The civilized shopper's guide to Florence

After a trip to the holy sanctuary of profumi at Santa Maria Novella, indulge your senses further at Dolceforte. In winter, this sweet shop features only chocolate (primarly from Tuscany); many are trompe l'oeil, like their atrezzi (made to resemble tools, and dusted with cinnamon "rust"), or perfect replicas of salami and provolone. Purists will delight in Tuscan favorites such as Amedei (from an area outside of Pisa, dubbed the "Valley of Chocolate").

After Easter, when the temperature is less favorable for chocolate, marzipan makes an appearance, as do selected artisanal pastas, blsamic vinegar, biscotti, and delicious Sicilian jams and pestos.