All you need is.... Aperitivo

In Italian culture, a very important part of the social life includes gathering with friends for an aperitivo, a pre dinner drink and snack. Usually between the hours of six and eight, most bars set up lots of little appetizers for people who buy a cocktail. You can sit, socialize, relax, drink, and eat as much as you want! Aperitivo has become much more popular recently and now the bars offer a much nicer, broader selection of snacks. It used to be that people would go to aperitivo on their way home from work for a casual meet up with friends, but now many people actually get dressed up before they go!

Many bars set up the appetizers in a buffet style on the bar, and you can eat as much food as you would like! The only thing is that you have to buy at least one cocktail, usually around 8-10 Euros. The food usually includes meats, cheeses, pastas, mini sandwiches, crostini, mini pizzas, fruit, and sometimes-mini pastries.

            There are many great places to go for aperitivo in Florence.... more

New York is filled with amazing restaurants on every corner, in every hotel, in every city. However, there are many hidden gems that most people never try.  This post is for the true foodie who doesn’t care about the fancy restaurant, but just cares about plain good food.

One of the best places in all of Manhattan to grab a great burger is The Burger Joint located inside Le Parker Meriden Hotel. This laid back restaurant serves only burgers, drinks, and incredible brownies. A burger is around 5 dollars, and a brownie only $1.50. Talk about a good deal, especially for such a pricey hotel! Also, located inside of the Trump Soho Hotel is new Italian restaurant Quattro. If you want some great wine and fabulous Italian food, this is the place to go.... more