Steve Gonzalez on Summer in Florence
WORDS BY,
IGEE OKAFOR
Having built a life between Los Angeles, Mexico City and New York in the last few years, it’s easy to reckon Steve Gonzalez is one sophisticated adventurer.
Of course, this statement isn’t a hard sell after looking at his instagram feed consisting of travel vignettes curated and photographed by him.
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Alongside the featured wanderlust imagery on his social platforms, Steve manages to blend brief and comprehensive storytelling through words that compute a sense of realism and nostalgia.
Being a man who wears so many hats; visual creator, style curator, brand consultant and more, it’s safe to say Steve looks to culture for a lot of his inspiration and reinvention. Travel plays a huge role in this narrative, so one can only imagine how a lack of doing so like a lot others this past year was no joke.
With travel being a bit more accessible in the last few months, Steve used the opportunity to visit one of his favorite cities in Italy. It was the first place he visited post pandemic stating it’s the “essential place to visit for any artist” while also labeling it “a second home” to him now. What makes Florence so magical to Steve lies within the day to day lifestyle of the people who live there. The food, art and colorful streets are an added plus.
From the perspective of a Mexican American, continue reading to learn about what keeps bringing him back to Florence and what it means to live the Italian way.
IO: What does it mean to live the Italian way to you?
SG: It means to really live. Italians work to live, not live to work. Italians really enjoy life, they seem to always enjoy the moment staying present, yet they pay homage to the past with their beautiful culture and traditions. They seem to have figured out something we haven’t yet in America.
IO: You just touched down in Florence, where is the first place you must visit?
SG: I need an espresso and sparkling water. Maybe a light pastry so I’m headed to Simbiosi Cafè!
IO: What’s your go to restaurant and what do you order?
SG: It truly depends what the occasion. If i'm on the go, which is 90% of the time, I enjoy Casa del Vino. I’m grabbing a sparkling wine and a Crostini to allow me continue with my day. If I am by myself and it’s dinner, I opt for Osteria Vini e Vecchi Sapori. Hand written menus, no pizza , but its a must. I’m also grabbing a Pappardelle with duck sauce. If I’m doing dinner with a friend or a date, I would do Cibrèo Trattoria or Aroma for seafood.
IO: Do you prefer intimate dinners or larger gatherings?
SG: Typically, I prefer intimate or even solo dining. However when i'm in Florence, I enjoy the company of friends and sharing a glass or bottle of wine over great conversations.
IO: What is Florence’s hidden gem?
SG: To get the best view during spring/summer of Florence, you must go to Piazzale Michelangelo. The sunsets are stunning and surreal. You may bring a bottle of your favorite wine, a friend or a date and just enjoy the beautiful view.
IO: Did Florence teach you anything new about yourself?
SG: More than teaching, it always reminds me of how free we are to create what we want and that we can really leave an imprint in this beautiful world.
IO: Where’s the go-to place to meet new people?
SG: There are so many places in Florence to meet people. Any restaurants or bars near the Duomo or Piazza Santa Croce are good for meeting people. For a great drink with a view, you have to try Se.sto on Arno rooftop bar. You will meet some great people while enjoying a beautiful view. For a classic bar full of both locals and tourists , Harry’s is a must. I also highly recommend Rasputin and Atrium Bar which is inside the Four Seasons in Firenze.
IO: What’s the most ideal look to get through the city throughout the day in the summer?
SG: For me, it would be a panama straw hat, a patch pocket linen white, cream or blue shirt and linen high waisted , relaxed or loose fit trousers with a comfortable dark or light brown suede or leather loafer.
IO: What keeps bringing you back to Florence?
SG: The sartorial and menswear culture, the elegant streets and people of Florence. The idea of being able to revisit the past in the present and the incredible culture that Florence is associated with is incredible. To anyone visiting for the first time, don’t be afraid to discover Florence on your own. There is plenty of learning, searching and people to meet while you are there. Visit as many museums as possible, try to immerse yourself with the local and culture as much as possible. Enjoy every second of it.