I was fortunate enough to study in Florence, Italy for the summer back in 2006, and while I was there, trying the local cuisine was not a question. It was and will always be a MUST when traveling. There are several food stories I could tell you from this particular trip, but there’s only one that is Eat Feats worthy.

Ristorante Casa di Dante (da Pennello) is located on Via Dante Alighieri 4r… right next door to Dante’s house, if you didn’t catch that. Some classmates and I had caught wind that this place has been around since the 1400s and seen the likes of Pontormo, Cellini, and Sarto. It’s rumored to have even fed Michelangelo. The interior, decked out in medieval decor, was bustling with locals, as we caught the late dinner, and the dining room was booming with conversation.

Our waiter sat us outside in the quiet outdoor patio, my guess was as not to embarrass ourselves or do anything stupid. And as I sifted through the menu, everything was contributing to the mouth-watering, but it was only until I saw “Bistecca alla Fiorentina” that my heart was won over. This massive porterhouse was served the way THEY cook it and not how you prefer it. Our server made this very clear before anyone tried to tell him how they wanted it. Traditionally, it’s served very rare (which was totally kosher with me) and split between two people. Now that’s gonna be a problem… going against the grain, I selfishly ordered one for myself along with a plate piled high with patate fritte. What? I’m a growing boy…