"La bella stagione" (as Italians call it) is well and truly here, so it's time to indulge in that delightful rite of Italian summer, the aperitivo. When the sun starts to lower in the Roman sky and the city lights up with that afternoon glow that has seduced so many poets, Italians snag tables at sidewalk bars and rooftop cafés to take part in an outdoor aperitivo. With a wealth of appetizers and finger foods provided complimentary with the price of a single drink, Italian aperitivo gives “happy hour” a whole new meaning.
Read MoreAfter months of hype, Rome's favorite restaurant festival is finally here! Taste of Roma kicks off today at the Auditorium Parco della Musica, Rome's premier performing arts venue. This festival is a MUST for serious food lovers, especially of the gourmet variety. Let's face it, precious few of us can afford to dine at La Pergola or Imàgo every other weekend, but this festival gives us 99-percenters a chance to eat some of the very best food in the city. The highest echelons of haute cuisine come out for this event, so if fine dining is your passion, do not miss it.
Read MoreAfter a long, sleepy, (and definitely too-hot) August, Rome is waking up just in time for September. This month is so jam-packed with stimulating things to do that you’ll probably have a hard time narrowing down your options. September’s intriguing events kick off with something that makes my romantic heart go all a-flutter...
Read MoreKnowing the Roman habit for eating any and every part of the animal (someday I'll explain what pajata is) and their lack of qualms about consuming equines (yes, they eat horse here, there is even babyfood made of horse!), I wouldn't have been surprised if the label was literal, although they do seem a little big. Luckily I read fine print: puro suino, pure swine. Ah, that makes it much better, doesn't it?
Read MoreLet me state for the record that I do not use double exclamation points lightly. Only for occasions of exceptional importance, and this is one of them.On my way to the post office yesterday morning in my wonderful little neighborhood, I ran smack dab into this:
Read MoreIn my country of birth, the sandwich has been elevated to an art form. You can find the most inventive combinations under the sun between two pieces of bread, and that bread is likely to be sourdough, pumpernickel or something equally tasty.
Read MoreCalled by Romans "L'obitorio" (The Morgue) for its marble tables, Pizzeria ai Marmi, in Trastevere, is probably one of the most authentic Roman pizzerias in the city. The pizza is good, but the supplì are magnificent.
Read MoreThis is one of my favorite photos from my first year in Rome, over five years ago. This was back when I carried a camera around with me everywhere I went just in case I came upon characteristic moments such as this one. This restaurant is not far from the Pantheon.
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