Villa San Michele

While Erik and Larry were here in Florence, Larry treated Erik to a birthday lunch at Villa San Michele in Fiesole and I was lucky enough to be invited! Villa San Michele is a beautiful old Italian Villa which has been turned into a 5 start resort atop one of the hills overlooking Florence on the way to the village of Fiesole. The views are outstanding, and the villa, grounds, and gardens are breathtaking!

We dressed up for the event and took a taxi to the Villa. When we arrived, we were blown away by how beautiful it was! We had time before our reservation to look over the view of Florence, take some photos, and visit the various "drawing rooms" in the Villa. It is beautifully furnished, and the suites surrounding the Villa for guests seem to have wonderful views also.
The Villa was originally a 15th century monastery, the facade of which was designed by Michelangelo. It is owned by the Orient Express Group of Hotels and is remarkable and the afternoon truly memorable!.

We dined in the open air loggia on the side of the Villa, again with a view of Florence and the Tuscan country side all around. We started our dining experience with bellini’s, the wonderful prosecco and peach nectar drinks that are heavenly. Larry and Erik opted for carpaccio for their Primi Piatti, and I had a salad of Octopus, black truffles, and chick peas. For our main event, Larry had calves liver, Erik grilled sea bass, and I had a fabulous monkfish. We accompanied the food with a refreshing bottle of white wine.

I had a marvelous cheese plate for my final course, and Larry had a chocolate mouse with cinnamon gelato.

Feeling happy from the wonderful food and drinks, we finished our meal, and walked through the gardens and up the terraces to the pool at the very top of the property. There was another place to dine pool side.

This was truly another fabulously memorable meal with good food, good wine, and excellent company. Thank you Erik and Larry for letting me be a part of the birthday celebration!