Roman food is famous all over the world, the ingredients and dishes are simple but not so easy to prepare. Here are some tips to fully and authentically experience the atmosphere of the clubs in Rome and its surroundings.
Rome is a city to see at least once in a lifetime, because it is unique. And its beauty is eternal, indisputable. At least once in a lifetime the big ones are worth trying specialties of its cuisine. Simple dishes but they must be artfully prepared and according to tradition to be romans proof. Eat like Romans Do, to paraphrase a little the famous phrase of Sant'Ambrogio. And here are three culinary experiences e three Roman specialties, to try in Rome and its surroundings, not to be missed.
Three unmissable Roman specialties
1. Cacio e pepe has become a legend: welcome to Felice al Testaccio
It starts with cacio e pepe, one of the traditional dishes of Roman cuisine. But not just any cheese and pepper: that of Felice al Testaccio. Historic Roman trattoria in the heart of one of the historic districts of Rome, its cacio e pepe is not easily forgotten and is, according to some, the best in Rome. The place, which has now become a must for anyone who comes to Rome, was born as an old Roman trattoria. From the stories of some inhabitants of the neighborhood, it seems that the old Felice, now replaced by his son, did not accommodate anyone in his room except those he knew or who were from the neighborhood. Annedoti testaccini narrate that he then became famous thanks to Roberto Benigni who began to bring there, years and years ago, the gang of Arbore and Frassica at the time of the program “Those of the night”. And so today, Felice al Testaccio's cuisine is one of the most renowned in the city and a stop with him is a must.
The real cacio e pepe: queen of Roman specialties
But beware that it is always full and you must book well in advance. But let's move on to its specialty: the cacio e pepe. Cooked according to tradition, strictly with tonnarello, a type of long pasta made by them. It is served on the plate with that mix of pepper and pecorino that make it perfect. Doses that are Felice's secret. The ingredients, once served at the table, are blended by the waiters with their own technique. The little bit of cooking water left on the bottom of the dish is used to complete the work. The result is a tonnarello perfectly mixed with a pepper and cheese cream, which is never stringy or dry. The flavor is unique and thanks to the portions, far from small, always leaves satisfied.
Other Roman specialties to taste
And for those who are still hungry, there are two other must-try at Felice's: the Roman-style artichoke (if it is season), cooked very well and the tiramisu by the glass. The latter, as Roman tradition dictates, is a tasty egg and mascarpone cream, in which there are the biscuit softened in coffee and a chocolate cream as a topping.
2. The ingenious reinterpretation of Roman cuisine: Trapizzino
For those looking for something typical Roman, but without sitting at the table, then the Trapizzino is the one for you. Also built in a little place in Testaccio but now present in different points of Rome, it was born from aidea by Stefano Callegari who managed to create something tasty that put together the whim of a pizza and the substance of the Roman tradition. Trapizzino is nothing more than a kind of corner of soft pizza dough, rigorously prepared with mother yeast, filled with different condiments of Roman cuisine. A brilliant invention.
Which flavors to choose
You can choose the one with chicken alla cacciatora, with Roman tripe, with eggplant parmigiana, with picchiapò and much more. Tastes that vary according to the days and the season, which satisfy even those who do not eat meat. One street food whose packaging and wrapping make it easy to eat even standing up. And for those who are still hungry, we also suggest trying their supplì, excellent and with super crunchy breading! In short, an experience absolutely to try.
3. Welcome to the Roman Castles: here is the fraschetta
Last of the experiences Roman symbol not to be missed is the so-called fraschetta. Typical of the areas of Castelli Romani, Ariccia in primis, fraschetta means stopping to eat in one of the many trattorias (the fraschette in fact) in the area. Characterized by convivial wooden tables side by side, the meal is based on traditional and genuine foods. Specifically, precisely because the fraschetta was born as a simple experience, the courses are made up of classic castles dishes. Bread, meats and cheeses with the inevitable in the front row porchetta of Ariccia. Accompanied by in oil, bruschetta, various side dishes, mountain side dishes, legume soups, meatballs and so on and so forth. And of course the inevitable wine of the castles and why not, even some short musical entertainment. There are several places in Rome where you "make the fraschetta" but the advice is to go to the Castles.
A unique atmosphere
There, in fact, the atmosphere is that mix between bucolic and tradition, always relaxing. All this makes such a meal even more enjoyable, which can last up to a couple of hours. Between the food, the chat with the host and a little music that never fails. Among the many, our choice is theOsteria del Borgo in Ariccia. Super friendly staff, good food with generous portions;) If you happen to be on a Sunday for lunch, the advice is to book. The fraschetta is also one economic solution: if you do not order first or second courses, the wine at will does not absolutely raise the price.
