Gli Ulivi

What a jem, Gli Ulivi! Whether you stop here for a quick lunch or for a romantic dinner, this restaurant will positively surprise you. The beautiful olive tree wooden floor, the refined little lamps hanging from the white ceiling, the country tables and the mauve material of the chairs, the fireplace...every piece of furniture contributes to create an elegant though familiar ambiance. 

Private room for parties

Most of the ingredients used by the chef are grown in

About Easter eggs and chocolate

My memories about chocolate are deeply linked to a fabulous Easter Sunday, when I received a chocolate egg that was as tall as me.
Well, not "that tall", considering I was nothing more than a little kid at that time. But it impressed me so much, I still remember that magic moment. And my donor.
Considering my actual age and height, wishing to receive such an egg today would be something totally insane. And in fact, I don't. But I am sure that I am not the only person who aims to be surprised and to surprise her loved ones with unexpected gifts. What would, in fact, be of more impact than having a personalized Easter egg hiding that special present your kid or husband is dreaming of?
There are just a few chocolate shops in Rome offering this possibility, and here are some, whose quality matches my taste...

GAY-ODIN                                                                                            Via Stoppani, 9

At the end of the XIX century Mr. Isidoro Odin opened his first shop, spreading a scent of chocolate along the whole via Chiaia in Naples. His reputation grew so much among the local elite to enable him to build his own chocolate factory in the wealthiest district of the town in 1922. Despite his marriage with Onorina Gay, he had no children so the whole property was sold in the sixties. Nevertheless, the founder's original recipes still survive in Gay-Odin shops in Milan, Naples and Rome. My favorite is chocolate with chilly powder. Delicious...
gay-odin.it

SAID (also known as B-SAID)                       Via Tiburtina, 135                                      
It is not easy to find this fascinating place, since it is located in a hidden courtyard. Founded as a chocolate factory in 1923, today it is also a very charming restaurant. Its menu includes some dishes with a definitely unique touch, such as pork fillet with bitter chocolate and ginger apple sauces, or maccheroni with a sprinkling of chocolate powder. From the vintage pieces of furniture, that display hundreds of different pralines, to the old chocolate molds hanging on the walls, everything in here has a romantic touch. Do not stop at the shop, but walk along the corridor till the restaurant and ask for a quick look of the factory itself.
said.it

Museum of Rome in Trastevere

On Sunday, most parts of Rome were practically unreachable, due to the many traffic restrictions caused by the marathon. Needing fresh air, I went out anyway and I ended up in Trastevere, one of the most popular and colorful roman areas.

After a relaxing walk, I found myself in Piazza Sant'Egidio, a lovely square where I sometimes go in summertime to have breakfast and read my newspapers. Oh, I couldn't help sneaking one more time in the Museum of Rome, whose history is itself fascinating. In fact, the first nucleus of this historical building, that dates 1601, was conceived as the Carmelite convent of Sant'Egidio. After becoming the property of the city of Rome, it hosted an anti-malarial sanatorium for children at the beginning of the 19th century. 

In 1979 it opened to the public under the name of Museum of Folklore and the  Roman dialect poets. The building was  then restructured to fit the current needs of the museum, and it re-opened in 2000 as Museum of Rome in Trastevere, featuring a particular attention to cinema, multimedia and photography temporary exhibitions.

The current one, "Other than me" by Andrea Pacanowski, is of great interest thanks to the skillful photo technique that excludes post-production.

The Perfect Bun

People of all ages love this restaurant, not only because of its typical american menu list, that offers 15 different types of hamburger as well as fish & chips and delicious chicken wings, but also because of its friendly atmosphere. The long central wooden table (that can sit up to 24 people a time) fosters itself quick socialization! 

After a first visit on a weekday, during which I devoured superlative spare ribs, I recently experienced a lovely Sunday brunch here. Wonderful fried chicken and mashed potatoes, scrambled eggs and bacon, fantastic brownies and American coffee took turns on my dish with great pleasure of mine, not to mention soft pancakes with cider syrup. It goes by itself that I refused to swallow anything but a cup of tea at dinner time! 

Located between Piazza Navona and Piazza Campo de' Fiori, this is the perfect place to visit when the need of reducing the distances with the US urges. 

theperfectbun.it

What roman people never do

If you are one of those people that would prefer being part of the cast, rather than of the audience, then take this post of mine as a joke. But if instead, when finding yourself in a bush, you'd rather turn into a chameleon than into a zebra, remember that there are a few things that, if done, might easily unmask your disguise. 

In fact, a pure roman would...

...never drink cappuccino after a meal.
There's no question about it: cappuccino is strictly part of the breakfast. After lunch, order instead an espresso, while after dinner, having most people problems with caffeine, simply finish your wine or order a so-called "digestivo" (like a limoncello or, if you prefer an "amaro").

...never wear bermudas when they're in town.

Both Italian men and women consider this outfit perfect for a day at the beach, or for a morning/afternoon walk at the seaside, but they would never ever wear it for a urban stroll.

...never be punctual.

All genuine inhabitants of the capital are

Welcome the new logo !

Roaming in Rome now has its own logo! 
A dear friend of mine did a great job translating the idea of freshness, lightness and energy that are behind my blog into  this wonderful picture.
Thank you, Federica! 

Breakfast, my love

If Milan is the perfect place to have an aperitif, Rome is unbeatable at breakfast time.

In fact, while either sipping their espresso or pouring sugar in their cappuccino, roman people look suddenly calm and relaxed, as if celebrating a rite. And what is more charming than a reassuring atmosphere?

I swear, I've had no delay in familiarizing with this pleasant custom, and as a strong believer of the saying that a good morning starts in the morning, I have been looking for those places where I can make it start even better...