Stepping out from the airport onto the uneven cobblestones of Rome meant entering history resurrected through the people, places, and food of this ancient city which hummed with life amongst the towering architecture. With only 48 hours to explore and soak up the richness of Rome, the clock was already ticking as we watch the sun set over the city, its last golden rays of light bathing the historic monuments in an orange glow.
“Of all the meals I’ve had, I’ll always return to the spaghetti carbonara I ate in Rome.” With the wise words of Stanley Tucci ringing in my ears, we weaved through history, passing the lively Trevi Fountain to find the best of the Italy’s fundamental food, pasta. Born out of economic hardship, pasta was made from cheap and easy ingredients to add substance to a meal, including the four styles for which Rome was known best, cacio e pepe, carbonara, amatriciana, and alla gricia.
The cooler evening temperatures, twinkling lights, and familiar melodies disguised in Italian accent sung in harmony with an accordion, allured us onto patio at Il Fachetto. The words, “fruit-forward, full-bodied” were enough to summon a glass of red, hand-selected by the server, that quickly pleased my palate. Fresh, seasonal artichokes made for a delectable first bite, followed by a cheesy, peppery Cacio e Pepe and pancetta, red-sauced Amatriciana. Tasting the homemade perfection that had resulted from generations of pasta-making was heaven.
Feeling light despite the illusion of a heavy meal the night before, we ambled to a tiny coffee shop for fresh donuts amongst the locals before we were whisked away on a golf cart for an incredible private tour of Rome, with the Colosseum as the centerfold amongst a backdrop of endless sites of historical events including ancient churches and panoramic views from the Villa Borghese Park.
After being swept off our feet in an afternoon rendezvous with the Eternal City, we stopped for a scoop of fresh, creamy gelato per the local tour guide’s recommendation before a short trek to a bustling eatery, Roscioli Salumeria con Cucina. We strolled the deli counter and down the staircase to partake in a meal amongst the wine bottles. Garnished with an orange slice, an Aperol spritz with its bright, bubbly, fusion of bitter and sweet complemented the adventurous meat and cheese board followed by pillowy bites of potato heaven, gnocchi all’ Amatriciana.
After the sunset once more, a romantic evening stroll past monuments, columns, and the Pantheon lit up in all its glory, led us across the Tiber River to Spirito Divino in the peaceful Trastevere neighborhood and a final Roman meal. We relaxed on a bench in the narrow street until the Chef’s son exclaimed “Idaho!” when our table was ready. Perched atop the steps that led to a underground stone wine cellar that showed the age of this establishment, constructed hundreds of years before we were born!
The menu was curated with made-from-scratch dishes using ingredients sourced from small agriculture and local quality food producers. A tender, mouth-watering beef stew was the star of the show. We applauded as the 70+ year old chef appeared from the kitchen, with her backpack, for a familiar evening walk home. Delicious food memories danced in our minds as we headed for a chocolatey gelato night cap.
Leaving Rome the next morning left us pining to stay longer in a city that deserves more than the 48 hours we had to give, which served as a peekaboo into in this enchanting, timeless, and breathtaking city where the food is truly a way that its people keep history alive.