Florence’s Simposio: A Sinful Journey Through Florence’s Cuisine and Renaissance Stories

Step into the heart of Renaissance Florence with Florence’s Simposio: A Sinful Florentine Cookbook, a one-of-a-kind culinary experience that intertwines authentic Florence recipes with the scandalous, fascinating stories of its most unforgettable figures.

A FLORENTINE COOKBOOK LIKE NO OTHER

Florence is a city of contrasts—beauty and chaos, genius and folly, grandeur and grit. Florence’s Simposio captures this essence by inviting you to a banquet of Renaissance sinners—artists, nobles, and revolutionaries who shaped Florence’s history.

Guided by Leonardo da Vinci, we descend into an anachronistic Inferno, where gluttonous, lustful, greedy, and defiant Florentines share their stories—paired with traditional Florence recipes inspired by their lives.

WHY YOU’LL LOVE FLORENCE’S SIMPOSIO

A Journey Through Renaissance Florence – Experience the city through the eyes of Michelangelo, Botticelli, Lorenzo de’ Medici, and more, each with a dish that reflects their spirit.

Authentic Florentine Cuisine – Learn to cook Ossobuco alla Fiorentina, Pappa al Pomodoro, Schiacciata Fiorentina, and more, using traditional recipes rooted in Florence’s food culture.

A Slow Travel Guide to Florence – This is not just a cookbook—it’s an invitation to experience Florence’s flavors, history, and stories, whether from your kitchen or your next Italian getaway.

A Celebration of Imperfection – Inspired by the Renaissance’s raw and untamed creativity, this book embraces flaws, boldness, and the beauty of imperfection—both in life and in cooking.

WHAT’S INSIDE FLORENCE’S SIMPOSIO?

• 176 pages of Florence’s history, culture, and cuisine
• 25 traditional Florence recipes, carefully curated and researched
• Stories of famous Renaissance figures—painters, sculptors, nobles, preachers, and queens
• Breathtaking photography capturing Florence’s beauty and food
• A unique perspective on Florence’s past, framed by Dante’s Inferno and Leonardo da Vinci’s curiosity

FLORENCE’S FOOD: A CELEBRATION OF SIN AND GENIUS

Florence’s cuisine is rustic yet refined, simple yet indulgent—just like the city’s most famous characters. In this cookbook, each dish is paired with a Renaissance icon whose “sins” fueled their brilliance.

Meet the Banquet’s Guests and Their Dishes:

The Lustful – Filippo Lippi | Sugo Scappato, Ossobuco alla Fiorentina, Zucca al Vino Rosso
The Gluttons – Caterina de’ Medici | Carabaccia, Papero alla Melarancia, Schiacciata Fiorentina
The Avaricious – Filippo Brunelleschi | Peposo, Fagiolini alla Fiorentina, Schiacciata con l’Uva
The Wrathful – Michelangelo | Zuppa di Patate, Francesina, Pomodori alla Fiesolana
The Heretics – Girolamo Savonarola | Porrata Bianca, Arista alla Fiorentina
The Traitors – Sandro Botticelli | Crespelle, Cavolfiore alla Fiorentina, Budini di Riso

Each story is told without idealization—just as cooks embrace imperfections, this book celebrates the flaws and brilliance of Florence’s most unforgettable personalities.

HOW TO ENJOY FLORENCE’S SIMPOSIO

This book is meant to be savored—just like a slow-cooked Florentine stew.

• Snuggle on the couch with a glass of Chianti.
• Put on the cookbook’s curated Renaissance playlist.
• Flip through pages filled with stories, recipes, and Florence’s most sinful characters.
• Let the flavors of Tuscany transport you to another time.

REVIEWS

A review by author Kimberlee J Benart:

“Florence’s Simposio by Claudia Rinaldi is a gorgeous book that presents a feast for the eyes, the intellect, the heart, and the palate. Inspired by the Renaissance and the culinary traditions of Florence, it educates the reader while unveiling twenty-six authentic regional recipes. Full-color photographs illustrate the completed dishes while articles and photographs about Dante, Leonardo da Vinci, Michaelangelo, Botticelli, Savonarola, and the Médicis, among others, celebrate the unique history of Florence. A playlist of famous Florentine singers and songwriters suggests music to accompany your cooking or dining experience. If you love Italian food and culture or are planning a trip to Italy, the impressive Simposio “cookbook and more” series is for you.

When I ventured into the pages of Simposio, I was immediately transported back to the magical city I visited decades ago. You can’t wander the halls of the Uffizi Museum and other buildings and plazas without being moved by the paintings and sculptures. And you cannot eat at the ristorantes and trattorias without enjoying the delicious regional cuisine. I like the two-person serving size of the recipes, the connections between the food and history, the dual measurements, and the helpful preparation instructions. This is the first book in the Simposio series that I have read. It has whetted my appetite to read more. Author Claudia Rinaldi honor Florence with this beautiful addition to the series.”