minchilli's Profile
| Title | Last Reply |
|---|---|
|
Rome party of 15 . . . impossibile? Thank you! |
|
|
All of your choices sound good to me! Localino is open on Mondays. What are you missing? I"m a fan of Renato e Luisa, and also Vino e Camino. Both are slightly more upscale and creative versions of traditional Roman fare. Neither is fancy (just the oppisite) but will give you a slightly different take of eating in Rome. I'm also a big fan of Osteria di Monteverde and Tre Zucche, but don't know if I'd send you all the way out to these places (which would involve a taxi ride) But if you're up for it, both are excellent. Again, slightly more modern take on things. |
|
|
First of all Grazie! Thank you for your kind words. As for Saturday evening, I agree with Vinoroma, Metamorfosi is my favorite at the moment too. We recently celebrated our anniversary there and had a wonderful celebratory meal. That said, all three of your choices for Saturday are definitely 'creative'. So if your wife doesn't like that kind of food, then she may be disappointed. |
|
|
Salumi smuggling days are over (for some regions anyway) Sorry to report, that this only holds true for big importers for the moment. That salami in your suitcase is still contraband. |
|
|
A week in Venice solo end of September I can truthfully say I've had more meals on my own in Venice, than with someone. I've never really had any problems, but I'm used to dining on my own. There are a lot of places in Castello, and eating fish? Well, you'll have your choice in Venice. In Castello there is Testiere and Corte Sconta. (both have been much discussed on other boards). I recently had a fantastic dinner at Hotel Wildner. But you shouldn't just limit yourself to Castello. Have you looked at the previous boards on Venice? There is so much written already, I'd suggest that you have a look at past discussions, then come back here with specific questions. |
|
|
Food and Wine Writer/Sommelier dining alone in Turin/Torino tonight, Monday I love Consorzio and Scannabue. I'm just not sure if either are open Monday night. Both have fantastic food, locally source, mixing a bit of tradition with modern. They are my two favorite places in Torino. |
|
|
Rome party of 15 . . . impossibile? I agree, that you may be jumping the gun a bit with the reservations. Most simple restaurants will not take reservations this far in advance. Although I love it, I think Renato e Luisa probably isn't the best choice for a group your size. Instead, I would suggest one of the following: Gigetto - They have a huge back room, which could easily accomodate your group. This is located in the Jewish Ghetto, and is not too expensive Pompiere - a bit more upscale than Gigetto, but with more or less the same hearty Roman food. This is located on the piano nobile (second floor ) of Palazzo Cenci, and has three lofty rooms that are perfect for big groups. Vino e Camino - A bit more 'creative' , and akin to Renato e Luisa. Pierluigi: If you'd like to splurge a bit, this is the most expensive of the bunch. But you are also paying for a drop dead gorgeous location on Piazza Ricci. Maybe that is the perfect answer? |
|
|
chowing kat does Rome - report ( warning - long) Thanks so much for your report! It's always such a help to everyone to hear back from people. |
|
|
Venice inexpensive: Dinner for a Group of 15 - Any Tips? Whenever I've been to Da Alberto, there has always been a big table in the back, with a group. They usually have a fixed menu that is about 20 Euros, and I'm sure you can work something out with them in advance. |
|
|
Il Localino, on Via Lazio is the best place near Via Veneto these days. Opened by Claudio and Irene, who have now turned over La Gensola (Trastevere) over to their son, they have transferred the exact same excellent sea food menu to this neighborhood. Much more comfortable than La Gensola (which was kind of cramped) they have also just gotten a permit to have outdoor tables. |
|
|
Looking for a cooking school on Sicily One of the best known cooking schools is that on the Tasca d'Almerita wine estate. Run by years by Anna Tasca, it is now run by her daughter. I also know that Divina Cucina is running a bunch of Sicily weeks this year, so you may want to look into that. |
|
|
I love Atti, a very old fashioned store selling cakes, cookies and tortellini. |
|
|
Best seafood pasta in Campo de Fiori, Ghetto or Trastevere area? I'm not a huge fan of Mani in Pasta, although I know a lot of people like it. I find the food to be so so, and the restaurant itself cramped and uncomfortable. Also, I was talking to some clients yesterday who had eaten there earlier in the week. They said that the service was very brusk and when they asked for help translating the menu, the waiter just told them to let him order for them. Basically everything that came to the table had langoustines on it, just about the most expensive thing you can ever order. They were shocked by the bill at the end. In other words, the waiter took advantage of them, which I think is atrocious. |
|
|
Three restaurants in Trastevere, need to chose one... Dinner in Trastevere, especially if you like seafood pasta, should be La Gensola. |
|
|
Best seafood pasta in Campo de Fiori, Ghetto or Trastevere area? La Gensola, in Trastevere, is definitely one of the best seafood restaurants in Rome, and in your area. Another option is Pierluigi, which I am a fan of (but I know others are not. There was a recent discussion). I love their Risotto con Scampi and also they do a great Spaghetti alle Vongole. The plus of this is a gorgeous outside piazza to sit in, weather permitting. |
|
|
