Grubs & Pubs of Italy: All I've Eaten, All I've Spent, & All I've Thought About Since
- Rebecca Ruhnke
- Dec 19, 2024
- 23 min read
Section V - Studying Abroad: The Calm Amid Chaos
Written & Published by: Rebecca Ruhnke
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I Could Not Resist
Reflecting on my experience over a year later, I must share how the cuisine, coffee, and liquor elevated my adventure abroad and refined my taste. As I mentioned in the first section of my Studying Abroad: The Calm Amid Chaos blog, I specifically chose Rome because of my desire to chew on new foods. Reviewing the photos I took of most of the meals and snacks I consumed continues to make my mouth water.
I wouldn't consider myself to be a big 'foodie' person or a food critic in the slightest, as I'll usually eat anything with a few exceptions. Yet, food is a large part of human culture; as the Italians say, "Il cibo è il linguaggio dell'amore," which translated means, "Food is the language of love." How could I pass on the opportunity to share the connection between the stomach and the soul?
"Becca, What are We Having for Dinner?"
Before attending the trip, my mom gifted me Fodor's Travel Rome 2023, a travel guidebook that tips the readers on delicious foods, amazing activities, unspoken rules about the culture, the history you walk on, cute businesses, and the expense of it all.
Updated by Natalie Kennedy, Chapter 5: Piazza Navona, Campo De' Fiori, and The Jewish Ghetto, includes an in-depth look at the sights, restaurants, hotels, shopping, and nightlife within those areas. Given that our hotel was within these areas, I thoroughly read and annotated this section of the book, the pages now looking rougher than the others.
A particular interest to me was finding cheap yet good quality restaurants and bars to attend in hopes of decreasing the impending financial dread. Hell, except for our professors, the rest of us were broke college students that already spent enough to get there.
On the long plane ride there, I went through all the recommended restaurants and bars listed throughout the book, color-coding by expense and distance from the hotel. Eventually, I compiled a pretty decent list of inexpensive, local places with great quality food, drinks, service, and scenery.
After getting to know my group and exchanging ideas for our time abroad, I mentioned my list, which created a stir of excitement and relief. This was, of course, after we all learned the hard way of eating wherever because of hunger and exhaustion; spending nearly 60€ on one small pizza the first day of our arrival.
Throughout our voyage, the groups from the Travel Writing and History courses would then turn to me for dinner options, often asking questions like, "Hey, where are we going for dinner today?" I would share my list with the group, allowing everyone to vote based on their preferences for that day.
Though I did not get to try everything on that list, here are all the places that I went to, both on and off my list; I will place an asterisk* next to the restaurants and bars that appeared in Fodor's Travel Rome 2023 travel guidebook.
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My Go-Tos - Filling My Heart & Belly
These restaurants became the staple of my stay, making every meal inviting, affordable, and meaningful. If my group and I weren't feeling all that adventurous or just wanted something inexpensive, these restaurants provided us with the nutrients we needed and the tastes we wanted.
Pasta Imperiale
Sparking an epiphany among my classmates and me, Pasta Imperiale became the spot to grab lunch and dinner. After my log of affordable and exceptional food became a popular go-to for food exploration, another classmate of mine decided to research some more affordable places, and upon their search, they found this hidden gem.
This charming pasta stop allows customers to customize their meals in an easy two-step process: choose your noodles and then a sauce. The pasta and sauce are then made from scratch in the eyesight of the customers due to the shop's size. The windowed kitchen takes up a majority of the building, leaving a trail of small bar-stool tables alongside the narrow hallway to the kitchen. There are usually one to two people working in the eatery, and though it's mostly because of its small structure, it provides a very homely and intimate feeling with the food and its cooks.
Interestingly, the workers will turn away rude customers to protect their shop and peace, a cultural shock for me as in the States, employees usually cannot stand up for themselves.
Tagliatelle Burro e Parmigiano (Butter & Parmesan) - 7,50€
Gnocchi Pesto alla Genovese e Parmigiano (Genoese Pesto and Parmesan) - 10€
Spaghetti alla Chitarra Ragù Bolognese (Squarish Spaghetti with Bolognese Sauce) - 7,50€
Tagliatelle Cacio e Pepe (Cheese and Pepper) - 10€
Insalata: Salmone affumicato, mozzarella, semi misti, finocchio e misticanza (Salad: Smoked salmon, mozzarella, seed mix, fennel and mixed green salad) - 7,50€
Moretti Rossa (Double Malt Beer: full, caramelized malt flavor) - 3,50€
La Romana dal 1947 *
This gelato shop had all of our taste buds hooked. In between the building where we would have our classes and our hotel, it was extremely hard not to pass by without grabbing a cone to go.
