whether or not such observation leads to insight depends on the capacity of the observer and an understanding of the context. I am not about to promise you a great deal of either, but still...we can but try. I shall begin by declaring that my Britishness makes me useless in busy supermarkets. I’ve thought about changing, about becoming more ruthless but I don’t want to. I don’t want to have to barge through or outmaneuver the elderly to reach the checkout. I just want everyone to get along, wait nicely and let each other pass with a smile; an outlook that I do my best to put into practice. In Italy this makes me a contemptuous wuss. I have, however, witnessed an incident that I believe vindicates my pacifist pretensions. While I and an Italian man were wait-
ing to enter a supermarket, two signore of late middle-age were leaving. Both had shopping carts and clearly only one could fit through the door at a time. The first lady was about to step through the exit when the lady behind her, in a moment of sheer petulance and spite, attempted to overtake her, wedging her cart into the doorway in such a way that both were stuck. A great deal of gesticulation and several choice blessings inevitably ensued and I glanced at the bloke waiting with me as if to say “why?” He didn’t acknowledge me though as he only had one thing on his mind. When all of the arguing was over, he was going to beat me through that door. What happened next astounded me. The two signore haggled between themselves, untangled, and were ready to exit. However, no sooner had the first gone through when the man darted from behind me with his cart and, in gung-ho fashion, tried to rush the second lady at the doorway; he didn’t just want to beat me through - he wanted to beat her too. Of course he only managed to get his
cart firmly jammed next to that of the startled signora. Two adults were stuck, again, trying to collectively negotiate the entrance to a supermarket. The woman looked fleetingly angry before actually managing a philosophical smile at her moment of supermarket Karma. The gentleman swore to the heavens and I reflected that I should be at the checkout by now. Now, a keener mind than mine might be able link such an anecdote to, say, the shameful position that Italy occupies in EU traffic safety rankings, or the fact my friend returned to Canada last month having miraculously survived being run-over while jogging on the pavement of a well-lit street (her atypically grown-up and female assailant having apparently felt the urge to accelerate around a corner). That’s not for now of course, but somewhere there is a context into which that supermarket door fits; a cultural or sociological something that can help explain it. Personally though, it remains an enigma and the one thing above all that leaves me feeling...foreign.
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NationalNews News Florence
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Youth Unemployment Rate Climbs as Unrest Continues Rate nears 30 percent among Italian youth Erich Schrader Italian statistics agency ISTAT recently re-
targets of an initially peaceful protest last
ported that of all of the country’s citizens
month that drew an estimated 200,000
between the ages of 15 and 24, more than
people to Rome, and ended in mayhem
29 percent were without employment in
when several anarchists started a riot.
September.
The protests, which were initially peaceful
The statistics agency continued by adding
in nature, were seen as part of the recent
that the rate, which is quickly approaching
movement among disenfranchised citizens
30 percent, is up 1.3 percent from August,
the world over under the umbrella of the Oc-
and that it is the highest that it has been
cupy Wall Street movement which has been
since early 2004.
going on for months, and has since spread
The Italian President Giorgio Napolitano
to big cities all over the planet.
referred to youth unemployment as a “cen-
Overall unemployment in Italy was up an
tral” part of all of the recent social unrest
additional .3 percent in September from the
in Italy, specifically pointing to the financial
month before.
sector and politicians, both of which were
Liguria Hit Hard by Storms
Northern coastal region suffers as storms leave disaster in wake Vincent Tacchi
Disaster struck twice in Liguria over the
A state of emergency has been issued from
past few weeks, as Monterosso and Genoa
Rome, and the Italian government is spending
both suffered storms that have left much of
65 million euro to help clean up the town.
the cities destroyed.
Liguria suffered another blow on November
Monterossa, one of the five towns in Cin-
4, as a dangerous storm hit Genoa. A report-
queterre, was hit first at the end of October.
ed six people died from the rainstorm, but it
The town suffered floods and mudslides,
is believed that there are still people missing.
which completely ravaged the entire town.
Liguria has begun to take precautionary
It has been reported that ten people have
steps in fear of another pending storm, as
died due to the storms, some of which were
several schools in the region were closed and
volunteers attempting to rebuild the city.
towns have been evacuated.
