I am in Rome, one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. A gastronomic melting pot for Italian cuisine. Rome in addition to its history, is also an interesting city with respect to food because it is at the crossroads of Northern and Southern Italian dishes.
Having family near Rome left me with little time to sample the delights of the numerous restaurants that abound in the Eternal City.
After a wonderful breakfast at the hotel, I am off to visit the myriad of historical sites found in the Eternal City. Sightseeing can be a strenuous activity. With little time and so many sites I do not want to be bogged down with decisions regarding where to eat.
Just down the street from the hotel where I am staying: Boutique Hotel Giuturna; is a restaurant/pizzeria called "Sacro e Profano 11." In the warm weather, there are tables just outside the entrance, in the colder months, dining is done entirely inside. I thought I would give the place a try.
Upon entering, the patron will see a grouping of tables to the left and a few scattered to the center of a large room. On the right is a food station and a wood burning oven for pizza. The stairs in the center lead to the second and third floors where additional seating can be found.
Reservations are not needed, however, even during the work week the establishment fills up by 'pranzo' and 'cena' times: 1:00pm - 2:00pm and 7:00pm - 9:00pm, even later during the warmer season.
My first meal, of course, was; "Bugattini Cacio e Pepe." 'Cacio' is a soft cheese made from goat's milk. It is most often procured from the surrounding countryside. 'Pepe' is pepper. In the case of this dish, black pepper is used. The bugatini were al dente and the 'cacio e pepe' were proportioned just right. Beware, the portion sizes tend to be large. I thought I would be able to handle an entree of "Salt'in Bocca alla Romana." Sadly, this would have to wait for later. The "Bugattini Cacio e Pepe" was a meal unto itself! I opted for a gelato alla cioccolata and an espresso instead. I had wanted to an order a cappuccino but the waiter politely reminded me that it was the middle of the afternoon: "Excuse me, signore, it is after one and we are in Rome." He said with a smile.
TAKEAWAYS
1. Italian food at a very good price: $$ - $$$
2. Extensive wine list
3. Excellent espresso
4. The restaurant begins to fill up between 1:00 pm and
2:00 pm and again between 7:00pm to 9:00pm. I
recommend getting there around 15 minutes before
these times.
5. Gelato is excellent but "Gelateria San Crispino" is a few
steps away. read more