Ciao ROMA!!!
Mangia bene or "eat well" could not be more fitting an expression for Rome - a world capital known not only for food, but also style, architecture, religion and most important: la Dolce Vita (the sweet life). On your first visit, it all can be a bit overwhelming as so many senses invade your mind and body. The easiest way to enjoy Rome is to give in to all it has to offer! Here is just a small dose to tantalize the tastebuds.
Visit a gelateria (or many) +
Eat Roman pizza +
Ride a Vespa! That's amore!!!
Two Hotels
Hotel Santa Maria
Nestled in Rome's Trastevere neighborhood is a hidden gem surrounded by tall houses in a labyrinth of Medieval streets. In it's former life, Santa Maria began as a convent in the 16th Century. This charming hotel conveys the feel of cloisters (hey, it is one), and to one's surprise opens onto a sunny courtyard where carefully selected wines are served with expertly prepared food. Casual and elegant!
Hotel Santa Maria
Vicolo del Piede, 2A
00153 Roma IT
Hotel Sant' Anselmo
Gorgeously decorated hotel in the leafy district of Aventine.
One of Rome’s most sought-after residential areas, Aventine is an enchanting collusion of ochre and terracotta buildings and quiet cobbled streets and courtyards, all spread up a hill. At the top is an orange garden – Parco Savello - with stupendous views across the city. Close by is the enigmatic Piazza di Cavallieri di Malta, designed by Piranesi.
Overlooking the nearby piazza of Sant’ Anselmo is this exquisite hotel, refurbished in 2006 to stunning effect. It’s utterly charming, and the design marries baroque opulence with funky modernity. Rooms are all differently themed and exceptionally romantic, some beautifully frescoed, some with poems written on the walls, some with 4-poster beds or canopies and chandeliers. If it sounds over the top, it is, but the modern accents funk it up, and it works. A spectacular yet intimate hotel with consistently pleasant service in a gloriously superb location.
Overlooking the nearby piazza of Sant’ Anselmo is this exquisite hotel, refurbished in 2006 to stunning effect. It’s utterly charming, and the design marries baroque opulence with funky modernity. Rooms are all differently themed and exceptionally romantic, some beautifully frescoed, some with poems written on the walls, some with 4-poster beds or canopies and chandeliers. If it sounds over the top, it is, but the modern accents funk it up, and it works. A spectacular yet intimate hotel with consistently pleasant service in a gloriously superb location.
Hotel Sant' Anselmo
Piazza S. Anselmo, 2
00153 Roma, IT
F O O D
G E L A T O
"Vorrei una copetta di tre euro, per favore" (I would like a three-euro cup, please). The great news is you can then usually select three different flavors -- tell the server your first choice, then listen to hear him/her ask, "Poi?" (Next?) for the next flavor. At the end you will usually be asked, "Con panna?" or simply, "Panna?" -- (Whipped cream?) Molto fantastico!!!
Two Spots in Trastevere (gelato found throughout Rome but look for artisinale--the best)
Fior di Luna - Via della Lungaretta, 96. In the heart of Trastevere, the hip, picturesque shopping and nightclubbing district just across the Tiber from Rome proper, this popular artisinal gelateria relies on organic and fair-trade ingredients to produce its intensely-flavored treats. It also offers gelatos made without added sugar, sorbets, frozen yogurt, granite and chocolates. The vanilla and chocolate flavors are truly excellent. Note: Fior di Luna is thoroughly committed to fresh, seasonal fruits, which means no strawberry gelato in winter -- though the cioccolato caldo makes up for that.
Da Checco- Via Benedetta 7, behind Piazza Trilussa, in Trastevere. This bar-pasticceria-gelateria belongs to the Porcellis, who for three generations have operated their restaurant -- Checco er Carettiere -- next door at 10 - 13 Via Benedetta. Their delicious and genuine gelato, made in-house from fresh ingredients, is a reliable option if you're in Trastevere, while their granita di caffe is up there with the best in the city. And per favore... don't forget the grappa!!!
Roman Cats (for J)
Every visitor to Rome senses it: Rome's cats are different. Unlike the cuddly and sometimes aloof balls of fur you're likely to know and love, Roman cats are largely feral, prowling ancient monuments as if they owned them and answering to no one.
There are estimated to be 300,000 feral cats in Rome living in over 2000 colonies. You might think that the city rulers would be alarmed by these numbers, but Rome's city council has recently come out in favor of the cat's existence in Rome by citing their ancient heritage: "There is a deep-rooted affection for these cats who have an ancient bond with the city." The city council even went so far as to protect them in 2001 naming cats living in the Coliseum, the Forum and Torre Argentina a part of the city's "bio-heritage."
http://www.romancats.com/index_eng.php
A Roman Pictorial
la polizia
Fontana di Trevi
Rainbow by the Colisseo
Artu Cafe, Trastevere
Piazza en Roma
Next blog: Santorini, Greece [07 May, 2010]
Fiat in Trastevere
Fontana di Trevi
Rainbow by the Colisseo
Artu Cafe, Trastevere
Piazza en Roma
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