“Cordon Bleu” Cooking School
Genoa by Adriana Kaneva
The “Cordon Bleu” Culinary School, created by Cristina Blasi and Gabriella Mari, celebrated its 26th year anniversary on November 11th. The school is found in the historic center of Florence, in a renovated location, where the two founders are dedicated to all enogastronomy aspects as well as the constantly updated, new culinary techniques. Over the years, specific courses were added to the traditional courses, such as Cucina Toscana Antica, Cucina Kosher Italiana, Cucina Internazionale, Alta Pasticceria, and Regional Primi Piatti. Recently, a professional program lasting 3 months has been added for those who want to be a chef for their career. The organization of the school allows its pupils to carry out extensive theoretical and practical culinary activities, taking advantage of a large and well-equipped kitchen-laboratory with a full library and tasting room. The courses are aimed at an audience of both amateur and professional types, and provide various levels of difficulty: basic, intermediate, and advanced. Classes are held by the two founders and expert chefs in various subjects. Calender of upcoming lessons: home pastry : 18-25 November secondo level pastry: 29 November, 6-13-20 December fish : 7-14 December indian cuisine: 19 December Foie Gras : 21-28 November meat: 30 november home made pasta : 1 December Desserts : 15 December Average cost: € 100 – euros : 14-17 e 19-22 Via di Mezzo 55/r – Firenze Tel/Fax 055-2345468 E-mail : info@cordonbleu-it.com www.cordonbleu-it.com
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Living In The City Florence News
I won’t tell you the secret, but I’ll give you a clue… (Part 2) One American’s odyssey in search of Florence’s “Secret Bakeries”… and her success
Grace Capuzzo
On my second attempt to find one of the
the bakers were in. But my knocks on the
elusive secret bakeries, I headed out with
door went unanswered. I was too early. As I
the advice of an Italian friend, Marco Sarti,
made plans to return later, an elderly neigh-
who described his latest secret bakery score
bor leaving her apartment shed some light
as “those pastries were so good that they
on the signs on the door.
made me sick in the brain.”
“Big problem. Very noisy at night,” she
The problem however was that Sarti
said in Italian, pointing to the bakery. “I’ve
claimed, “Now, I don’t remember where the
lived here 41 years. It was nice neighbor-
place is.” As a native Florentine who has
hood but it’s gotten worse.”
visited these bakeries since his early teens,
Unfortunately, I would add to her misery
perhaps he was really more interested in
by coming back here at 3 am and joining in
guarding a secret preserved for locals only.
the seemingly all Italian throng of anticipa-
Still, I managed to find the obscure alley-
tory patrons. All of my efforts were reward-
way where I believed one of these bakeries
ed when I sunk my teeth into the golden
operated. A sign on a cracked door that
brown, Nutella-filled croissant.
read “sietepregati di allontanarvi e rispet-
As the gobs of warm chocolate cream
tare chi stadormendo, grazie” confirmed
seeped out of both sides, I was reminded
my suspicions. A loose English translation
what it means to be a real journalist. So I
hung above: “be quiet please.”
ordered another.
From the sweet, floury smell it was clear
Thanksgiving in Florence How to find that little bit of home Kelly Nicastro For many study abroad students from the United States, being away in the beautiful Tuscan scenery is enough to mask any feelings of homesickness. However, as we begin to get into the month of November our minds (and stomachs) will start to crave a special part of home… like turkey and pumpkin pie. Even though the sweet smell of Thanksgiving turkey and buttery mashed potatoes aren’t customary here, there are plenty of delicious Thanksgiving options to consider in Florence. A simple traditional turkey dinner that may be just right around the corner from you may offer you comfort from thousands of miles away. Angel’s restaurant, which is located on Via del Proconsolo, is serving up a sweet delicacy of Thanksgiving goodies that will make you feel as if you’re back in your mother’s kitchen. Butternut squash, roast turkey with stuffing, gravy, mashed potatoes and pumpkin pie are just a few of the many Thanksgiving options on their menu. Champagne is also served on your arrival as well as warm apple cider for a total cost of only
35 euro. The dinner is served, of course, on Thursday November 26 and is a great place to bring back that little feeling of home that you need. If you’re a student with the no-cost boundaries when it comes to finding the perfect turkey dinner, Westin Hotel in Florence is also a great option. Located in Piazza Ognissanti number 3,the hotel’s Thanksgiving meal is a more expensive option at around 45 euro. The menu includes pumpkin soup, fried tomatoes, roast turkey with cranberry jam, corn fritters and Mississippi black cake. For all of the Thanksgiving meal options make sure you make a reservation so you can guarantee a seat at the table; with all the American students craving turkey and stuffing, it’s crucial to book ahead. Whether the turkey is served at Angel’s Restaurant, the Westin hotel or elsewhere, a little piece of home is offered at each of their menus. This year, instead of relaxing on the couch watching a football game after Thanksgiving dinner, how about doing so on the Arno overlooking the Ponte Vecchio?
