At about 5pm every day I start wondering where I’ll have dinner. Maybe it’s all the walking but I’m feeling my first pangs of hunger by then. Last night, I deliberated between the Sant’Anna (v. close, but mostly pasta and seafood), La Carbonara (hadn’t booked, and it always looks busy) or Roscioli’s (end of Street, great wine by the glass). Roscioli’s won.
I’ve got the hang of spingere (push) and tirare (pull) now, having had a few slapstick-like moments in Italian shop doorways. On tirare-ing my way into Roscioli’s, I wait for my man at the till to finish his conversation and show me to my table.
Its 7pm and there are a sprinkling of people about, all enjoying wine and ‘small plates’ – cured meats, cheeses and the like. Instantly I am allotted my three handsome and theatrical waiters and peruse the wine and food list. It’s very tempting to have a glass of the Nobile di Montepulciano but at 10 euro a glass it’s like drinking liquid gold, so I settle for a glass of Prosecco. Yum yum. With it, I have a plate of smoked swordfish, tuna and salmon.
All very pleasant sitting here planning tomorrow’s excursions. Am feeling very much like a local. Unfortunately, my attempt to ask for another glass of prosecco gets me the bill instead, so I leave after a nice dawdle over food and wine.
A left turn from my wine bar takes me towards the Campo, and it’s lively at night, families and tourists strolling about, people sitting under outdoor heaters at the bars and restaurants around the square. There’s even a busker, doing a complicated mime routine and the usual sprinkling of dogs and kids.
Heading homewards, I meet one of my neighbours on the stairs up to the third floor, and we wish each other buona sera.
I’m full-to-the brim happy.
I’ve got the hang of spingere (push) and tirare (pull) now, having had a few slapstick-like moments in Italian shop doorways. On tirare-ing my way into Roscioli’s, I wait for my man at the till to finish his conversation and show me to my table.
Its 7pm and there are a sprinkling of people about, all enjoying wine and ‘small plates’ – cured meats, cheeses and the like. Instantly I am allotted my three handsome and theatrical waiters and peruse the wine and food list. It’s very tempting to have a glass of the Nobile di Montepulciano but at 10 euro a glass it’s like drinking liquid gold, so I settle for a glass of Prosecco. Yum yum. With it, I have a plate of smoked swordfish, tuna and salmon.
All very pleasant sitting here planning tomorrow’s excursions. Am feeling very much like a local. Unfortunately, my attempt to ask for another glass of prosecco gets me the bill instead, so I leave after a nice dawdle over food and wine.
A left turn from my wine bar takes me towards the Campo, and it’s lively at night, families and tourists strolling about, people sitting under outdoor heaters at the bars and restaurants around the square. There’s even a busker, doing a complicated mime routine and the usual sprinkling of dogs and kids.
Heading homewards, I meet one of my neighbours on the stairs up to the third floor, and we wish each other buona sera.
I’m full-to-the brim happy.
Liz, it makes us smile and nod in understanding about your dinner experience. We frequently settle for something that was not quite what we were after due to our poor attempts at Spanglish! So glad to hear how much enjoyment you are getting from the experience! Looking forward to more photos!
ReplyDeleteDearest Lizzy,
ReplyDeleteThis is the second time I write my post, technology doesn't like me! And yes the wireless is still down!
Today is my work at home day, so I get to check out your blog. Very impressive my dear, you're are quite cleer.
So glad to see you are so happy and enjoying every moment. I am insanly jealous, so live every minute for those of still at home. To this end, and in a different kind of post, there is a cheque sitting on your fridge. We demand that you go back Roscioli's and by that glass of Mobile de Montepulciano. There is more than 10 euros in it so you can consider it a contribution to your wine fund. That is after all what we are good at, well drinking it at least.
We had a lovely time last night with your 'family'. Jim was a bit late so we went off in search of him, wine in hand, up Wardie street. Lil saw us at 50 paces and rushed toward us, tail wagging, Jaspie in hot pursuit. Much love and slobber all round. It was great to chat last night and to hear that the blogged words about happiness are very true.
Cabinet maker is coming today, measuring up for shelving up here. They are to have glass doors as the calcerine dust that blows around up here from the sea breeze is quite amazing. Oh! and there's the dog hair, but that's a different storey. The cost as usual is more than you'd hope for, bring on more competition in the market.
Well the dogs are sleeping like lizards in the sun on the deck and I really should find the inspiration to get on with that silly PhD.
Hope you are having another glorious day.
All our love. Rozzy and Sally xx
Wow Liz
ReplyDeleteYou certainly can write! You must put this together into a book - move over "A Year in Provence"!!
I am so happy that you are so happy - I will now immediately adopt your phrase "full to the brim happy" - it is so evocative and makes me green with envy. I agree with your friend, do have that drink of 'liquid gold' and think of all your sweltering friends here in Oz.
Much love
Alison XO
Hey Liz,
ReplyDeleteNow I didn't know we had other mutual interest - Rome and Photography! We (my partner and I where there in June/July 2007)... check out our blog around that time... we have a few snaps on there too
:D
Enjoy your break!
Kings
Dear ER,
ReplyDeleteYour full-to-the-brim happiness shines from your writing - it all sounds absolutely heavenly. Did you take a pic of the three waiters? That kind of service merits being recorded for posterity!
Next visit to Roscioli's please partake of a glass of the 'liquid gold' if only for the experience. It's less than a week into your Roman holiday and already you're developing gourmet tastes. Taste, try and enjoy all the wonderful culinary adventures. (Is there a plan to write an Italian cookbook down the track?)
Looking forward to hearing of your excursions today.
Much Love
P. xxxxx
Hi everyone, thanks for your love and comments. Wish I could teleport you all here and we'd crack a bottle of the Nobile di Montepulciano together.
ReplyDeleteCiao e baci, Liz xxx