the Monza style

fiorentina
Originally uploaded by chowen

In a very roundabout way, I learned that the best Fiorentina steak is in fact, not from Florence.

Ever since the first sampling of Fiorentina at Mario's, a popular restaurateur among the locals in Monza, I have a profound understanding of what a Fiorentina steak is supposed to taste/look like. No wonder I could not deal with such disappointment upon eating out in Florence, home of the Fiorentina steaks. The continuous longing brought me back once again to Monza, a little town near Milan.

A 700g monstrous portion char grilled on high flame, leaving the outside slightly burnt and crusty, while the inside stayed intact red. The waiter sharpened the knife and sliced it and neatly laid them out side by side, on top of a smoking hot iron plate.
The juicy tenderness was meant to be appreciated with nothing apart from itself. Seasoned only with chunky salt pieces, delicate and bloody red; I could not wait for the next mouth full, nor did I want it to end.

With a few more shots of Limoncello on the house to the perfect finish of the meal, it was every bit(e) as good as the dream.

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Villa Reale Ristorante
Via Luciano Manara 25, Monza
Fiorentina for two: €45

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