I know what you thinking. No, I’m not auditioning for a hand model job. Although the hands are normally this photogenic this is not the main motivation behind this post, and you should really pay more attention to the beautiful Canollo (single Connoli. Yes you’ve been living a lie). With that said, if you insist, who am I to prevent what people want and need. Drop me a line at ZiggysHands@Gmail.com, also on twitter @handyjobs.
Roma delivered some tasty surprises. I was all ready to be wowed by all the Cacios and the Pepes, and the Carbonaras, but instead I was impressed by the more familiar items like Meatballs, Mortadella, Burratas and Pizzas. So in no particular order, our top eats in Rome…
Pizza at Da Remo – Although I’ve been to Rome before this was the first time I experienced the classic Roman ”Matzoh” thin pizza. We enjoyed this one more than the former Michelin star spot we had for lunch in Orvieto that day. Margherita and the Diavola (like sopressata back home) were spot on, but once we added more toppings things started to get off track a little. So stay simple with the Matsoh Pizza. Fun and supposedly flirtatious staff (at least according to RomeDigest.com. They probably did not notice the hands) lets you take all the pictures you want of the hectic action inside.
Fettuccine Agli Ovoli at La Campana. Ovoli (pronounced delicious) is sort of a rare, expensive mushroom that is bright, sweet, delicate, almost truffle like. The whole mushroom is a weird egg like shape (hence Ovoli). The Italians like to call them as they see it. (E.G Strozzapreti obviously invented when someone witnessed a priest being strangled). La Campana is one of those proud establishments with a rich history dating back to the 16th century. And the best part: Open on Sundays!
Seafood Assortment at Le Mani in Pasta. Terrific finish to an uneven meal at this popular seafood institution in Trastevere. Fantastic hefty juicy Langoustines, wonderfully chewy flat squid, lightly breaded and grilled to perfection, and a nice whole white fish. Borrowing from the Hummus Whisperer, we attacked this thing with full force.
Gelsi Neri Granita at Ciuri Ciuri – Nothing, no ice cream or a slap in the face, during the entire trip felt as refreshing as this dark beauty. Sweet but not too sweet. Is it a blackberry? Well if it is, its not like any blackberry I ever had. Reminds me more of the white berry I ate in Israel. There’s a Borat “Black Not” joke in here somewhere.
Burrata from Roscioli – Just edging the sleek, paper thin Mortadella which is what Mrs Ziggy would have picked. The Burrata, creamy, rich and ever so memorable. But what stole the show was the semi-dried peppery tomatoes I couldnt get enough of. Promise me you will get both dishes. Or we are no longer friends
Sliced Pizza from Forno Campo de’ Fiori - Fitting entry right after my post on Sullivan Street Bakery and its room temperature pizza bianca. If Pizza Bianca (white pizza for those scoring at home, or if you are alone) like in Sullivan was more popular in NYC it would be hot off the oven as opposed to room temperature. We enjoyed a few slices at this Forno. Delicious plain, chewy bianca, and one topped with tomatoes. Bread, salt, olive oil never tasted this good.
Meatballs from Cesare al Casaletto – Another tough choice here between the meatballs and the super flavorful oxtail. Add the lightly fried gnocchi to the mix and you got yourself a nice meal at this far enough from the tourists stop (oh those pesky tourists). The meatballs were some of the most unique balls I ever had. Airy, slow cooked savory brisket meatballs with just enough creamy pesto. Yum yum yum.
Biscotti and Cookies from Biscottificio Innocenti - Like eating Biscotti and cookies for the very first time. Tucked on the quiet side of Trastevere is this 100 year old bakery/factory. Just walk in and ask for an assortment. Score one big one for Katie Parla
Fettuccine from Il Sorpasso. With pesto, zucchini flowers and sunflower seeds. Need I say more? Yes I probably should. Perhaps the single best pesto sauce I ever ate. There! One of 3 excellent non-Roman pastas we shared here after some fantastic cheese and cured meats. A perfect lunch spot after the Vatican
Cannoli from Ciuri Ciuri - (Picture on top). Yes, 2 items from Ciuri. a place so good you say it twice. The trick about good Cannoli is seeing empty shells, which means a fresh fill of that ricotta goodness when you order. Cannoli lovers – look no further! Well, you can look further. Its just an expression.
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