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PUBS
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Florence City Guide News TOURS
SHOPPING
DESIGNER OUTLET/ MALL
B2
A2
TRAVEL
via santa monaca 13/r, swedish handmade design
BRUNCH all kind of american brunch
EUROADVENTURES daily, weekly & break trips 335 7189876
www.theflorencediner.com
TYPICAL TUSCAN RESTAURANTS IL CANTINONE via santo spirito 6r 055 218898
D2
BUCA POLDO
C3
OSTERIA SANTO SPIRITO
D2
ACQUA AL 2 via della vigna vecchia 40/r 055284170 www.acquaal2.it
C3
LA CUCINA DEL GARGA via san zanobi 33 a/r
A3
BERGAMINI CASTELLUCCI
LA SPADA via della spada 62/r 055218757 special discount for students
A3
DOTT. GIAMPAOLO CHIERICI Piazza Francia, 4 - FIRENZE Tel.: 055-6531632 giampaolo.cherici@tin.it
TRATTORIA PALLOTTINO via isola delle stinche 1/r special lunch set from 5 euro 055 \289573
SERVECES
D2
BEAUTY
CELL PHONES & INTERNET
typical florentine dishes, wine www.iltantinonedifirenze.it
B2
via chiasso degli armagnati 2/r 055 2396578 tuscan cuisine, outside tables
TIM borgo san lorenzo 45/49r via nazionale 80/82 R special prizes
CAR & SCOOTER RENTAL
HAIR SALOONS CONTRASTO HAIR
D3
via della mosca 8/10r vie de neri 49/r vie dei benci 5/r, 055 2398553
B1
BUDGET ITALIA< MAXIRENT via borgo ognissanti 133/r 055 2654207
www.budgetautonoleggio.it
HAIR FORCE
C4
via ghibellina 75/r via tozzi 28/r special 10% discount,
COMPUTER ASSISTANCE PC CLINIC
334 1085438, +44 020 81445606
www.hairforce.it
www.florencepcclinic.com
MANICURE & TANNING
B4
OASI SOLARIUM ESTETICA via degli alfani 53/r 0552346696, 20% discount,
DENTIST
GYM
B2
GYMNASIUM FITNESS CENTER
via palazzuolo 49/r special discount for students
email: gymnasium.firenze@gmail.com
LAVANDERIA MANFREDI since 1952
COOKING CLASSES
D2
IN TAVOLA via dei velluti 18/20r 055 217672 www.intalova.org
TOURS IN FLORENCE & TUSCANY via bernardo cennini 6/r, guided tours
A2
www.funintuscany.com
ACCORD
via pellicceria 1 innovative tourist solutions www.accordsolutions.it
D3
C3
A3
TRIPPA & LAMPREDOTTO C3
L’ANTICO TRIPPAIO
C3
TINTORIA LA SERENA
D3
TRIPP & ZAMPA
D3
SHIPPING
D2
piazza mercato centrale 36/r best service best prize home delivery service 055 291488
via della scala 30-32/r 055 218183 vialle dei mille 83-85/r via marconi 114-116/r home delivery service
TOURS FUN IN TUSCANY
C2
LAUNDRY
CLASSES
piazza santo spirito popular ,great food outdoor seating
www.garga.it
via sassetti 6 333 9565550/ 055 215414
www.oasifriends.it
C3
THE DINER via dell’ acqua 2 055 290748
TRAVEL IN ITALY & EUROPE www.euroadventures.com
MIRTA EFFE via dello sprone 14/r MIRTA EFFE high guality italian BOUTIQUE knitwear in the latest styles
B2
via sant’ antonino 23/r 10% discount for all products www.ilcantucciodisanlorenzo.it
www.funintuscany.com
D1
BAKERY PASTICCERIA IL CANTUCCIO
via bernardo cennini 6/r, guided tours
MARIA MARUSCHKA
QUALITY ITALIAN KNITWEAR
EATING OUT
FUN IN TUSCANY
BARBERINO DESIGNER OUTLET Via Meucci 50031 Barberino di Mugello Shuttle service everyday from Piazza Stazione Santa Maria Novella Infoline: +39 055 842161 for more info and timetable visit www.mcarthurglen.it/barberino/
CHIC BOUTIQUE
HORSEBACK RIDING
7
SHIPPING COMPANY
via de’ ramaglianti 4r 055 219089
piazza dei cimatori 9 special lampredotto, trippa, porchetta
via de’ neri 50/r, 055 2480909 special lampredotto, trippa, porchetta
SANDWICHES & CHIANTI WINE IL PANINO DEL CHIANTI
via de’bardi 63/r 055 2398831 typical panini and tasty wine
OBI HALL PRESENTS : ANTIQUE MARKET CHRISTMAS COLLECTION ON 19-20 NOVEMBER INFO BOX OFFICE: 055 489776 / 348 3396638
D2
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City Guide EATING OUT
