264982 Wed Dec 01 20:32:55 -0800 2004 5 26 International 0 1398941 Was going to advise some Italian (but not Fiorentino) friends to try to Sostanza during their conference in Firenze next week, based on the praise on this board of the bistecca. (I've never been to Sostanza, not being a big fan of bistecca, or Firenze for that matter! Every time I go, I'm overwhelmed by the beauty, see some great art the first day, have a disappointing dinner at night (think Cibreo!!!) and then can't wait to leave! But that's me. And I know you need to give it time and get in the rythyms and explore the backstreets, but...) But back to Sostanza,I came across this review, which describes it a) as totally rushed and b) a place that you are going to wind up sharing a communal table with a bunch of Americani. (See link below). Is that an accurate description of the vibe? Is the 2nd seating also rushed? I noticed it's been written up everywhere from CNN to MSNBC to Travelocity, which isn't necessarily a bad thing, but I'm started to think I'll just lend my friends my Slow Food guide because "NY Deli" atmosphere isn't really their thing. Link: http://www.thetravelzine.com/italy2.htm Wed Dec 01 20:32:55 -0800 2004 0 Elaine(Snutteplutten) 1 1398943 We ate there in October, first seating. Almost everyone eating at that time was American -- we shared our table with another American couple and a solo Italian/American (born in Italy, but has lived in the US for 30 years). I suppose you could say it's a little rushed (everything comes out very quickly), although it didn't bother us. For the record, neither of us much enjoyed the bistecca (in fact, we believe it was the culprit of the food poisoning suffered that night), nor the boiled beef with salsa verde. Meringue cake, however, was delicious. Thu Dec 02 00:50:51 -0800 2004 1398941 0 emily 1 1398945 Elaine, We ate at Sostanza in September, and, altho we loved the food, I couldn't call the experience a "dining" one! It was rushed & hotter than you know what, and, yes, you are seated communally... at first they had us in the first two seats near the kitchen, which, felt unbearable, even before we got settled, so they changed us. We sat at a table with 2 Americans, a German couple with their 1/2-2 year old and a Fiorentine native. We thought the food was great....(we are lovers of Peter Luger, the Palm, and, also Ruth's Chris). The accompaniments were delicious, also. But the pies de resistance (sp?) was the Meringue Cake.... Wow!!!! All in all a great meal, eaten in probably an hour. In and out!! Very well priced... the Biftec was E18 and large enough for us to share (with our big eyes & small appetites). Thu Dec 02 07:27:18 -0800 2004 1398941 0 Moyn 2 1398948 First off, Ive only walked by Sostanza, but for at least the last 25 yrs it has been billed as a Florentine no-frills workingman's cafe, with white tile walls (is that right?)and communal seating. Ive been in other similar places in Florence - can be great food, but not necessarily a relaxed evening-long fine dining experience. I guess it has to be taken on its own terms, which these days include a lot of popularity with tourists, nothing new in Florence. Thu Dec 02 09:26:45 -0800 2004 1398945 0 jen kalb 3 1398951 Thanks. Sounds like it could be fun (next time I get back to Firenze, I'll check it out), but not good for a relaxed evening with colleagues and vino which is what my friends are looking for. Thu Dec 02 10:25:33 -0800 2004 1398948 0 Elaine(Snutteplutten) 1 1398960 Based on your comment about wanting a relaxing place with wine, might I suggest you check out Osteria del Caffe Italiano (via Isola delle Stinche, near corner of via della Vigna Vecchia)? Wife and I ate a very nice dinner there December 2001. Upscale wine bar with plenty of space between tables - room in the bar area, dining room next to it. Food was more than acceptable, but maybe not the ultimate gourmet experience if that's what you are looking for. Lots of good wines by the glass, well-prepared pastas and meat dishes. All in all, very good dinner in a pleasant locale. Look it over in the daytime, go back at night if you like it. I believe it is very close to Enoteca Pinchiorri and is just a block or 2 in from the Bargello. We leave for Florence this Sunday and look forward to revisiting enjoyable restaurants - Le Mossacce, Antico Fattore, Cibreo Trattoria, maybe Paoli. Will also try Sostanza, Il Ritrovo, others we see reviewed on other websites. What are your favorites in Florence? Surprised you don't like Cibreo, but was it the restaurant or the trattoria? Last visit to the trattoria, they gave us a bowl of polenta to taste and it was heavenly - never tasted better anywhere. Nicer atmosphere, lower prices, same good food. We also like shopping at Pegna to bring home good edibles and potables. Thu Dec 02 22:17:35 -0800 2004 1398941 0 CJ