Osteria dei 100 poveri – Florentin steak
On my trip to Italy, I stopped over also in Florence. There one can find many beautiful medieval things to see, like Michelangelo’s David, Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore, Ponte Vecchio over Arno river … But the city also offers a great culinary experience. And Bistecca alla Fiorentina aka Florentin steak is one dish one should try while is there.
Bistecca alla Fiorentina is a steak that originates from Florence and its name is somehow connected with English beef steak – bistecca. It is a cut of beef, more exact from calf up to 1.5 years old. It is taken from the sirloin of the Chianina breed. It should be at least 5 cm thick. Steak has a bone in the shape of the letter T (T-bone steak), that divides meat into two parts (different muscles, strip loin, and tenderloin). Preparation is simple while the meat is of the best quality. You put it on a hot grill with charcoal embers. leave it on each side for 3-5 minutes (depending on the thickness). Lastly, you put it on the bones side for 5-7 minutes. For seasoning, you use some coarse salt and pepper. The correct way would be steak prepared rare and served on a hot or wooden plate after 5 minutes of resting.
I searched for a place that is close to the train station, serves good steaks, and doesn’t need table reservations. I found Osteria dei Centopoveri (Inn of 100 poor). They are 8 min (650 m) away from the station on Via Palazzuolo 31. They named themselves after medieval tradition when on the last Sunday before Lent at the Church of San Francesco dei Vanchetoni hundred paupers would be fed. Usually, there is no need for reservation, but just in case there is contact information. Telefono +39 055 218846, [email protected]. They are open 12–3pm, 7–11pm. all week.
I arrived there at 6:30 PM, half an hour before they opened in the evening, so I went around the corner to Public House 27. It was a nice bar with an interesting interior, vivid atmosphere, and good craft beer selection. I ordered their IPA, 5 €/pint. When I returned I was among the first guests, so I could choose a table. I picked one in the middle of the room with a minimalistic interior. I ordered just 700 g Florentin steak and some house wine. Usually, they serve 1 kg for two people, so I choose something in between. But when at the next table Japanese ate 1 kg by himself I regretted not doing the same. When the steak arrived it was served with some roasted potatoes. It was rear and tasty so I finished it quickly while it was still warm. Red house wine was good company. Before leaving I got a big portion of grappa on the house.
The bill was 40 € and I left 5 € tip. First, they charged service – coperto – 2 €. 700 g steak was 31,5 €. Half a liter of red house wine was just 6,5 €. Grappa and tap water were for free. I would say that it was cheap for the center of Florence. The service was kind and helpful. The steak was as it should be, but maybe 1 kg would be my choice next time. When I went out, the place was packed and some people were waiting outside. Maybe reservation is in order if you arrive later. So if in Florence I would suggest visiting this place.