In the States, most ice cream and frozen yogurt shops will charge you for the size and flavors; if it's not a basic flavor such as vanilla or chocolate, you'll typically be charged more, and in some cases, they will weigh your cup to determine the cost. In Italy, specifically at this shop, they only charge based on the size of the cone, and needless to say, the charge does not leave a large dent in your wallet.
Their sizes and prices range from piccolo for €3, medio for €3,50, grande for €4, and maxi for €5. I would usually get a medio, which I would usually use any €2, €1, or 50-cent coins to neatly and effectively pay. No matter what size cone you get, you will receive two scoops of your choice; below are the flavor combinations I tried and loved.
Arancia rossa e Mango (Blood Orange & Mango)
Mango e Limone (Mango & Lemon)
Mascarpone al caffè con cioccolato fondente e Cioccolato fondente (Coffee Mascarpone with Dark Chocolate & Dark Chocolate)
Cremino al caffè
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Dishes & Drinks I Keep Daydreaming About
After experiencing food abroad, I discovered new aspects of self, culture, relationships, and global economic lifestyles. Food unites us and influences our personal and societal choices. I learned about my taste preferences, nutrition, and how portion sizes and prices affect meal enjoyment. Italian cuisine inspired me to seek higher-quality food at reasonable prices. Here are some drinks and dishes that transformed my perspective and left me wanting more.
La Montecarlo *
If there is one thing you will learn in Italy, it is that authentic pizza will not be served cut; you have to cut the pizza yourself. So imagine my surprise when I ordered a tomato sauce, buffalo mozzarella, and cherry tomato pizza at La Montecarlo and it arrived at my table whole and paired with a cutting knife.
Located in a cute alleyway, La Montecarlo is inexpensive but filled with divine cuisine that makes your taste buds happy and your stomach full. Aside from the Bufala e Pachino pizza, I ordered a Mousse al cioccolato, garnished with crushed amaretto, for dessert. Rounding up the order, I only spent 18€ to leave knowing my life changed.
I will never think of pizza the same anymore, and as I scope out Italian restaurants and pizzerias that have similar, if not the same, texture and taste as La Montecarlo's pizza, it seems I will be searching for eternity until I revisit this spot; Papa John's and other westernized pizza have nothing on La Montecarlo's authenticity, not to mention its reasonable prices.
Bufala e pachino pizza - 13€ Mousse al cioccolato - 5€
Wisdomless Club - Tattoo Studio & Lounge Bar
I'm not exaggerating when I say this drink is the best alcoholic drink I have ever had in my life, thus far. I was set on getting a tattoo during my time abroad (because 'when in Rome') along with some of my other classmates. After doing some research, one of my classmates insisted that we try out this speakeasy as the reviews and pictured aesthetics seemed pretty enticing.
Upon arrival, we were told at the door that anyone who wanted a tattoo needed to pay upfront, cash only, and anyone else who did not seek out a drink was not allowed in. In the drizzling rain, the group split up, leaving those of us hellbent on getting a tattoo or soaking our tongues in alcohol to rush back to our designated ATM to ferment the night.
Once we were all situated inside, I ordered a Captain D'Albertis with its ingredients listed on the menu: Barceló Organic Rum, Pineapple and maracuja cordial, lemon juice, and Lurisia Ginger beer. As it was a picture-less menu, I had to guess the drink was going to have a tropical look and taste to it, especially given the pineapple cordial. I wanted something sweet and sour, and oh boy, did I get sweet and sour.
The drink itself is named after Enrico Alberto d'Albertis, an Italian navigator, writer, philologist, ethnologist, and philanthropist. A few of his greatest achievements highlight that he traveled around the world three times, circumnavigated Africa once, and carried out archaeological digs with Arturo Issel. Founding the Italian Yacht Club and personally designing the infamous Castello d'Albertis in Genoa where a majority of his collections reside, Enrico Alberto d'Albertis is known as an important figure in exploration during the late 1800s and early 1900s.