EATING OUT WINE BAR & RESTAURANT TORRE 69 lungarno cellini 69 wine and food www.torre69.it
WINE TASTING & WINE SHOP ENOTECA POZZO DIVINO via ghibellina 144/r wine tasting 15 euro per person 055244517
D4
C4
B2
piazza della passera 15 home made high quality ice cream
C3
via dei cimatori 21/r 055 285487 margherita 5 euro, small 2,5 euro
WHOLE PIZZA & PIZZZA BY SLICE
A3
VIALE LAVAGNINI 7/r open for lunch and diner 055 3841786
C2
MEDITERRANEAN RESTAURANT C3 ANGELS
www.ristoranteangels.it
C2
piazza santa maria novella 7r open 12pm until 1 am
MOMOYAMA SUSHI BAR
MOSTO DOLCE
www.momoyama.it
KOME SUSHI BAR
via de’ benci 41 055 200809 special wednesday aperitivo
HOUSE OF SIZZLE
via dei benci 35/r, 055 2480909
C4
via l.c. farini 2a 055 2480888 special free humus, wifi service
KEBAB MESOPOTAMIA BEBAB
piazza salvemini 14, 055 3860373 stand up kebab, run by mustafa billy and family
B3
B3
D3 C4
C2
FLET AMERICAN BAR
C1
via vittorio emanuele 4 /near piazza liberta/ special live jazz on tuesday
via dei renai 13 brunch,light lunch, aperitivo,dj set www.zoebar.it
MOYO
via dei benci 23 brunch,light lunch, aperitivo,dj set, www.moyo.it
Zoe
D4
FIRENZE
D3
COLLE BERETO
C2
DOLCE VITA
C1
LOUNGE BAR
C2
piazza strozzi 5/r brunch,light lunch, aperitivo www.colleberetocafe.it piazza del carmine dj set, cocktail bar, aperitivo finger food & dj set www.dolcevitaflorence.com
SLOWLY
via porta rossa 63/r number 1 lounge bar in florence
SPACE CLUB
via palazuollo 37/ 055 293082 open every night
DORIS CLUB
C3
RED GARTER
via de’pandolfini 36/r info 3284537921
B1
via vinegia 21/r 055 211209 open every night membership only
C3
C3
www.dorisfirenze.com
BLOB CLUB
via dei benci 33/r, 055 2344904 sports, dj set, live music,
ASTOR CAFE piazza duomo 20/r american bar, dj set www.astorcafe.com
A3
via san gallo 22/r open 5pm-3am live music, dj set, tables outside
www.spaceclubfirence.com
www.redgarterflorence.com
C4
KITSCH DEUX
CLUBS
borgo ognissanti 1/r special home ground chianti wine closed on monday
NFL SPORTS & LIVE MUSIC
C5
viale gramsci 1/r chic modern ambience cocktail bar, dj set
www.slowlycafe.com
ANTICA OSTERIA 1 ROSSO
www.redgarterflorence.com
RUTH’S
B2
via nazionale 114/r happy hour 3.30-7.30 pm pint 3.5 euro, margherita 3 euro
PUB & RESTAURANT
KITSCH AMERICAN BAR
ZOE
C2
MICROBREWERY & PUB
C2
AMERICAN BARS
I 5 TAVOLI
INTERNATIONAL RESTAURANTS C1
B2
C2
THE FISH PUB
SEI DIVINO
TEA WITH BUTTERFLIES
ONE EYED JACK
piazza nazario sauro 2, 055 6288040 live music, dj set, theme parties
APERITIVO
piazza de’nerli dj set, cocktail bar, tables outside, hamburgers
the first irish pub in florence
piazza del mercato centrale 44/r florentine best party pub hip-hop, R&B, reggeton
via del parione 26/r open for lunch and diner, closed on sunday www.roses.it /055 287090
borgo san frediano 10/r 055 2281840
D3
www.thejoshuatreepub.com
via del sole 26/r, open 12pm until 3am special mexican & italian food
via del proconsolo 23/31r, 055 2398762
ROSE’S
via della scala 37/r open at 4p.m , pint 3 euro happy hour
THE FIDDLER’S ELBOW \IRISH PUB\
via borgo s. apostoli, 33/r 055 283546 special first choice course + drink 6euro
LIGHT LUNCH & RESTAURANT
D2
PUBS THE JOSHUA TREE PUB
C3
NAIMA
borgo ognissanti 42/r open 3pm until late cocktail bar, live music, dj set
NIGHT LIFE
C4
via borgo allegri 50/r 055 2347498 all with stone ground flour and natural yeast
IL BOCCALE
GELATERIA DEI NERI
via dei neri 20/22r, high quality since 1989
PIZZERIA ‘O VESUVIO
TYPICAL SICILIAN & TUSCAN
C4
ICE CREAM GELATERIA DELLA PASSERA
COCKTAIL & SPORTS BAR via dell’anguillara 52/58 r happy hour 7-11 pm party time
(10 euro with a beer- 4p.m. -2a.m.)
