The lemon house of Villa Savonarola is located in the Ancient Village of Pian dei Giullari, easily reached in a few minutes' drive from the historic center of Florence or by a long, healthy and fascinating panoramic walk. We look forward to welcoming you to this magical place, where Galileo Galilei studied and observed the stars, for lunch or dinner, weather permitting in the garden to enjoy splendid sunsets and starry skies.During the dining experience, based on Tuscan recipes, Paolo and I, lovers of art and design, will tell you about our culinary traditions, a bit of history and chat together as among friends in the name of conviviality.

Special menu to be enjoyed in a magical location

In Florence between the 15th-17th centuries, during the Medici family dynasty, large bonfires were lit on the day of San Lorenzo, used mainly to cook large quantities of beef, which was distributed free to the local population.It is said that at a banquet some English knights were also present who, after tasting the meat, began to call it by what is still today its Anglo-Saxon name: 'beef steak,' which in Italian became bistecca (beef).You can immerse yourself in a typical Florentine Sunday lunch, or dinner: typical appetizer, beef steak with a side of beans or roasted potatoes and radicchio salad. Excellent wine, ending with classic cantuccini and vin santo.

Florentine steak

This Tuscan menu is a little different from the usual dishes offered because it has pasta with sheep sauce as a first course. This dish is cooked by ancient tradition throughout the Florentine plain. This dish won me the first prize for best sheep in Campi Bisenzio (the original city of this dish). The crouton I propose is based on a Renaissance recipe. Tiramisu is a classic to finish the meal on a sweet note.

Traditional Florentine dinner

A Dinner dedicated to the Tuscan traditionTuscan crostino with Renaissance recipePenne sulla Pecora a typical dish of the Florentine plain but exactly of Campi Bisenzio. La Pecora alla Campigiana and consequently Penne sulla Pecora are traditional dishes of my city. A Palio ( Party) is also celebrated mid Septembre which decrees the best dish in question: I am the winner of 2019!!Tiramisù, a classic to end beutyI wait for you for a nice evening in company

Cena tradizionale toscana

The autumn menu includes traditional Tuscan foods. My highlight is the Risotto al Chianti, which is cooked with the famous Tuscan wine. We can taste it accompanying it with an entrée of Tuscan crostini, and finally a delicious apple strudel. All accompanied by excellent regional wines. I can cook vegetarian alternatives.

Autumn menù 

Here is a winter proposal of the Tuscan peasant tradition. The experience will take place in the large kitchen with the possibility of a lit fireplace. You will taste three typical appetizers served on slices of homemade bread and you will be surprised by the Pistoia macaroni with duck sauce: a unique egg pasta in a non-classic format, of portions of puff pastry seasoned with red duck sauce. The meal will conclude with a traditional Italian pudding.

Tuscan rural tradition: Pistoia in Winter

Here is a Spring proposal of the Tuscan rural tradition. The experience will take place in the large kitchen with the possibility of accessing the garden and surrounding nurseries. You will taste an original appetizer with homemade bread and you will be surprised by a classic egg pasta topped with peas, ham and shallots. The meal will conclude with a fond chocolate tarte

Tuscan rural tradition: Pistoia in Spring 

Here is a Summer proposal of the Tuscan rural tradition. The experience will take place in the large kitchen with the possibility of accessing the garden and surrounding nurseries. You will taste an original appetizer served with slices of homemade bread and you will be surprised by the homemade garganelli with seasonal vegetable sauce: a unique egg pasta, portions of puff pastry formed with a wooden frame comb. The meal will end with homemade ice cream and fresh seasonal fruit.

Tuscan rural tradition: Pistoia in Summer 

Here is an Autumn proposal of the Tuscan rural tradition. The experience will take place in the large kitchen with the possibility of accessing the garden and surrounding nurseries. You will taste an original appetizer served with Tuscan cold cuts and homemade bread and you will be surprised by the flavors of my homemade pasta and beans. The meal will end with a sweet of the ancient Tuscan tradition: the sweet chestnut.

Tuscan rural tradition: Pistoia in Autumn 

You can enjoy an entire Holiday menu linked to the Tuscan-Romagna peasant tradition. From an appetizer with piadina, cheese and ham, to garganelli, egg pasta made on the combs of weaving looms, topped with ham, peas and shallots. This will be followed by a milk and sage pork steak with a side of peperonata or boiled potatoes seasoned with garlic and parsley. It will end with zuppa inglese, a dessert with the scents and colors of the past.

Traditional country dishes between Tuscany and Romagna

Un vero tuffo nel passato della mia tradizione familiare. Piatti delle Feste di origine contadina. Sapori ricchi, unici e ormai dimenticati.

Come si mangiava per le Feste nella tradizione contadina

I will cook typical Florentine dishes that my grandmother taught me and tell you their story by immersing you in our traditionWe will start with appetizer: Coccoli, the Duke's surprise ,pinzimonio, zucchini carpaccio; then I will propose as first course the classic ribollita or pappa al pomodoro and for second course the legendary Peposo alla "Brunelleschi or alla Fornacina" accompanied by a seasonal side dish.Of course, to end on a sweet note, cantuccini with vin santo and excellent wine will certainly not be missing.