Eating Our Way Through Rome

I will admit that I am not the best person to ask where to eat in Rome, since we only spend short periods of time here, but I rely on my friends who live here and the brilliant Elizabeth Minchilli who writes about her faves everywhere in Italy, but her home is here in Rome.  I have been to many restaurants that Elizabeth has recommended and she is spot on each time.  This week we have been to some old favorites of mine, and some new ones thanks to Elizabeth's recommendations.

OK, give me a break, I've been here 2 1/2 months and I needed a burger fix, and got the perfect cheeseburger at Eataly in Piazza della Republica.  I've been to both the one in the Piazza and the behemoth at Piramide station, this one is smaller, more intimate, not quite as crazy.  A delicious lunch accompanied by a Montefalco rosso and I was set.

Our second foray was a mistake.  Chef Christina Bowerman used to have a restaurant here in Prati called Romeo Chef and the Baker, but when we went to find it, it was now a beer restaurant---go figure, beer in Italy, it's taking off.  They had more than 20 beers on tap, and nice pizzas.  This was also a lesson, restaurants come and go, check before you wander out in the heat and humidity, you could be on a wild goose chase.

Our friend Rick Breco of Noi Salon recommended Babbette to me many years ago, and so I felt it was time for another visit.  This is a beautiful place off the craziness of Piazza del Popolo, with a French/Italian vibe.  Our amuse bouche was described as cream potato with truffle, I'd describe it as amazing.

Broccoli Veloute---basically broccoli, olive oil and a bit of fennel---good to the last drop

Paccheri with gorgonzola, spinach and pistachios---Mama Mia!

Taglietelle with Beef Ragu

Pasta with fresh tomatoes and basil

Yesterday after a long walk, and some shopping we ended up in the Jewish Ghetto at Piperno a recommendation from Elizabeth Minchilli's Eat Rome app.  Although there are many restaurants here in the Ghetto, this one is in a secluded tiny piazza, and we were seated outside, under umbrellas.  We were in for a treat, with white coated waiters in bow ties, and delicious food.

Carcioffi alla Giudia

The fried whole artichoke is a specialty at these restaurants, and we decided to give them a try.  They also excel at fried zucchini flowers stuffed with mozzarella, and anchovy.

Our main courses were pasta, because that's what we do here.  

Dr. C. opted for the ravioli with spinach and ricotta

The girls and I opted for the ravioli stuffed with veal.  

For dessert we had to try the famous Palle di Nonno (Grandpa's balls) Deep fried chocolate, ricotta and pistachios

Dr. C's face when he saw Palle de Nonno on the menu

As we walk through history here, we are putting in at least 4 miles per day, between shopping, touring and wandering.  People have asked me why we don't weigh 500 pounds, and it's because we are eating good, clean food and exercising.  We usually lose weight over here because we are walking so much.

After almost 5 days of non-stop sightseeing today we have nothing on our agenda, but that doesn't mean we have nothing on our plates....sorry I couldn't resist that.  We went out for our usual cappuccino and cornetto this morning, then around 1 p.m. headed to another restaurant in the neighborhood, Dal Toscano.  It is on the edge of the more touristy area, but we were the only Americans there, and were seated inside, enveloped in air conditioning (when it's 90+ degrees, you don't want to sit outside) and by our waiter who was attentive, but not overbearing.  We could have stayed there all afternoon it was so delightful.

Who knew fresh fried potato chips could be this good?  Top left potato croquette,fried artichokes, fried zucchini flower, zucchini, fried ricotta, and in the middle I'm still not sure, could be a cardoon.

Saltimboca, traditional Roman dish

Pappardelle with Ragu Toscano

 A little Super Tuscan

This desert doesn't look like much but we named it the second best after the deep Cappuccino at L'Alchimista, zabaglione with hot chocolate sauce, at the bottom was a tangerine sorbet, also delicious.

So ending our meal with espresso, we headed out into the heat, and back to the apartment we are renting here in Prati.  If you are coming to Rome and looking for an apartment to rent, our friend Roberto can fix you up with a beautiful apartment in a true neighborhood, rather than the touristy central historic district.  You can contact him at roma_antica@hotmail.com .  Tonight we are doing a nighttime tour of Rome, and I'm looking forward to taking my camera and enjoying the sights after dark. Ciao for now.