TYPICAL NEAPOLITAN PIZZA
HOPS PUB / GERMAN PUB
TRATTORIA DA I’BOIA
via dell’oriuolo 58/r 055 2639466 all you can eat pizza ,special deal
F.LLI ZANOBINI via s. antonino 47/r www.lelame.com 0552396850
HAMBURGER & CHEESEBURGER
IL GATO E LA VOLPE
C3
via ghibellina 151/r 055 289 264 open 11 until late margherita and soft drink 5 euro
WINE & SPIRIT SHOP
LA DIVINA PIZZA CORNER
PIZZERIA & RESTAURANTS
NIGHT LIFE
C3
FOR ADVERTISING: AD@THEFLORENCENEWSPAPER.COM
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Florence Food & News Wine
Pizzeria O’Vesuvio brings customers authentic pizza in 60 seconds or less!
Vincent Tacchi
People travel to Florence from all over the world in search of “the real thing.” Whether it is for culture or food, people want to experience whatever makes something “truly Italian.” Well, those looking for real Italian pizza need to look no further, as Pizzeria O’Vesuvio offers customers the most authentic, Napolitano pizza in town. Pizzeria O’Vesuvio’s owner, Marco Spagnuolo, is as authentic as it gets. Born in Naples, the 30 year old with a degree in medicine moved to Florence ten years ago. After spending some time working as a health inspector, he decided to open his own pizzeria in January of 2011. “I could not find the pizza that I would always eat in Naples here in Florence,” Spagnuolo says. “So I decided to bring the pizza that I grew up with to Florence.” And that he did. Stepping into Pizzeria O’Vesuvio, which is open daily, is like stepping into a different world. One immediately leaves the viola streets of Florence and enters the azzurro world of Naples, literally. The floor of the restaurant is blue, Naples’ city color, the walls are decked out in Napoli flags, and the back of the pizzeria even has
several clotheslines set up between the walls with t-shirts and shorts drying on them. According to Spagnuolo, the ambiance of his pizzeria is the same as one would find in Naples. The authenticity does not stop there. At O’Vesuvio, you can order the same pizza with the same ingredients that you would receive in Naples, the birthplace of the pizza. Spagnuolo has specific flour, bufala mozzarella, tomatoes, basil (key ingredients of the pizza margherita), and other ingredients shipped in from Naples every single day, so you know what you are eating is fresh. There is a method to this madness, however. Spagnuolo, whose passion for his pizza and his hometown is evident from the minute you start a conversation with him, explains that there is a “rule book” to making the real, Napolitano pizza. It starts from the ingredients, then to the dough mixer, the wood oven with specifically controlled heat, and finally the pizza chef, most of which are from the Campania region where Naples is located in. Spagnuolo explains that these factors will result in an authentic, delicious Napolitano pizza ready in 50-60 seconds. “Don’t try
to have a conversation with the pizza chef, because you pizza cooks so quickly, that he cannot get distracted orelse it will be burnt!” The final product and staying true to the classic Napolitano pizza is important to Spagnuolo and the reason why caters to all he believed that his restaurant tastes and preferences, as would succeed. He says that his pizzeria is an “investment,” and well. After entering the resthat he was confident that puttaurant and walking up to ting in the time and effort would the cash register (make sure result in a consistently delicious product that customers would enyou do this, rather than sitjoy time and time again. Pizzeria ting down and waiting for a O’Vesuvio has truly became the non-existent waiter…you are reality that Spagnuolo dreamt of.
