A wise man, whom I’ve come to know and respect quite dearly over the past months, once said to me, “I can’t rush a gypsy” in response to my greatest downfall in life, punctuality, or lack thereof.

As those of you who know me personally read this, you are probably shaking your heads in accordance with my lack of punctuality.  This same lack of punctuality has also started to ring true in my creation of new content on this site.

Looking at my life over the past couple of years, yes, it has been full of these crazy stories and experiences around the world.  However after my fourth night out in London, returning to my room at the W Hotel, with late night Asian eats in hand, I couldn’t bring myself to force a story.

Were there no crazy antics in my nights at Hakkasan followed by drinks at Whiskey Mist? Bar hopping in Hampstead or various cocktail events topped off by night-caps at Wyld Bar at the W?  Certainly there were!  If my memory serves me correctly, I may have even brushed shoulders, or lips with some guy while on the dance floor of the haremesque, Wyld Bar…but surely nobody worth mentioning.  The social highlight of this trip was hands down my afternoon tea with girlfriends at The Palm Court in the Parklane Hotel, which of course adding my own twist to the activity, 3 champagnes later, served as more of a pre-party to a long night ahead.

So, amongst my savoring the deliciousness of my king sized bed, by sleeping diagonally, surrounded by mountains of pillows, I came across a bit of a breakthrough…call it drunkenness or sleep deprivation…what have you, but I had found a strategy to infuse new lifeblood into my brief inspiration rut.  A CLEAN SLATE!!!

Who knows, perhaps this slight drought in “Out of this world”experiences could be attributed to the many loose ends that I’d left dangling out there around the world.  Since I do believe in Karma and being a responsible citizen of the world, my first step was trimming away those loose ends in an effort to make room for the new opportunities.

Fast forward two weeks and I’ve landed in Paris with a clear head, having successfully accomplished the proverbial trimming and with a new hunger for adventure.  I guess the stint in London was truly the R&R that I needed.

Eating in Florence is always an exciting discovery as I’ve had the luck to be guided by my friend, Chef, Giovanni Manna. My Gypsy Tips and his Local VIP Faves, below should provide you with the similar experience.

Gypsy Tips:

Osteria Dell Olio

Apart from a few select friends kitchens, this is my absolute favorite place to dine when in Florence. The linguine with truffles melts in your mouth and the beautiful plum and golden hued setting and artful presentation just compliments that taste of every dish.

Address: Piazza dell Olio, 10/r

Phone: 055 211 466
www.osteriadellolio.com

Borgo San Jacopo Ristorante

The only place you can enjoy a true gourmet meal while dining alfresco in a cozy lounge setting overlooking the river Arno. My top pick for your most elegant evening in Florence.

Address: Borgo San Jacopo, 62/r Phone: 055 281 661
www.lungarnocollection.com/en/eat-drink-e-shop/restaurant-borgo-san-jacopo.html

Florence Cooking Classes – Food & Wine Academy Florence

Fantastic four course meal that you learn to prepare while enjoying with wine. Also includes an entertaining tour through the MercatoCentrale, and a stop at one of my favorite stalls, Conti I Sapori Della Toscana, where you’ll try the most amazing truffle spreads and honey.

Address:  Via de’ Lamberti, 1     Phone:  055 012 3994
www.florencecookingclasses.com

Forno Becagli
Amazing bakery where I love to start my day with fresh pastries or perhaps pick up a panini for a quick lunch on the go.  The most amazing stracchino i rucola paninis that I’ve ever tasted come from Forno Becagli.

Address: Borgo Ognissanti, 92/R Phone: 055 215 065

Nerbone 

Located inside the Mercato Centrale, it’s a great place to have lunch and mix with the locals and tourists at the shared picnic table style seating. The roast beef is their most typical dish and a must try.

Address: Farmacia del Mercato Centrale, Via dell’Ariento, 87/R Phone: 055 219 949
www.trattoria-mario.com

Gelateria Santa Trinita 

High quality gelato in a cute, pink retro setting. The flavor Santa Trinita was to die for.

Address: Piazza Frescobaldi, 11, 12/R Phone: 055 238 1130

www.gelateriasantatrinita.it

Local VIP faves:

Local VIP:  Giovanni Manna
Executive Chef, Food & Wine Academy Florence

Address: Via de’ Lamberti, 1 Phone: 055 012 3994

www.florencecookingclasses.com

Ristorante Borgo Antico

Traditional Tuscan cuisine in a relaxed atmosphere right on the Piazza Santo Spirito.  Fantastic central location where all locals gather.

