BAR e CUCINA

They traveled the world only to come back to their roots because there is no place like home!

Matteo Mechelli and Matteo Boglione not only share the same first name but their passion as visionary entrepreneurs and their love of Italy. Both natives of Florence, they spent ten years in the US and had careers in NY at the same time. Even though they had numerous mutual friends, they never met until they both returned to Florence. It took years of trial and error, research, and self discovery, accumulating the necessary experiences of life, along with the perfect timing (destiny) of the Universe to bring them together with a common purpose…the creation of Bar e Cucina, a place where people could come and relax in a casual, comfortable environment and enjoy great food with friends. Mechelli holds a Master’s Degree in Business from Bocconi and worked in commercial real estate restorations and renovations in NY.

His talent is apparent in the décor of the restaurant, a contrast between modern and bold yet warm and inviting. “It’s been a long journey to fulfilling a dream and returning home to the quality of life we love.”Master Chef Boglione has earned a notable career creating restaurants in New York and Boston, including the famous Le Cirque Restaurants in NY and India. “In every dish there is me, my art, my defeats and my satisfactions, the intensity of a life lived fully. Travel, research and the blending of international cuisines offer the customer a living experience to remember with each dish”. In their first eight months, the restaurant has consistently received four and five star Google reviews. Moderately priced, the menus offer simple classic food with a contemporary flair and impeccable presentations. There’s always a fresh, seasonal soup, pasta and plate of the day, in addition to a tasting menu. The wine list is full of Tuscan wines at affordable prices. Open for lunch, brunch and dinner, I was delighted to find Eggs Benedict, omelettes, French Toast, Caesar salad, linguine and clams, along with traditional Italian dishes and fish specialties. Save room for dessert because they are superb, change often and are not to be missed! Late afternoons on Saturday, enjoy merenda, a snack time, with specialty teas, coffee, cakes and pastries.

There are a few house specialties you must try. The Crème brulée di Pecorino Romano is as creamy as fresh butter enhanced with the flavors of caramelized red onions, reduced balsamic vinegar, carpaccio of pear and chopped chestnuts and served with crisp, delicate crackers…decadently divine! The Vitello Tonnato is a feast for the eyes and an astounding presentation. Every flavor coming through to perfection…the tenderness of the lightly breaded veal, the freshness of the tuna with a caper maionese, a tart fried lemon slice, the roasted baby tomatoes all topped with warm veal au jus. One of the best dishes I have ever had. Then of course, there’s dessert. Il Preferito di Matteo (and mine as well) a chocolate cake, with chocolate mousse, banana mousse, salted caramel, roasted marshmallows, and hazelnut chocolate sauce…a totally delicious indulgence! Whatever dish you choose, I am sure you will be pleasantly surprised and delighted. Bravo gentlemen!