O’Vesuvio
Pizzeria O’Vesuvio is located in the C3 location on the city map at location #36. It is down the street from Dante’s House on Via dei Cimatori.
in Naples, now!), you will receive a menu with roughly 45 options on it. At Pizzeria O’Vesuvio, customers can get what they want, no questions asked!
Florence History F A Young Florentine Square A 12
Piazza Della Repubblica evolves with the people of Florence Marissa Knox
Transformation is a word that embodies the essence of the Piazza della Repubblica. From the medieval times to the 19th century and all the way up to present day, the Piazza continues to evolve into a location rich with history and culture. It was originally established in 59 B.C. in the core of the Florence intersected by the two main streets cardo and decumanus, which are now called via Roma and via Corso respectively. In the beginning, its ideal position provided a thriving center for commercial trade, but over time its purpose remains in a perpetual state of change. The column named the Statue of Abundance marks where the Roman forum stood and has been the sole witness to the constant metamorphosis of the area. Since 1431 the column has been able to
oversee the development of the Piazza as its streets are tread on by several generations of craftsmen, shopkeepers, families, and playing children. The Piazza della Repubblica was filled with the sounds of a bustling marketplace and narrow streets built up with homes as families and businesses thrived. Unfortunately later on, the Piazza no longer held the same regard of commerce but instead became the Jewish ghetto where Cosimo I demanded the Jews to reside. However, wanting to widen the city center in the eighteenth century, the medieval architecture and culture of the marketplace were destroyed and several notable buildings including churches and synagogues were demolished. Although the necessity for this reconstruction was strongly emphasized, the city suf-
fered severe losses of artwork and historical monuments from the drastic changes. Once the Reunification of Italy occurred in 1861, the Piazza della Repubblica became a true depiction of transformation. Many hardships of Italy’s history were housed on the very streets of the Piazza, but after the area was torn down it was reestablished with a mindset of progression towards a newer and better city to be the capital of Italy (which lasted only from 1865 – 1870). Carved on the monumental arch of the Piazza is a saying to signify how the Piazza has changed and what it stands for in the history of the city center. “L’antico centro della città / da secolare squallore / a vita nuova restituito” which means “The ancient center of the city / restored from age-old squalor / to new life.” This statement encompasses the
renewal of Florence in the nineteenth century and the Piazza’s role in embodying the transformation and resilience of the times. In present-day the Piazza endures its function as a core element of transformation due to the eclectic mix of people filtering in and out of the square. A collective of street performers, entertainers, markets, vendors, exhibits and concerts illustrate how the Piazza della Repubblica contains an unusual environment that fosters a constantly evolving city. The Piazza beholds some of Florence’s most treasured and significant aspects of its history despite the changes it has undergone. Thus, Piazza della Repubblica manifests the perennial importance of the past and its lasting effect on the ever-changing present and unknown future.
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Florence News Style & Entertainment
EXHIBITS MONEY AND BEAUTY. Bankers, Botticelli and the Bonifire of the Vanities Palazzo Strozzi, Piazza Strozzi September 17th 2011– January 22nd, 2012 Open: Tuesday-Sunday 9am-10pm, Thursday 9am-11pm Tickets: € 10 Information: tel. 0552625155, www.strozzina.org BIRDHEAD - NEW VILLAGE/VICTOR ALIMPIEV -VOT Ex 3 Centre for Contemporary Art, Viale Giannotti 81 November 10th 2011- January 6th 2012 Open: Wednesday-Sunday 11am-7pm Information: tel. 0556288966, www.ex3.it DECLINING DEMOCRACY.RETHINKING DEMOCRACY BETWEEN UTOPIA AND PARTICIPATION CCCS Strozzina Center for Contemporary Culture, Piazza Strozzi September 23rd 2011- January 22nd 2012 Open: Tuesday-Sunday 10am-8pm (Monday closed), Thursday 6-11:30pm free admittance Tickets: €5 Information: tel. 0552625155, www.palazzostrozzi.org
MUSIC & CONCERTS BOB DYLAN & MARK KNOPFLER, in show and concert tour Nelson Mandela Forum, Viale Paoli November 11th at 9:00pm Information: tel. 055678841, www.bitconcerti.it ZUCCHERO; Chocabeck Tour Nelson Mandela Forum, Viale Paoli November 20th and 21st at 9pm Information: tel. 055678841, www.bitconcerti.it
