THE steak of steaks....

In Florence, they are known for their Bistecca a la Fiorentina, a steak, similar to a porterhouse in the United States. On almost any menu you can kind it for a huge price tag. The trick is to ask a local and see where they would eat it. The steak is supposed to be as thick as two fingers, and we were told be from a 'teenager' cow-not veal but not beef. When we met up with our couchsurfing host, we asked him to suggest a place. I had eaten at a place with my Dad and he told me it was good there, but he told us to wait a second and he would make some calls. Ten minutes alter we were informed we would eat at his friend's restaurant and he would prepare the meal for us. No better way than that!

The Restaurant, Il Vecchio e Il Mare, is situated just on the outskirts of the downtown area. The son, Pasquale and his father own and operate the restaurant. They have a pizza chef from Naples and serve mostly seafood since they are also from Southern Italy. We never saw a menu and had everything ordered but goodness it was good. I actually don't even think they have Bistecca a la Fiorentina on the menu but had ordered it just for us. Earlier that day, Lexi and I hiked to the top of the Duomo (463 steps!) so we felt as if we could indulge a bit in dinner. Boy, did we!

First at our table was some lovely focaccia bread from their pizza maker in house. 

In Italy, focaccia is different then home. It is what they make their pizzas on most of the time. This particular one was light and fluffy, warm and delicious!

The pizza maker and his oven

Next, we received some Fried Porchini Mushrooms, a yummy start to the meal.

You can find a similar recipe here

For much of the meal, Pasquale, the son, sat and ate with us at the table. He was also quite a good Chianti pourer!

After we ate the mushrooms came the main event. THE steak. We each had our own, ranging from about a half a kilo to a kilo. It is cooked till just brown on each side and only flipped once. The result is a very pink, tender and delicious piece of meat.

I managed to get through a large portion of mine. So so good! We thought we were full to the brim until this little gem came out of the kitchen.

Chocolate souffle with a cream sauce. Served with some amazing dessert wine it was a perfect way to end this amazing feast.