Gastronomia Perini Mercato Centrale Piazza del Mercato Centrale (Via del'Ariento side) Closed Sunday

feel guilty taking my students to the Central Market and spending so much time in front of Gastronomia Perini, the Perini brothers' deli stand on the Via del'Ariento side of the market. If the brothers could clone themselves, no one would need to take cooking classes...or cook! They have inspired me! Here you can find wonderful prepared foods--simply heat and eat. Their aunt and wives have a production kitchen off-site. Around 10 a.m., they bring in prepared foods, such as Florentine lasagna with creamy béchamel and meat sauce (no ricotta or mozzarella), ribollita, Lesso Rifatto (one of my favorites!), and potato croquettes large enough to make a meal. Andrea (pictured) is on the side with the prepared foods, while his brother Claudio has the prepared sauces. They're great in sandwiches, on toast as an appetizer, or used as pasta sauces and risotto. They also have a fabulous selection of salami, prosciutto, and cheeses. You will always find a beautiful tasting tray waiting for you. Don't be shy! They can vacuum pack, although the sauces won't travel. However, you can get the cheeses vacuum packed for home. Let them spoil you. Have your credit card ready! READ ABOUT David Lebovitz Kate Hill Paulette Mitchell Benita Leo Piazzesi Gianni Migliorini Germana Conti Gabriele Ferron Osteria Luchin Federico Bacci Gastronomia Perini Romeo Colzi Dario Cecchini Mimmo Baldi Donatella Lauteri Giovanni Cappelli Fabio Picchi Andrea Francini WATCH FOR FUTURE PROFILES!