Italy... Florence... Tuscany... under the Tusc-- stop! Let’s coin a new phrase…
Under the Tuscan Moon. Nightlife! After all, by the time you get off your
plane (www.netjets.com) and wake up in your villa (www.internetvillas.com; ask for Rick, tell him you want Villa I Pini), it will be time for you to go out for dinner.
Destination: Ciro & Sons (Via del Giglio, 28r tel. 055.289694 www.ciroandsons.com) which is near the Mercado San Lorenzo, the largest outdoor market in Florence. The restaurant is run by your new Italian mother and father and 5 brothers you never knew you had. Walk in and ask for Giueseppe; tell him Max sent you and you’ll have an instant family. My favorite dish (not on the menu) is the pasta with asparagus, truffles and chicken. Close second: The lobster pasta. Amazing! Craving a pizza? Ask for the special trademark Vesuvio (volcano) Pizza and your eyes will erupt when you see this one of a kind dish. Afterwards, if you’re up for a drink or 2 (or 3), walk off the carbs and go to Piazze Strozzi (hint to find it: the new Louis Vuitton store). Here you will discover Colle Bereto (Piazze Strozzi 5r) where, during summer nights, they have outside tables under umbrellas surround by a forest of bamboo. If the weather is too nippy head upstairs, after all you are VIP. Have you assistant call ahead (055.4299330) to inform them of your arrival.
Alternatively, if you want to schmooze with the elite, (a bit older crowed, but never-the-less chicest in Florence) go to Harry's Bar (Lungarno Vespucci, 22r, tel. 055.239.6700). Tell Leo, the man behind the myth and the bar, that Max sent you. I have been sitting at his bar since I was 2 years old. You must order the famous Bellini- warning: it’s addictive. When you’re ready to rock like the locals and your fellow hot jet setters hit YAB YUM (Via Sasetti #5 tel. 055.215160). To really be in the "in" you must be a hot guy with a hot girl or vice versa and go to J.K. Place (tel. 055.26.45.181). It’s so on the hush that that's all I can say about it, but I promise it is off-the-hook.
Although most fashionable things are in walking distance from Plazzo Strozzi, if you want to rent a car be cool in a mini or a smart car (small is in!). Call Max at iRent (www.maxirent.com 055.2654207). If you’re not willing to put your Manolo’s to the pedal (or pavement) you must hire Silvio (a.k.a. Somea Abech) as your driver. He speaks English and has been driving me for years (tel. 337.68.5454). If you need a taxi to get there call 055.4242 or 055.4390 or if you’re daring and want a bargain rent a scooter for about 30 euro a day from scoterental.com (tel. 055.2399696).
The night is over. However, when you awake it will be to roosters and church bells reminding you that time did not stand still and you’re in the heart of one of the oldest yet hippest cities in the world. If you happen to make brunch, then you must go to the Fusion Bar at the Gallery Hotel Art (Vicolo Dell'oro, #5 tel. 055.27266987). Most likely, if you’re a true hipster, you will get your hair done first at Mario (Via Della Vigna Nuova, 22r tel. 055.294813). Ask for Gabrilla, for roots or for color Tomaso is the man.
Now, I can't leave my jet setters without places to shop. For new collections there are only two places to drop your Black Card. At Lusia (Via Roma, Via Roma 19/21r tel. 055.217826 www.louisaviaroma.it) you will find the best of Dior, Yohji Yamamoto, Alexander McQueen, Balenciaga, DSquared, and Roberto Cavalli, to name a few. Girls are on the first floor, guys on the second. If it’s possible that the fashion gods don’t leave you with what you want, head over to Raspini, a coble stone away (Via Roma 25r tel. 055.213077 www.Raspini.com). Stock up on Prada, Perelli, Ash, Blumarine and Costume National, and again that’s just naming a few. Same routine: girls on the first floor, guys hike upstairs.
Additionally, for the sickest kicks go to Bologna (Piazza San Giovanni 13/14/15r). They have been supplying shoes to the who's who since 1954. Now if you want vintage such as Gucci, Hermes, Roberta di'Cameriano, LV and Pucci, without a doubt the only place to go is the Elio Ferraro gallery/store (Via Del Parione 47r, tel. 055.29.04.25). Ask for Patrizia, the store manager and Elio’s sister.
Oh and of course how could I forget?! For jewels go to Vaggi, they are the first corner store on the Ponte Vecchio (tel 055.21.55.02). The whole family runs the place (ask for Francesa Vaggi). They all know me and treat whomever I send in with love and a hot "Max's discount". If by chance you don't find your family jewels there then you must fo to Cassetti, also on the Ponte Vecchio (tel. 055.239.6028). After you dropsome more cash or signatures, go back to Via Roma and bring all your bags, jewels, and your tired self to Gilli (Piazza Della Republica 39r, www.gilli.it). You can't miss it, its been there since 1733 and, as history goes, is where good ole' Muso hid his boy Hitler. Look for the waiter that looks like Burt Reyonalds (stay clear of the bald one), order the French Mojito and the chocolate orange peel bites, or some red wine and steak... relax and enjoy the live music and the people watching. Who knows? You might even be sitting next to the Prince of Saudi Arabia and his fleet of bodyguards.
Until our next destination, take it 2 The Max!