Yesterday we went to our local market - Mercato di Sant'Ambrogio in the Piazza Ghiberti. It was great! It's just like the more popular Mercato Centrale where we went last week, but it's full of Italians instead of tourists. Everyone was very helpful, friendly, and best of all they didn't speak English to us - just Italian.
Besides the authentic atmosphere, there was also great food. Outside and to the west are the fruit and vegetable stands - we bought fresh broccoli, just-picked apples, cherry tomatoes, raspberries and a slice of a huge squash/pumpkin(?). Next time I want to try some of the fresh porcini mushrooms. Inside are the cheese and meat vendors. We bought some steaks that we'll eat tonight and a tasty pesto meal that we had last night. We bought ready made pesto (very good) with fresh tagliatelle and a lump of fresh ricotta for on top - all for only 6 euros. On our way out we bought a bouquet of fresh flowers for 2 euros. Can't wait to go back, try my Italian and get some more food!
Ellen