If the restaurant you have reservations at, just happens to have a phenomenal view, snag the first seating possible. I walked up at 12:30pm on the dot and had the space to myself for at least 5 mins. The only noise was the light piano music playing from the speakers and in the background was the kitchen staff prepping for the day. I sat in silence and in awe, just me and the Colosseo.
The sommelier made a suggestion for my first wine, I say first, because I certainly walked in and had the intention of ordering two different glasses of wine. With my jet lag and it being midday, I requested whites. A taste of Vermentino splashed into my glass and jet lag was a thing of the past, I was in my happy place.
The server approached the table with two different types of breadsticks, each placed on a unique set up and display. Dining in Italy is so different than in the states, no anxious servers, rushing to get your order in. They don’t stand there, asking if you have questions, making suggestions and comments. It’s a calmer experience and you’re kind of left alone until you need something. I love it. I sat there scanning the menu, kind of wishing I was hungry enough for the tasting menu, but I knew I wouldn’t accomplish anything for the rest of the day if I did that to myself!
There were a great balance of seafood plates and also options for the meat lover (me). The lamb starter sounded fantastic, but I reminded myself that if this is like any other Relais & Chateaux dining experience, there will be a small taster to start the meal from the chef and lots and lots of bread selections. Spoiler alert, I was correct and so glad I only ordered the pasta.
A small individual loaf of warm, fresh, beautiful bread arrived and the server poured me a small portion of olive oil beside it. Which I could have sipped on if I wasn’t at a Michelin Star restaurant.
The sommelier took note that my wine was coming to an end and asked if he could make a suggestion to go with my pasta. I can’t say I liked one more than the other, but I certainly wish I could order a case of each and send it home.
I was surprised when the server came again, but it wasn’t with my pasta. Another bread!! Believe me, I was not complaining. The bread was this fantastic red color. The server explained that this was another in house made bread, tomato flavored, then they used a dropper bottle to drop a new oil over the top of it. Just a touch of oregano olive oil and you could smell then ingredients in the air. There I was smiling goofily over a sliced of bread again!
Shortly there after, my pasta was placed delicately in front of me. I looked up and saw a smile from the server, who clearly saw the excitement on my face. “Buon appetito” said the server and I was left there again in quiet and with my stunning view. Taking in each bite, savoring it. Wishing I could somehow recreate this at home. Or at least find a way to come back here again when I’m here for another visit in June. Darn, I thought to myself, they probably change the menu for the seasons.
Paccheri mantecati al burro e parmigiano stravecchio con ragù di anatra profumato al cardamomo verde. Paccheri pasta creamed with butter and aged parmesan cheese, with duck ragout flavored with green cardamom.
I took my time finishing my plate. With no intention of ordering a dessert. Honestly it’s my least favorite thing about a meal, I’ve just never been a dessert kinda gal. I opted to take a look at the menu and of course all of the creations offered sounded positively magical. I wish I could just see them! So my mind said, “when in Rome!” There I was ordering “Il nido” and I was so curious to see how this “nest” looked, made into a dessert.
A small table was set beside me. I said to the waiter, “uh oh, what’s this?!” Laughing to myself. She replied, “you’ll see, just a moment!” Also laughing. It was a a delicious ‘pre dessert’, basically a dessert lovers dream come true. There was meringue, smoke, mango sauce and pineapple. It was delicious.
Il nido: crema di ricotta, cachi e polvere di tartufo The nest: ricotta cream, persimmons and truffle powder
Minutes later came my real order and I was ready to roll down the stairs to my bed for a nap! I tucked into the dessert, and it was alllll the right flavors. I just wish I had someone there to finish it for me, because I simply couldn’t do it. Just the right amount of sweetness to the plate, the crunch, the flavors, all worked wonderfully together. Certainly one of the best desserts I’ve ever had.
A meal to remember and a meal to brag about to all of my foodie friends, just in the hopes to inspire them to go on their next visit to Rome. The staff was excellent, each of them were a joy to be around and made the meal more fun- especially since they were entertaining me during my meal for one. Thanks to the chef for his creations that my tastebuds won’t forget for a while!