I"m a huge fan of Sostanza, so there is my vote for that As for contemporary, Ora d'Aria, but it's definitely at the high end, price wise. In between is Santo Bevitore, casual with some traditional dishes, but enough newish things to keep it intersting |
|
|
open monday lunch near Coliseum Also open on Monday is Taverna dei Fori Imperiali, which is on Via Madonna dei Monti. |
|
|
Sunday dinner near Largo Argentina in June I don't think Beppe is opened on Sunday nights. The supermarket on Via del Plebliscito should be open that evening, since it mostly caters to tourists and seems always to be open! The problem with Renato e Luisa is that they open only at 8:30. But Gigetto opens earlier, at 7:30, so you should be ok there. |
|
|
Best place for late dinner in Rome? That's a bit of a problem. Most of the places that will serve you that late are of the newer variety, like Baccano and Caffe Propaganda . I've eaten at all three, and do so regularly, but it's usually because of the time (post movie, post cocktail party) rather than the food. The food isn't bad, but it's not necessarily some place I'd send someone who may have limited time in Rome to experience great Roman cuisine. If it's summer, you might try Pierluigi. I'm pretty sure they'll take your reservation that late, and you can have a gorgeous table outside in the piazza. There was a recent thread on this restaurant which you can read. Another option is Porto Fluviale. It's very new, and located not so far from the Colosseum, but its in the Ostiense neighborhood, not the centro storico. They are open late, and the Trattoria section serves all the Roman classics. (make sure you reserve in the Trattoria, not the Pizzeria). It's a fun ambiance, a restored warehouse. But again, it's one of the 'newer' places, which is why it's open late! |
|
|
That's so great that they got Alessandro in to cater with his sandwiches! Lucky you!!! |
|
|
I agree with Vinoroma, and also endorse Rebecca at http://www.tuscan-wine-tours.com/ - Italy Hotline also does some great winery tours of Tuscany. |
|
|
I"m a Pierluigi fan. And have been for about 30 years or so. It's changed over the years, getting a bit more upscale, and certainly more expensive. But I think the quality of the food and service justify it. They have several dishes that are some of my favorites in Rome (including a divine risotto di scamp and their unique insalata catalana). I have to say that it's my go to place for a summer evening in the piazza. I don't know of a prettier and more pleasant location than Piazza Ricci on a summer evening. |
|
|
Roman restaurant off Via Cavour, circa 2003 Ah...Franco became Forno? Too funny!!!! |
|
|
Sunday dinner near Largo Argentina in June Thanks so much for the kind words about the app! I was going to recommend Renato e Luisa, but see that someone already did! I also like Dittirambo, and in the Ghetto on a Sunday I go to Gigetto. If you do end up at Gigetto, reserve ahead of time for a table outside. |
|
|
Roman restaurant off Via Cavour, circa 2003 I'm pretty sure you are referring to La Piazzetta, Via del Buon Consiglio. It was opened about 2000 by some former waiters from Nerone. I haven't been there in ages, but it pretty much fits your description. I'm not sure if this link will work, but here is the street view from Google: |
|
|
Some Myths About Rome That Need to Die via Katie Parla Rome is a very small town, and in fact we all do know each other. So the 'circle the wagon' stuff is bound to happen. Friends often have the same opinions as friends. But this tends to happen in any other city that is this size I think. But it's interesting that you mention personal loyalty, and relationships that exist between people who post on this board, which are sometimes hard to decipher. That's where the moderators of the board come in, and I think they are doing a very good job. But I have to point out that those of us who choose to use our real names are posting our own opinions , so being very upfront about where our opinions are coming from, who we are, and what informs our choices. Other people, who post regularly and often, remain anonymous, and so their loyalties and personal affiliations remain a complete mystery. Which always makes me a bit suspect. |
|
|
Some Myths About Rome That Need to Die via Katie Parla Thanks Steve! And just to clear things up, about Berninibee's comment: I agree. None of this is ever absolutist! Just personal opinions. I've never professed otherwise. It's all just about personal experience and personal opinions in the end. |
|
|
Quick/Easy Lunch near the Colosseum - Rome ?? As everyone has mentioned, there is no way you are going to get a 'real' lunch at 10:30 in the morning. But the bar in Piazza Madonna dei Monti, La Bottega del Cafe, might be your best bet. You can sit outside, and order either sandwiches or cornetti. They may even be able to serve you something more substantial. |
|
|
I had a fabulous meal at Quadri, but we're talking Michelin star territory (and price). So not for the budget conscious. Another place that has become good is the restaurant at the hotel Wildner. It's located in a 3 star pension, but the chef, Luca Fullin (whose family owns the hotel) is really doing intersting things. Searching out great ingredients. The entire meal was excellent, as was the wine list. |
|
|
Friday night dinner in Florence My first recommendation would be Fagioli. It's really not that loud, especially if you are in the back room. I also like La Pentola d'Oro, right around the corner. Very casual. A bit further afield, but still only a 10-15 minute walk, is Cipolla Rossa, just near San Lorenzo. It's very sedate, and excellent food. Not formal at all. |
