Today, I realized just how accurate people in America were when they told me about Italy. It’s true that they all drive small cars or scooters. I came within an inch of my death because of a few of them. It’s true that Italians are pretty slender although they eat a lot. My theory on this is that they’re thin because they walk everywhere. I personally hit 8,000 steps before 10 o’clock. It’s true that they always look chic and it’s not popular to wear gym sneakers here like it is in America.
It’s true that they love their cigarettes, and that transportation isn’t exactly reliable, that all of Rome is basically a walk through museum, and the people want you to finish everything on you are offered. For example, I got a small sampling of some fresh Italian produce this morning when I went for a walk around the local market. An elderly man was gracious enough to offer me something to try and handed me the largest sugar snap pea I’ve ever seen. He stood with me speaking Italian, which I can’t even pretend to understand, and made sure I ate every last bit of the tiny peas.
But perhaps above all, the biggest truth I’ve found is that Italians know how to cook – and make some delicious wine.
In retrospect, dinner shined the brightest out of all of my food highlights today.
After touring the Colosseum and the Forum, I decided to stay in the area with a few friends and try out a new restaurant. All I knew was that I wanted spaghetti and wine. Thankfully, all of the restaurants have menus outside and we found the perfect match for all of our cravings.
This match was called La bottega del caffe.
Everything about this restaurant was a breath of fresh air. The waiters were so accommodating to us English speaking folk and even gave us an English version of the menu. The outdoor seating was enclosed by a beautiful terrace wall covered in rained on, delicate, white flowers. The tables were intimately small, and to top it all off, a musician armed with a sweet smile and an accordion began playing as our table was being set in front of us.
I started the meal off with montalcino red wine. I’m no wine connoisseur, but this hit the spot. It was the perfect dry wine of my dreams.
After, I got a plate of roasted local vegetables. These vegetables, mushrooms and eggplants, were lightly covered in olive oil and salt and left me wanting so much more.
I then moved on to the star of the show. The reason I came to this restaurant in the first place – the spaghetti.
It was unfortunately sprinkled with a little Parmesan cheese, which I cannot have (because I’m vegan, but also intolerant) but hey, when in Rome right? All I can say was that it was incredible. It was just a simple marinara and fresh basil but something about it made it the best spaghetti I’ve ever had.
Lastly, I was convinced by my friends and my 22,515 steps to go hunt down another vegan gelatoria by the name of Il Gelatone. After strolling in the rain and getting to see the Colosseum and Forum lit up at night, we found the place and I ended my evening with a bang and a humble little cup of caramel and nutella pistachio gelato.
I might have very tired legs and an unnecessarily full camera roll from today’s adventures but I also have a happy stomach and an even happier heart.
Kimmie Prokurat