Day 20
Happy Friday! Gave the last full lecture of the course – balancing chemical reactions (combustion, mostly), calculating energy changes in chemical reaction via bond dissociation energies, then browning reactions in cooking (caramelization, Maillard, and enzymatic). Brian and Greg did an AirBnB experience cooking class – gnocchi and ragú at Anna’s home in Piazza Pitti across the river. Anne and Cam were traveling by bus from Cinque Terre to Florence today and arrived around 1:30 pm at the about the same time as Brian and Greg finished their class. I spent the afternoon writing my final exam (woohoo!). We headed over to Enoteca Alessi for some snacks and drinks – had an absolutely wonderful time. I had the flight of white wines (Prosecco, Pinot Bianco, and Vernaccia del San Giminagno); Anne and Cam each had the “Taste of Tuscany” – Montepulchiano di Noble, Brunello di Montechino, and Chianti Classico. Greg had a flight of Grappa and Brian enjoyed a Luxardo gin and tonic. We shared a beautiful and tasty charcuterie board – fantastic bruschetta. Came home to FaceTime with Jack, Charlotte, and Natalie then headed back out for cocktails and dinner at Casa Toscana - what a fun time!