I❤️Markets:Roma

Rome has so much to love, but for me is best in small bites.

I am from San Francisco,a city like Rome, built on seven hills. That’s where the similarities stop. I always say, Florence is like San Francisco, Milano is like New York City and Rome is like Los Angeles.

Rome has 900 churches. In Florence, they say you have seen the city if you have seen the 7 major cities in town. Immagine Rome! Here is a list of some of the most important churches to not miss.

Did you know that the Vatican is it’s own country? They have their own postal stamp and can also print their own money.

We just hopped down to Rome to check on a couple of places I wanted to add to the guide I created for this project of the Markets of Italy. Since Covid, one never knows how things have changed. Rome is so large, it’s impossible to see it all on your own.I do suggest taking a tour both to help with understanding the history of Rome but also to not get lost and walk in circles.

I find old school maps really help in Rome, rather than the maps on my phone. I have been many times but still get turned around.

I suggest seeing the city a neighborhood at a time. If it’s your first visit and you want to see museums and the churches as well, it all takes planning and reservations. Guides can help with that too.

As usual,my first stop is going to a market. There are several in Rome with are worth visiting.

You see what is in season and perhaps discover local specialities you have never seen.Rome is famous for their artichokes and you will see several kinds and often served with their stem with is an extension of the wonderful artichoke heart. They are masters in cooking them. I hope you are there in season! You find them both in spring and in fall.

I like to have a nice breakfast in the morning and then grab a real espresso at a nice bar. In Italy a bar is a coffee shop which also serves liquor. It’s the place you go all day long to take breaks. They start off with savory and sweet breakfast items and then around lunch some even offer a hot plate of pasta as well as the classic panini. In Rome, if someone offers you a pizza bianca it’s not pizza, but rather a focaccia. The classic pairing is with mortadella. Pizza con mortazza.

For my premium members, I have created a guide for Rome this month’s subscription newsletter. Later this month there will also be two recipes of typical Roman recipes, to bring a little Rome into your kitchen! Join us!