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A Dangerous Method Movie Review In 1904 Zurich, Carl Jung (Michael Fassbender) works as a psychiatrist in the Burgholzli hospital. Fascinated by the theories and methodology of his famous colleague Sigmund Freud (Viggo Mortensen), he begins to treat Sabina Spielrein (Keira Knithley), a young woman affected by hysteria. He soon finds out that Sabine had an abusive father and a troubled childhood that compromised her vision of sexuality. While he is working to help Sabina, Jung has a written correspondence with Freud, keeping him updated on the progresses of the therapy. Jung’s relationship with Sabina slowly changes into something completely different and goes beyond the limit doctorpatient relations. The situation gets even more complicated when Freud sends one of his patients, Otto Gross (Vincent Cassel), to the clinic. Gross is a man inclined to depravity who pushes Jung to question his morality. In “A dangerous method”, Canadian director David Cronenberg explores the complex and intense relationships between psychiatrist Carl Jung, his mentor Sigmund Freud and patient Sabina Spielrein, who will later become the first woman psychiatrist. This is not an historical film nor a journey through psychiatry, but rather the analysis of a dangerous intellectual triangle that even becomes physical for Jung and Spielrein. Cronenberg chooses to focus not on the theoretical differences between the two fathers of modern psychiatry, but on the doubts and
Antonella Salvia emotions of Jung, especially those caused by meeting a woman who was at first his patient, only to become his lover. Cronenberg is interested more in telling of the frailty of a man who tries to solve the causes of another person’s discomfort but risks falling into the same trouble. “A Dangerous Method” is a brilliant and intriguing film, beautifully directed and characterized by remarkable performances by all actors, particularly Fassbender, who plays a very convincing Carl Jung
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Travel
Cliff Diving, Beautiful Beaches and Limoncello Amalfi Coast a paradise for adventure and culture
Viewers admiring GH0809 by Taysir Batniji
Sallyanne Allegretti
Inside The Future of a Promise.
...home to some and vacation to many The journey started as an eight-hour bus ride from Florence to a whole new world. As I opened my eyes, we were driving up a mountain on the edge of a cliff overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. The view was spectacular and I knew that we had arrived. This romantic and beautiful place is home to some and vacation to many. The Amalfi Coast is a huge tourist attraction ranging from college students studying abroad to the most famous and wealthy celebrities of our time. Many celebrities travel from island to island of the Amalfi Coast on big yacht’s docking their boats in the water and enjoying the sweet life. The Amalfi Coast consists of 13 small cities. Amalfi, Sorrento, Positano, Capri, Naples, and Pompeii are just a few. My favorite place to visit was Positano. It was not only relaxing, but also exciting. The day started out as a peaceful Saturday tanning on the beach. It turned into an eventful boat ride and cliff jumping. As I overlooked the cliff, I could see straight down below the water. I could see the bottom of the sea, which was around 20 feet below the water. Cliff jumping was so exhilarating, I just wanted to climb higher and do even more. One of the famous sites to see is the Blue Grotto, which is located on the island of Capri. It’s a very small cave, famous for its bright, crystal-clear blue water. To get into the Blue Grotto, you have to lie down in a very small boat because the entrance is so tight. The person steering the boat also lies down, but uses a rope to pull the boat through the tight entrance. In the cave it is pitch black, but the bright blue water lights up the cavern. You can even jump in and swim in the water if you like. There was no sand at Capri, but there was some in Positano that was mixed with a variety
of rocks. The top of the beach was sand, but as you stepped closer to the water the beach consisted of rocks. This is very different from in the United States, where most of the beaches are made up of sand, both in and out of the water. The Amalfi Coast is known for its production of limoncello. I did a limocello tasting on the island of Positano. A variety of flavors are offered there, including from melon, lemon, and cream. My favorite flavor was the customary limoncello. It is traditionally served chilled as an after dinner drink. Another one of my favorite places to visit was Pompeii. Pompeii is an ancient Roman city that was buried when Mount Vesuvius erupted in AD 79. When the volcano erupted, the whole city was buried and destroyed, and people were burned and buried in the scorching hot lava. After visiting the city, I hiked Mount Vesuvius, which was a great experience. The volcano was a lot bigger than I had expected and it took a few hours to hike all the way up and then all the way back down. It had a spectacular view of the Mediterranean Sea and neighboring cities. “...This place is If you ever get the chance to go, visit the Amalfi Coast. Take a nice relaxing vacation, sip on some the exact definition limoncello and lay on the beautiful beach. This of La Dolce Vita, or place is the exact definition of La Dolce Vita, or “the sweet life.” “the sweet life.”
