18/04/2026: Last Saturday, April 15th, we gathered at Gastone restaurant to celebrate a very special milestone: Alessandro's thesis presentation and graduation. Located in the heart of Florence, just steps from the Duomo, this fine dining establishment offered us the perfect refuge to deviate from the typical Tuscan repertoire and immerse ourselves in impeccable and attentive service.
We began the evening with a selection of appetizers that showcased masterful technique:
Crocchette di Gambero: A delicate shrimp pastry, breaded with homemade artisanal breadcrumbs, served with a refreshing lime mayonnaise.
Sashimi di Pesce Frollato: A bold creation featuring bottarga emulsion, balsamic vinegar with figs, artichokes in oil, and the vibrant touch of mint oil.
Il Nostro Crudo di Gastone: A display of freshness that included two tartares, julienned local squid, sashimi, and a selection of shellfish with pairings designed by the chef.
For the main courses, the mastery continued with the Filetto Frollato (aged fish) accompanied by confit porcini mushrooms, a quenelle of pumpkin, and an intense fish demi-glace; and a grilled octopus served with a skewer of new potatoes, provola cheese, turnips, and the smoky touch of charred onion powder.
Choosing a Franciacorta Blau Blanc de Noir Extra Brut 2016 (100% Pinot Nero) was a brilliant technical decision for this menu.
The fine bubbles and saline acidity of the Franciacorta act as an exfoliant for the palate, necessary after the richness of the croquette dough or the provola cheese of the octopus.
The notes of pastry and yeast create a sensory bridge with the artisanal breadcrumbs and the mature flavor of the fish. The brain perceives an "aromatic coherence" that generates a feeling of harmony and calm.
The finale was the perfect ending: a Tiramisu made tableside. Watching the fresh ingredients blend together increases the cephalic phase of digestion (salivation and enzyme release) even before tasting the dessert. This "staging" transforms a familiar flavor into a novel experience, elevating the classic dessert to a visual spectacle.
A magnificent experience that will undoubtedly make you want to return.
16/04/2026: I visited this restaurant on the recommendation of friends, and was pleasantly surprised by their unique approach to catering.
I don't want to just dwell on the fact that they know how to handle fish exceptionally well, but from the welcome to the dessert, they were perfect!
An extensive and comprehensive wine list.
A gem in the center of Florence, a restaurant that allows us Florentines to enjoy good fish even when we're far from the sea!
Keep up the good work, congratulations!
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