This is What I've Been Wanting

Last night, we all thought that it was time to stop cooking and finally go out to eat again. We went to a restaurant that Kaitlin and I's pre-session Italian teacher, Irene, remember her? suggested. Earlier that night I had skyped my Mom and told her that I hadn't eaten anything tat was any better than her cooking. She was amazed and couldn't comprehend that her cooking was that good. Well, sorry Mom... Baldovino may be your competition. It was incredible. In fact, I think I may have confessed my love for the place every five minutes. The candles, the tables, the sweet wait staff; everything was just perfect.

We had scoped out the menu before going there to see if it was worth it and the "tuscan hummus" caught my eye. Kenan was nice enough to share it with me... and oh my god. It wasn't made out of chickpeas but rather cannellini beans and gave it a smoother texture. Sesame and garlic were added as well. It was served with this wonderful Arab sesame seed bread that was toasted and better than any pita I have ever had. (Not that I needed any more bread after the complimentary bread slices we received.) The olive oil was so flavorful and intense-- something that I have been looking for since I have gotten here.

For my main meal, I had a potato and leek soup that was wonderfully rich and light at the same time. I couldn't finish all of it after the hummus appetizer, but with the cold weather outside, it made for a perfect meal. We all passed our plates around and tasted each other's meals. There were so many different flavors but it was all so amazing. I don't know how many mmm's I heard that night.

Since we were so happy with our night, we decided to get a dessert... or two. The thickest cheesecake you will ever try and the darkest, richest chocolate cake (you will ever have). Both delicious and not too much. 

Needless to say, we had a great time. 

In other news this recently has become a food blog. No longer is it my adventures abroad. But rather, the food that I eat abroad. I promise guys, I'm doing other things than eating! But there are only so many pictures of Florence I can take. Next weekend we start our month long weekend adventures and I booked a cheap flight to Barcelona! The adventure is just beginning!

Tonight I made a bruschetta topping with cannellini beans, red peppers, parsley, salt and pepper, and garlic. It was something I always had at home and was fun to try it on my own. The mixture urned out to be really great!

I didn't realize until I posted this how color coordinated my meal was. But hey! It's all comprised of my favorite yellow color. If you are EVER in Florence, you must try Baldovino out. It was exactly what I've been wanting all along.