The Brandt Blog

The astutely observant Blog followers certainly have noticed in several posted pics a conspicuous black strap looped over my shoulder. Despite that Europeans are more culturally accepting of man-toted personal carryalls, this mismatched-chromosone American expat is not ashamed to admit to my state-side readers that there is most definitely a man-bag (aka: Murse, Bro-bag, Bro-sack, […]

Having totally MASTERED during our twelve hours in the ‘cucina’ with Anna: centuries of Neapolitan foods, drinks, customs, localized tastes and what to serve at regional/religous festivals, we subsequently headed to a different neighborhood within Firenze’s city walls to learn a different perspective on Italian Culinary Artistry from Simona, a Sardinian (Sardegna) by birth and […]

I’ve been asked, “When you’re riding in those Tuscan landscapes how do you concentrate on the road?” The answer is, “The conditions change so quickly, unless you want an asphalt exfoliation… you lock into the road 25-50 feet at a time.” Today… I admit, focusing was hard. I set out in a different direction (ENE) […]

Our “RESIDENZA” in Firenze is to “TURISMO” just as “COCINANDO” is to “MANGIARE“. Or… if our interpreter Giovanni were to translate, “residence is to tourism just as cooking it to eating.” For we two, living in a country where a family’s recipes are guarded more closely than are their fortunes and regional dishes can cause […]

It’s safe to say that after 14 days, Anne’s and my respective bio-rhythms have synched with Florentine astronomical, artistic and geographical cycles. If that commentary seems pretentious and absurd, what can I say? This is where the Renaissance began – SHOUTS OUT to: Galileo, Michelangelo, Dante and DaVinci. If it seems like old people kvetching […]

We came to Firenze figuring that a three month residence would be long enough to force us into local-like routines. This meant packing and planning to a degree so diminished from our previous family trips that our sum-luggage for a 3-month ‘residenza’ could only be considered to be minimalist. “We’ll figure it out when we […]

We drove south to lunch in Chianti… where the regional symbol is the Gallo Nero (Black Rooster). Not to be confused with Merlo Nero (Blackbird) our Villa’s name. Click the link in the caption to read the full story of the famous Chianti Cock. Most importantly, DON’T DRINK ANY CHIANTI without the Gallo Nero. Lacking […]

One week into our ‘residenza in Italia’ we’re feeling good. The Jet-lag has largely departed and we’re greeted with this view each day walking into town.