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Florence News Sport
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Kickin’ it at the Stadium
A guide to the home of the Fiorentina soccer team David Hernandez It only takes one experience among the wild crowds to realize the passion of Florentine soccer fans. The sea of purple cheer loudly, often in uniform, and they celebrate without restraint. But to enjoy the fervor and passion of European soccer, Americans must first tackle what is often the most daunting obstacle of all: finding the stadium. ACF Fiorentina plays at Stadio Comunale Artemio Franchi in Florence. There are various methods of getting to the stadium. By foot, from the north side of the Ponte Vechhio, head east until the parallel street finally turns into Lungarno Pecori Giraldi. Make a hard left at Vale Giovanni Amendola, go past the roundabout, and make a soft right on Viale Giuseppe Mazzino. This street will lead you to the Stazione di Campo di Marte, where you can take a walking bridge, the Viale Giuseppe Mazzini, over the river. Another block down Viale Manfredo Fanit, and you have arrived. From Plazza della Republica, start at Via dei Speziali and head east on the same street (it will turn into, in order, Via del Corso, Borgo degli Albizi, Via Pietrapiana, and Borgo la Croce) until you reach the same roundabout on Vale Giovanni Amendola. Make a soft left on Viale Giuseppe Mazzino and take the aforementioned walking bridge. There are a couple shuttle options. Shuttles depart 90 minutes prior to the game and leave from the stadium 40-60 minutes following its conclusion. From Santa Maria Novella Train Station, take the #52 shuttle directly to the stadium. The same shuttle will return to the station following the game. From Rifredi Train Station, take the #54 shuttle. City Bus #3 and #17 will get you close to the stadium. Transportation by car is the least convenient option of getting to the stadium, as parking will be difficult. There is no parking garage, so you will have to look for any space available in the surrounding neighborhoods.
Stadium tickets typically cost anywhere from 20 to 70 euro. They can be bought from online retailers or at authorized kiosks. For example, the kiosk near the Plazza della Republica (right off Via Pellicceria) is a common dealer. The best place to sit in the stadium is on the sideline so that you can see all the action. Sitting behind a goal is not ideal because it is difficult to view the action on the opposite side of the field. However, these seats are usually the cheapest. Make sure, under no circumstances, you sit in the visitor section. This section is physically barricaded from the rest of the stadium, and the visiting fans that find themselves outside of this designated section are separated from the rest of the crowd by a human shield of security guards. Despite these precautions, tensions can get heated, so prepare for some rowdy scenes. But do not fear; it’s all part of an authentic experience at a Florentine soccer match.
Professional Footballer’s Health Scare A.C. Milan star Cassano has heart surgery Vincent Tacchi A.C. Milan forward Antonio Cassano underwent heart surgery on November 4, and the short operation was successful. The Italian soccer world suffered a scare October 29th when Cassano was hospitalized with what was initially referred to as a “mystery illness.” Cassano became ill on the team’s trip to Milan from Rome, and it was reported that he suffered stroke-like symptoms, including trouble speaking and moving. Doctors performed a series of neurological and cardiac tests on Cassano, and the Bari man’s health steadily improved over the course of the day. It was reported on the team’s website by head coach Massimiliano
Allegri that Cassano was feeling better and felt positive about the situation. A.C. Milan released new reports on November 2nd stating that Cassano suffered an ischemic attack, which was due to a hole in his heart. The report continued to state that, fortunately, his recovery will be easier due to the quick discovery of the problem. As a result of the successful surgery, Cassano is expected to be able to play within six months. The Rossoneri forward has appeared in nine Serie A games this season and has netted two goals. He is also a key contributor to the Italian national team, helping them qualify for the 2012 Euro Tournament.
2ND ANNUAL ALL-AMERICAN
Thursday November 24th, 2011
ALL YOU CAN EAT + WINE! 30 Euro 6:30 PM Green Bay Packers vs. Detroit Lions 10:30PM Miami Dolphins vs. Dallas Cowboys.
Serving: Turkey, Mashed Potatoes, Stuffing, Cranberry Sauce. Oven Roasted Mac â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;n Cheese Cornbread. Green Beans Fruit Salad. Pumpkin Pie & Apple Pie.
MORE INFORMATION / RESERVATIONS: (+39) 366.892.5168