Vincenzo D’Angelo
Florence, Italy
Il Latini
Together with “Trattoria Da Tito,” this is the best place when I want to go back to the roots and have a nice Tuscan meal. Chicken liver pate crostini, pici pasta and Bistecca alla Fiorentina are all part of the menu, paired with an impressive wine-list that contains the best vintages and wineries. After the Duomo, the David and Palazzo Pitti, this is another place you definitely won’t want to miss while you’re in Florence.
Paperback Exchange
My obsession for English and languages is generally fulfilled here. It’s hidden in plain sight on a street near the Duomo and offers a great selection of foreign language books, grammar books, novels and a selection of second-hand options at discounted prices. You can't leave without buying at least 2 or 3 books.
Pokéria
If you're a big fan of poké bowls, then you should definitely try this. There are several places around Florence but my favorite is the one in the San Frediano neighbourhood because it’s in the heart of the Oltrarno and the staff is very friendly. It’s definitely my favorite place for either a quick lunch in between photoshoots and press conferences or after a nice walk along the Arno on Saturday morning.
Manifattura Tabacchi
I discovered this place recently and I fell in love with it. This former industrial complex (it was a tobacco factory, hence the original name) has been converted into a huge open-space with free wifi and filtered water, a plant installation that pumps fresh, clean air in the whole building, spaces for artisans and creatives and nice restaurant/bar inspired by Venice “cicchetti”. The program offers debates, Q&A, an en plein air arena and a pizzeria (because there's always time for pizza in Italy!)
Florence is a city where you can lose yourself in the narrow streets of the centre and still have the chance to find a piece of history to learn about, an antique shop to visit and a small family-run restaurant for a glass of red wine, a panino and a chat with other customers and locals as if you were among friends. It really can all happen here.
I have been working in communication and social media since 2014 and I am now working as social media manager and copywriter at a Florence-based communication agency. I’m a contributor at The Florentine, the English-language news magazine in town. I also write for newspapers, online magazines and copywriting blogs. Basically, I pay my bills by writing on the web! I have always been a very creative person and I have always liked losing myself in words, writing texts, novels and short stories. I LOVE to study new languages and learn more about a new country. I now speak English and Spanish, and I am currently working on my German. Guess what I wanted to become when I was young? A writer (and a Broadway star but I suppose the first option won out in the end)!