Local Expert
Chiara
After finishing high school, she flew off to the US in search of a degree in marine biology, but that was never to be. Instead, she left the Florida shores with a BA in Linguistics, and headed to…
After finishing high school, she flew off to the US in search of a degree in marine biology, but that was never to be. Instead, she left the Florida shores with a BA in Linguistics, and headed to Japan to teach English to sleepy students. Two years later, she took the Trans-Siberian to Moscow and a plane to London where she'd find several jobs to pay for her rent. After a year of many rainy days and hot English breakfasts, she decided to go back to her hometown of Rome, Italy where her family and friends live. She loves dining out, dancing till 7am and flannel pajamas.
She has visited 144 cities and 27 countries, and will never stop counting.
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You've seen and tried them all: wine bar, sushi bar, sports bar and dare I say, karaoke bar?
Come to Rome and you'll soon find that Italians can be very inventive when it comes to food, so don't be surprised when you bump into Obikà, mozzarella bar. This is where you'll find fresh, juicy and succulent buffalo mozzarella, the kind Romans buy when they visit Naples. White and rich, buffalo mozzarella is not easy to come by in the city but you'll find different dishes and tastings to try this delicacy yourself. Appetizers serve 4 different kinds of mozzarella whether it be rolls with hand-cut ham, with fresh cherry tomatoes or served on a bed of smoked salmon. Not so much for dairy? Pasta, salads, soups and delicious desserts are also served. Their wine list is quite impressive and friendly staff will be able to help you in choosing the best to accompany your meal.
Ps. Not in Rome, yet? Visit Obikà in Milan, Turin, London, and soon in NYC and Kuwait City
Piazza di Firenze
In a time-trapped corner of the city, in a marvelous piazza located exactly in between Campo de’ Fiori and piazza Narvona lies Pasquino, a gastronomic extravaganza. You can dine at one of the many table facing the legendary statue of Pasquino, one of Rome’s most famous poets, as the helpful staff serves you exceptionally fresh, traditional Roman cuisine. Some antipasti worth trying are the bufala mozzarella, the prociutto plate and the various fish based dishes, first courses include tonnarelli with lobster, strozzapreti with clams, broccoli, and cherry tomatoes, and tagliatelle with saffron, speck and zucchini flowers; and second courses like a steak tagliata, beef strachetti and the best fish dishes you will find in Rome. For who prefers a to dine and run, the pizzeria will satisfy all of your dining desires with over thirty types of focaccia bread, flat Roman pizzas and a various fried croquettes. Before leaving, make sure that you have tried a glass of wine off of the Italian-based wine list and at least one of the home made deserts. Once you're done eating, aid digestion by walking into Piazza Navona, just 'round the corner.
PASQUINO, Piazza Pasquino, 1
It's always time for a drink, whether it be right after work or after dinner, and the city of Rome is filled with water holes for all to enjoy. Hop on a bus, go on a subway, ride a car and reach the arches of San Giovanni. You'll soon find Ore20, right on top of the Coin Store. This place is a little bit of everything all rolled into one: café serving English breakfasts, fast lunches, tea time, and dinner. But just before dinner, '20 Hours' kicks in where finger foods are served while drinks are poured. Enjoy the sunset from high in the skies, then enjoy dj sets in the evening as the see cars drive by. Free wi-fi for those who don't enjoy dancing but still love company.
ORE20 Via Magna Grecia 2; Tel. 0664821313
The young and the wise visiting Europe have always preferred sleeping in hostels, always a cheap alternative to hotels and resorts. Perhaps due to a bad world economy or the fading charm of sleeping in the same room with five strangers, staying in hostels has become less cost-effective, and people are turning elsewhere for cheap, clean and safe accomodations. And Rome, home to the Vatican and St. Peter’s Basilica is the perfect place to test new sleeping grounds. Walk up the Janiculum Hill and knock on Casa Fatima. Don’t be surprised if a nun opens the door and welcomes you into a pretty garden and heads off towards the convent rooms.
Yes, I said convent. No matter your race, religion, sex or age, you’ll always be welcome in these peaceful havens in the bustling Eternal City. Rooms at Casa Fatima are clean, simple and all have a private bathroom and go for 58 euros, including breakfast. There are even cheaper convents such as ‘Casa d’Accoglienza S. Spirito’, right next to the Vatican, with twin rooms for 40 euros, while students up to 25 years of age pay only 25 euros!
All convent-hotels have curfews (11pm or 12am) but most offer exclusive locations near the Vatican, the Colosseum and the Circus Maximus which can’t be beat. Reservations and informations are best asked by email. English, Italian and French is usually spoken.
Pray. Eat. Sleep. Repeat.
Casa Fatima
SUORE DOROTEE
Via del Gianicolo,4A,
00165 Rome
Tel. 06.6880.3349; Fax: 06.6880.3311; E-mail: casafatima@libero.it
CASA D'ACCOGLIENZA S. SPIRITO
Suore Francescane dell'Addolorata
Borgo S. Spirito 41
00193 Rome
Tel: 06.686.1076; Fax: 06.686.5664; E-mail: ssmsanpietro@libero.it
As August continues to bring hot and dry weather into the city, Romans are taking their cars and speeding off to summer homes, beach resorts or cool mountains. Not only is the city's hustle and bustle disappearing, but all the stores, cafès, movie theatres and bars are shutting down too for a well-deserved vacation, only to return on Sept. 1st. So what's a person to do if stuck in the Eternal City? Well, there's one place which will satisfy all, from the shopaholic to the gourmet. Porta Portese Flea Market is only open on Sundays, from 6am to 2pm, in the neighbourhood between Testaccio and Trastevere, and is 2 kms long. This is shopping mecca. Men and women shout prices out, old women fight over a cheap shawl, kids cooing over puppies..There is no other place in Rome where you can find 5 euro Ralph Lauren polos, albeit used, or a WWII jacket, a brand new Honda motorcycle, new lingerie, antiques and puppies. Yes, there's an animal section, too. Don't be surprised to find tiger cubs, dogs of the purest breed or ducks. If you get a little hungry but still manage to reach the end, there are plenty of food stalls to choose from.
Word to the wise: the main street can get very crowded and pick-pockets abound. Don't carry your wallet in your back pocket, always keep your backpack on the front.
Take the tram 3 from the Colosseum, San Giovanni or Circus Maximus to reach PORTA PORTESE. You'll see the crowds!!
Learning Italian? Why not buy cheap new and used books under the stars and next to the stunning Castel Sant'Angelo?
The 'Letture d'estate' exhibition presents different stands of books, with thousands of titles of large, small and independent publishers.
There are stands from all continents with play areas for kids and four areas for live music, opera and theatre. If all that reading has given you hunger pangs, fret not as there are many food stands to choose from.
It's open all day and entrance is free..
http://www.invitoallalettura.org/