Knowing this piece of history behind the name of the drink, it now makes sense why I felt like I was going on my own quest of exploration when sipping this beverage. I truly believe that this drink transported me across the seas, and if I can recreate this drink at home, I hope I can do so once more.
Caffe Ristorante Le Terrazze Castel Sant' Angelo
Located within the museum, Castel Sant' Angelo, this terrace café offers beautiful scenery above the city and exquisite foods and drinks. Despite the rainy weather I endured during my visit, I personally believe the cool breeze and the misty air enhanced my experience on the terrace, allowing me to feel like one with the clouds and see all the colorful umbrellas below.
Due to the chilly climate, I wanted to order something warm and earthy, and there is no better warm and earthy drink to acquire than a cup of coffee.
I ordered a marocchino, and as seen above, it came in an espresso mug paired with a little spoon with what seems to be melted chocolate powder on top of frothed coffee and milk. A marocchino is just that: an Italian coffee drink made with espresso, milk, and cocoa powder, served in a small glass.
Ever since I took a sip of this delicate and cozy espresso, I have craved more. Over the years, I've grown to adore the different tastes and techniques used to make coffee, and this item, by far, is one of my favorites. Sure, I can't get enough of an iced chai latte, a shaken brown sugar espresso, or even the classic cappuccino, but to me, a marocchino is like a cigar: its delectability only meets the lips on special occasions.
Da Francesco *
Recommended in the guidebook I was gifted, Da Francesco sounded like a perfect place to go for a nice, fancy dinner for less.
As fettuccine has always been one of my favorite kinds of pasta, I ordered the Fettuccine alla Gricia con Tartufo Nero (Fettuccine with Guanciale, Pecorino Cheese, and Black Truffle). The reason why I love fettuccine is because of how the long, wide noodles enhance the paired toppings and sauces, and this dish was rich in flavor.
Though this dish was one of the more expensive meals during my stay, the price was reasonable for the rare, higher-end toppings such as the black truffle and the guanciale. Black truffle is an earthy, umami-rich flavored mushroom native to Southern Europe, and guanciale is an incredibly savory cured pork jowl, both of which are more luxurious and exclusive.
Anyone who either studies culinary arts or just loves to eat rich foods understands that trying this rather lavish pasta is a good investment, and I wholeheartedly agree with that statement. It is important that once in our lives we can try the finer things in life; the world's luxuries shouldn't only be for the few but rather for each of us to explore.
I am by no means high maintenance or an elaborate type of person, yet I do occasionally enjoy getting pampered. This pasta was more than a pampering; it was a delicious memory that still sits in the back of my brain and on the tip of my taste buds.
Enoteca Corsi *
Out of all the restaurants I attended, this one seemed to be the most private and homely of them all, as the waiter my group and I had was open to answering questions and informing us of different customs.
Particularly, our waiter actually refused to serve me my Moscato wine until we had dessert, as he told me it would be culturally more appropriate to do so and it would enhance my dessert experience since Moscato is a dessert wine. In all of the other places I went to, the waiter would just give me an odd look but would still serve me the wine when requested. Now that the waiter at Enoteca Corsi educated me on this, it made all the baffled looks make more sense, and as he said it would, it did enhance my dessert.
Spaghetti con Cozze e Vongole - 18€ Panna cotta al cioccolato - 6€
I ordered Spaghetti con Cozze e Vongole (pasta with clams, mussels, and a garlic sauce) for dinner and a panna cotta al cioccolato (lava cake) for dessert. I'm pretty sure when I went on this trip, I had never had clams or mussels still in their shells in all my 22 years of life. Now at 24, I can say I have, and I absolutely love it! The garlic sauce paired with the saltiness of the mussels and clams, while the spaghetti noodles offered a sturdy base, made this dish favorable and enjoyable. This pasta truly makes me want to go to a seafood restaurant and try more dishes with mussels and clams.
And oh, don't get me started on the lava cake! Fluffy on the outside and gooey on the inside, I was questioning if I wanted to ask for seconds. But thankfully, I had the dessert wine to keep my sweet tooth entertained. ;)
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Foods On Demand! - Conveniently Located Restaurants
One thing I truly miss about Italy, other than the food, is how conveniently everything is located. From my hotel, there are at least five different restaurants down the alleyway that serve as a reminder that a delicious meal is just a few feet away.
