I loved reading this. I felt right there with you on that cold bench, even though the last time I visited Florence it was a sweltering pre-COVID July, which definitely takes away some of the magic, but not all. My mom used to make tripe stewed in tomatoes, which my sister and I called "worms" when we were kids but ate quite happily. I have to admit I lost my taste for it some time ago, but your description of the panino makes me curious to try it again.
Thank you for taking me back to Florence and my first (and only) experience with Lampredotto. Having grown up in Mexico, I'm not a stranger to tripe, but can't say it's ever been my favorite. I'm still pretty proud of myself for going right up to the cart and ordering (and finishing) my panino on my very first trip to Florence in college. Many years later, I went back again with my now husband (Noah) and he quickly devoured one. He's the one that always eats tripe and tongue here in Mexico (I'm a little more hesitant hehe).
I wanted to comment with a pun on turning the stomach but the words just wouldn't form correctly when that feeling of wondrous paintings and ancient palazzo and colourful Italian words stuck to the palate instead... So instead I will pin Florence and the lampredotto on my growing map of must-visit destinations, and make a note to thank you for the experience when my heart has found the courage to take it on ! Thank you for this lovely Saturday morning day-trip to a lesser-known Italy :)))
I loved reading this. I felt right there with you on that cold bench, even though the last time I visited Florence it was a sweltering pre-COVID July, which definitely takes away some of the magic, but not all. My mom used to make tripe stewed in tomatoes, which my sister and I called "worms" when we were kids but ate quite happily. I have to admit I lost my taste for it some time ago, but your description of the panino makes me curious to try it again.
Thank you for taking me back to Florence and my first (and only) experience with Lampredotto. Having grown up in Mexico, I'm not a stranger to tripe, but can't say it's ever been my favorite. I'm still pretty proud of myself for going right up to the cart and ordering (and finishing) my panino on my very first trip to Florence in college. Many years later, I went back again with my now husband (Noah) and he quickly devoured one. He's the one that always eats tripe and tongue here in Mexico (I'm a little more hesitant hehe).
I wanted to comment with a pun on turning the stomach but the words just wouldn't form correctly when that feeling of wondrous paintings and ancient palazzo and colourful Italian words stuck to the palate instead... So instead I will pin Florence and the lampredotto on my growing map of must-visit destinations, and make a note to thank you for the experience when my heart has found the courage to take it on ! Thank you for this lovely Saturday morning day-trip to a lesser-known Italy :)))
I have been housebound since my surgery and craving lampredotto!!! May head down next week, now that i can move around. lovely newsletter!