The Palazzo Caetani was one of the great sixteenth century palazzi in Rome. Originally one of a group of palazzi belonging to the powerful Mattei family, it occupied an entire city block on the edge of Largo Argentina. This block is known as the Isola Mattei, or Mattei Island. The Mattei began as rich merchants and over time evolved into…
When in Rome
Rome’s Fascinating Quartière Coppedé!
The Quartière Coppedé, one of Rome’s most fascinating neighborhoods, is just a short bus ride from the heart of Rome’s city center, or less than a half hour’s walk following along the Villa Borghese park towards Parioli. This often overlooked, but extremely beautiful and captivating quartière is named after the neighborhood’s designer and architect, florentine…
New Year’s lunch at Garibaldi Restaurant
Garibaldi is my favorite restaurant in Rome and for a whole host of reasons. It’s close by and I can’t deny that adds a lot to its appeal. But that’s just the whipped cream on top of the icing already on top of the cake. I like a restaurant that makes you happy just by being there:…
Christmas Decorations & Festivity in Rome
There are some lovely decorations, lights and Christmas trees to check out as you stroll through Rome during the holiday season. Christmas in Italy is also characterised by its lovely and elaborate nativity scenes (presepi) which you’ll find in just about every church in the city, and by the gorgeous panettone packages in the window of every alimentare…
The Mercato Centrale in Rome’s Termini train station
The new Mercato Centrale in Rome’s Termini train station isn’t a mercato in the traditional Italian sense. It’s a great addition to the station, but reminds me more of something like a scaled-down, smaller version of San Francisco’s Ferry Building, or an Eataly. It has sixteen eateries and places to buy pizza a taglio, cheeses, great bruschetta…
Hostaria del Mercato, restaurant near the Spanish Steps Rome
Hosteria del Mercato, Via Bocca del Leone, 46a Right near the Spanish Steps yet tucked away on the quiet Via Bocca di Leone 46a, Hosteria del Mercato has been opened for a bit over a year, but guess what? They just opened up a charming food market attached to the restaurant featuring fabulous produce and…
Pasta, gnocchi & risotto: luscious Italian primi
Italy is characterized by starting off each meal with delicious first courses, or primi. Oftentimes a primo and salad can be enough for a whole meal. Rarely will you see Italians skip their scrumptious primo! Take a look at these wonderful first course ideas, most of which you’ll find in our recipe section. It’s September, so…
Cooking Classes at Flavor of Italy
Take a look at what we do in our cooking classes: they’re fun, you learn a lot, enjoy great food & wine, and take home a host of new, simple to prepare, delectable recipes. Our cooking school is based in Rome, but we also offer cooking classes throughout the year in the United States and…
Gelato at Neve di Latte
Neve di Latte (Via Luigi Poletti, 6, Rome) is just about as good as it gets! A tad off the tourist track, but near the MAXXI museum so do a double header. My personal fave is pistachio and I always bring a kilogram back home to stash in my freezer!
Roman Courtyards
The Palazzo Borghese trumps all other courtyards for its beauty; the photograph below features one of the many sculptures to be seen in this courtyard. The courtyard is enormous and majestic and is still owned by the powerful Borghese family, with the exception of some apartments that have been sold. How often have you strolled…
Rome Flora Cult Plant & Flower Market
It was my first time to attend the annual FloraCult plant and flower show. I was expecting something more formal, elaborate and extensive but instead it was more like a country fair. A beautiful, thoroughly enjoyable country fair! There were flowers, fruit trees and plants from throughout of Italy. A Sicilian producer was selling delicious oranges, avocados…
Castagnole di Carnevale, a Delicious Mardi Gras Dessert!
Castagnole di Carnevale are a wonderful treat for Mardi Gras! Italian tradition has it that just before the forty days of lent when one feels compelled to give up tasty goodies, is the time to indulge in sweet, fried foods. Castagnole have been part of this tradition since the 17th century, along with frappe and a…