Address: Piazza Santo Spirito, 6/R, Phone : 055 210 437l. +39 055
www.borgoanticofirenze.com

La Cucina del Garga

A lovely Tuscan osteria managed by Garga, a Florentine Artist.
Address:  Via San Zanobi 33/A R   Phone:  055 475 286
http://garga.it

La Boccanegra

Great Tuscan osteria in the Santa Croce area.   Great Bisteca Fiorentina.
Address:  Via Ghibellina, 124/R   Phone:  055 200 1098
www.boccanegra.com

Il Santo Bevitore

A great place for a dinner in the area of Santo Spirito. Dark lighting and bright cuisine.
Address:  Via Santo Spirito 66/R   Phone:  055 211 264
www.ilsantobevitore.com

Like any good Jetsetter, I  typically fly business class for my long haul international flights.  However there does come a time when I must be one of the majority…ie…partaking in a corporate sponsored flight..or even making my personal miles stretch for more destinations, and submitting to the “dare I say” Coach Class.

When in Coach for these cross Atlantic flights, I’ve gathered a few survivor skills to help you cope in closer quarters.

1. Choose an aisle seat.  This is key strategy, even if you are a big
sleeper. Part of the coping with this length of flight time is an easy acessibility to the flight attendants and the restrooms.

2.  Make friends with the flight attendant.  Another key strategy for getting through the 8 hours is enjoying your drinks and the more frequent refills, the better, not to mention staying hydrated with plenty of H2O.  Every night out at a bar goes by in a flash, even when in real time, it’s 4-5 hours, so just imagine yourself at a bar, however, don’t be the annoying neighbor trying to talk to the person seated next to you, just enjoy your drinks and your in flight entertainment alone.

3. Best case scenario, your meal will be a piping hot  chicken curry of some sort.  You’ve already got the drinks in the bag per #1 & 2. So enjoy the drinks, while you place your frigid dinner roll (still in plastic wrap)  under the aluminum covering of the main course, as it will actually heat up to edible level, and if you’re lucky, melt the butter!

4. Never overeat the main course, and definitely save the salad for last.  You’ll need the sald for some digestion help in your sedentary state.

5.  Don’t fret, after all, you’re on the aisle seat, so get up and stretch periodically so you don’t develop kankles.  Take advantage of the breakfast service, a completely unnecessary second meal, and enjoy the space in the back of the plane, usually inhabited by the flight attendants, while you can ocupy the space and work out any kinks from the ride.

On a side note…don’t waste your time trying to get good rest.  Watch a movie, occupy your time, do numerous ankle circles, etc…Even a couple of hours of quality Zzzzzzs can turn into a neck ache or just delerious passing through immigration, that makes it much more difficult.

Take a word from the wise and have a good bed waiting on the other end and carve out at least 3 hours of power napping in that bed before you start your routine on the other side of the pond.

Florence is known for its high-class manufacturing, heir of this age-old tradition, and also for its excellent yet elegant taste creations. Even at the end of the night, this level of elegance can be seen in the architecutral and decor details of your hotel room.  Stay at one of these 3 properties and you’re ensured a 24/7 Florentine chic experience.

Hotel Lungarno

Set along the Arno River with amazing views of the Ponte Vecchio, this Ferragamo property is a clear choice for the chic traveler, wanting to have the option of a variety of room types and unique designs.

Address: Borgo San Jacopo, 14 Phone: 055 2726 4000 http://www.lungarnocollection.com/en/the-collection/florence/hotel-lungarno

Westin Excelsior Florence

Traditional Italian elegance combined with modern US hospitality amenities make even the weariest of travelers feel right at home at this Arno River side hotel.  You can’t miss the opportunity for people watching and river gazing from your balcony along the river.

Address: Piazza Ognissanti, 3 Phone: 055 271 51
www.westinflorence.com

Villa Olmi Resort

Situated amongst beautiful gardens in the hills surrounding Florence, this Italian villa turned luxury resort can provide a relaxing escape after a busy day of sightseeing in the city center.  Be sure to check out the wine cellar for a private tasting.

Address: Via degli Olmi 4/8, 50012 Bagno a Ripoli   Phone: 055 637 710
www.villaolmiresort.com