Taste of Rome...

There’s so much to be said about a trip to Rome, but this post is all about food!

Normally I have an image in my head of how something will be and for this Taste of Rome Walking Foodie Tour, I envisioned a tall, beautiful Italian man or woman leading me on an adventure through the city to experience Roman culinary delights. Much to my surprise, a short American woman (still beautiful) walked up to me and my sister and introduced herself. I asked are you taking the tour also, she giggled and said, no I’m your guide, but I get that a lot. Of course we were a bit skeptical…why is an American taking us on a food tour in Rome?!? Anyway, we departed the metro station and started our tour.  

The day started with fresh-squeezed orange juice and an amazing ricotta-filled cannoli at a traditional Sicilian pasticceria. You have not had a cannoli until you’ve had a fresh Sicilian cannoli.  

Our next bite(s) was pizza by the world-famous Bonci. We all got to pick a slice, then they cut them in quarters so we could try each. They were all insanely good; however, the roast beef with rocket and roasted tomato was my fave. Funny because it was the one I turned my nose up to when she suggested I try it.

The next experience was cheese and wine. The dollop on the Asiago in the back is black truffle pate, insane. My personal favorite was the Parmigiano-Reggiano with 30-year aged balsamic vinegar; made me do my happy dance. I wanted to bring some home until she told me it was ~$200 for about 3oz and it could be confiscated by customs.

Next we took a stroll through the Trionfale Market. More wine at the market and it wasn't even lunch yet; my kinda day. I LOVE the wine stall...you bring your own container and they fill it for 1,70€ (~$2 and way better than $2 chuck) per liter...yes, per liter. Caprese ... oh the fresh (less than 24-hrs old) buffalo mozzarella was delicious. BTW...Italians love pork more than Southerners; I’m just sayin. We even had a sample of eggplant Parmesan; which I thought I didn't like; guess I needed to experience the authentic preparation to appreciate eggplant Parmesan.

Believe it our not, after all of that...we had lunch; fried artichoke and a main course of ravioli and gnocchi. And last, but certainly not least ... gelato! Thankfully, our Pompeii guide the day before had trained us on recognizing authentic gelato. I slipped in to a food-induced coma after we got back to our condo. I think the only other thing we did that day was eat dinner lol.

Outside of the tour, I’d have to say my favorite dining experience was at Dar Poeta. There was an amazing blue cheese and bruschetta I will never forget and the pizza after her name sake was incredible! I also enjoyed building my own magnum bar; which can only be done in a few places in the world. We also went to a touristy gelateria, but they had champagne gelato; I just had to try it. One of my sister’s coworkers is Italian and my sister asked her for some recommendations before we left, she simply said eat…and eat, we did.

Takeaways, never judge a book by its cover and let me plan your next vacation for an unforgettable experience!