Just typing the heading gives me goose bumps, what is it about this city? They call it the ‘eternal’ city – I don’t know how much of a branding exercise that is or whether it has been eternally known as such. Whatever – it does feel eternal in some deep and mysterious way – a pivot of so many stories – religious stories, empire stories, gory stories, food stories…
My friend Maria has arrived from London, and she and I team up for site seeing adventures. Maria is tour leader, and like our visit to Prague our tour is mediated by the desire to explore the gourmet delights of the eternal city. Maria’s friend Lou has given her the Wallpaper Guide to Rome, which becomes our excellent reference point.
First stop on Saturday morning is for coffee at Tazza D’oro – for a flat white – that uniquely NZ coffee. Maria has found out how to ask for it in Italiian – cappucino senza schuma (without froth). Tazza d’oro is just off the square near the Pantheon, so after coffee it is our first tourist stop.
Lunch – a walk takes us through famous places on our way to Cul De Sac restaurant. Luckily we are there early because by the time we leave there is a queue around the corner patiently waiting for a table at this excellent restaurant. Despite this we are not rushed by the staff, and relish pheasant and truffle pate, Artichoke Pie, soup and a Greek Salad. All amazingly good.
We have lots of lovely other eats along the way (as one might expect in Rome), exquisite pasta, delicious sorbet, but the other one worth a mention was Est Est Est. We had attended a fabulous live performance of Mozart’s Requiem at San Paulo entro le mura on Via Nazionale. And afterwards wandered down the road looking for dinner. We went down a side street to the last cafe which once again was packed (always a good sign). It was amazing – fabulous food and cheap with a beautiful art deco atmosphere. Famous for its Pizza – I had the Calzone which was filled with Mozzarela and ham. Yum.
Of course alongside this wonderful food we tripped over the Spanish Steps, the Trevi Fountain, the Colosseum and most things in between.
All the images are a bit triumphant for my taste, a bit too much the imperial city, but it is great to visit and the food does not disappoint.
