Monti Going Local On Food

Monti has always held a distinctive charm to me, especially when it comes to the food offered in restaurants, the art galleries and quirky stores. There is an dynamic, alternative, future-oriented feel to Monti.

Now, Katie Parla has written an article for the New York Times which describes a number of restaurants that specialise in hyper-localised food, only from the Lazio region. Lazio’s location right next to Tuscany may have been problematic – who, pray, can compete with Tuscany’s reputation? – but it could be argued that Lazio is working extra hard to position their products relative to their famous neighbor, and can therefore not afford to compromise on quality. … Continue Reading

Trastevere Romanticised: False Promises?

Trastevere. Oh, it is so incredibly charming, magical, and picturesque. And exactly bohemian enough to appeal to just about everyone. Or so says every guidebook in the universe. The proof: Hundreds of tourists traipsing through the narrow streets, exclaiming “Oh, how pretty”, and “isn’t it beautiful”, and then later having pizza on the street, surrounded by countless Germans, Americans, and French people, and feeling oh-so italian. … Continue Reading

Why I Love Piazza Navona On A Postcard

The vulgarity of the tourist-trap that has become Piazza Navona continues to irritate me. I love all the little streets surrounding Piazza Navona, but have resorted to avoiding the piazza itself in favour of daydreaming about its former atmosphere of quiet and majestic beauty.

But let me explain. … Continue Reading

Favourite Places: The Orange Garden

On top of one of Rome’s most idyllic hills, the Aventine, you will find the atmospheric Orange Garden (“Giardino degli Aranci/Parco Savelli”), where many people come to relax and watch the sunset over the city.

The view is quite breathtaking – … Continue Reading

Favourite Places: Via del Governo Vecchio

Via del Governo Vecchio is just another picturesque and cobbled ancient alley in the heart of Rome – or is it?

As the surprisingly unpretentious main artery of the district aroung Piazza Navona, Via del Governo Vecchio has retained its evocative atmosphere. … Continue Reading

Favourite Places: Villa Borghese Park

Villa Borghese is a large landscape garden in the naturalistic English manner in Rome, containing a number of buildings, museums (for example Galleria Borghese) and attractions. … Continue Reading