Modern Florence

Beyond David and the duomo.

New patisserie perks up Financial District lunch scene.

Mesopotamia (donner kebab) Quattro Amici Zibibbo Cafe Gilli or Rivoire- Which one has the best hot chocolate Il pizzaiuol Thank you

For hot chocolate, forget Paris (well, not completely) and go to "Rivoire" (at least it has a french name) Piazza della Signoria, Florence (followed by a grappa of course).

The venture has a seemingly good pedigree; according to Inside Scoop: "More sweets: A French pastry shop is in the works for Jerome Rivoire of San Francisco’s Garcon (1101 Valencia St., at 22nd Street), and his partners,...

I also had gelato at CARABE (via Ricasoli, a little north of the Academia, near piazza San Marco). They specialize in Sicilian ices. I had the kiwi ice, which seemed to have an odd taste to it. The hot chocolate with whipped...

privileged like us and our viewers walk above. Coffee break at Rivoire and a try at the national passion of lyrical opera with a stylin' voice coach alla Carmen. Just enough time for the butcher, the baker and...

. NERBONE (Mercato Centrale): Loved it. Only had the bollito sandwich but will try more things next time. Gelato: we tried several and liked GELATERIA DEI NERI (via dei Neri, 26r) best. Awfully good. CAFFE RIVOIRE: Historic cafe on...

They had pretty good stuff also specially the chocolate and bacio. Rivoire Great hot chocolate and good cappucuino. Antico forno Santi Great selection of biscotti with whole fruit or chocolate. We still have a few pieces left. Carabe...

kinds. it was not too sweet and perfectly rich. beautifully sleek store and cafe with good chocolate (belgian mostly) and helpful service. www.chocolateboxcafe.com my benchmarks are RIVOIRE (firenze), JACQUES TORRES (brookyn), and...

in Florence (Cafe Rivoire) or Paris (Angelina). I have yet to find a truly amazing cup of hot chocolate in LA...