Bar Rossana
Studying abroad quite literally means you have to 'study abroad,' and when abroad, you're lucky to get just a sliver of Wi-Fi service to help you avoid going over your data limit.
This restaurant is located right next to the hotel where I was staying, and since the Wi-Fi from the hotel reached the outdoor seating area, I was able to study without having to camp out in the hotel my entire stay while eating inexpensive meals.
Out of the few times I went, I only recorded that I had a panino sandwich with chips for 4€ and a rum cola for 7€, and on a separate occasion, I ordered a pizzetta romana for 11€ with two lemonades for 3,50€ each. Though the food wasn't jaw-dropping, it was still a great place to grab a meal and study surrounded by some greenery and culture.
Meh!
Out of all the spots located next to my hotel, Meh! was one of my favorites. Their food was always made fresh, coming out of the oven warm, and their sodas were always cold, straight out of the fridge.
As shown in the picture, for only 3,50€, I ordered a panzerotto pom, which is similar to a hot pocket but ten times better, and I loved it so much that I ordered it a second time during my stay. I later also ordered the cavalier sghino for 7,50€, not shown below.
To this day, I am hoping to eventually recreate this dish at home as it truly makes for a perfect lunch.
Fatamorgana Chiavari
Being a relatively new shop, Fatamorgana Chiavari rests at the end of the alleyway and is full of colorful designs and patterns, succeeding in getting customers' attention.
As seen in the photo, the three scoops I ordered tower over the cone, and for only 4,50€. The fluffy and rich gelato was such a great treat, especially since I was craving sweets. Reflecting on my time abroad, I wish I had stopped at this spot more often because as I look at this picture, my craving for sweets is back.
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International Cuisines... Internationally
Eating the same or similar foods over and over can become nauseating over time. To avoid this, my group decided to find restaurants from diverse cultures.
Asian cuisine seemed to be our favorite choice, as the restaurants were within walking distance and offered many options. Interestingly, in Italy, Asian cuisine is usually seen as lower-end, whereas in Western countries, it has grown in popularity and is seen as an expensive and healthy bite.
Despite the Italians' negative views, I honestly believe that the food prepared here was much better than the Westernized versions.
Shiroya
When I went to Shiroya with a couple of classmates, I wanted to experiment; with the prices being reasonable, branching out and trying new things seemed financially doable.
Aside from ordering some Cali rolls for 12€ to share among the three of us, I ordered a Yari Ika, Calamaro Sashimi (a bowl of squid) for only 8€. I had never had squid before and desperately wanted to try it, especially given that I love seafood.
I recorded a video of my exact reaction to the feeling of the slimy and chewy tentacles in my mouth, and needless to say, I did not like it. In the picture below, the white rings are the squid's body, which tasted better than the raw squid tentacles.
I attempted to eat everything I ordered, and since the squid body tasted good paired with the Cali rolls, the only thing left in the bowl was the squid tentacles, which I could not chow down without having a sensory overload.
Aside from the tentacles, the food was delicious and the presentation of the dishes was next level; I mean, looking back at the photo, even the squid tentacles look appetizing even though I know I didn't like them.
Wok to Walk
This build-your-own stir-fry Chinese restaurant was one of the study abroad group's favorites when we were looking for food diversity. Wok to Walk is a chain restaurant that reaches from LA to Rome, and with the prices being suitable for international college students, it became a predominant location when we didn't know what to eat.
Out of all the times I ordered, at 10.30€, the one pictured below shows my three-step bowl with egg noodles, beef, vegetable mix, and Szechuan sauce. Filling and spicy, I wish I had one of these restaurants located near me.
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Going to the Markets: Fresh Fruits & Groceries!
Markets are a staple in European countries, where each vendor, shop, and small business can unite as a community and make sales worthwhile. Whether you are picking up groceries for the week, grabbing a snack, or acquiring a little knick-knack, outdoor markets hold a special place in the hearts of the locals as well as the foreigners.
Campo De' Fiori Market - Fresh Fruit Stand
As this square is located near everything else, I would pass by this market often. The smells and smiles made it difficult not to stop and grab a bite or a trinket.
One of my favorite stands was the fresh fruit, sliced and prepared in a cup for just 3€. Mangos and pomegranates are just a couple of my favorite fruits, and I have to say, I have never had fruit as fresh as these. Vibrant in taste, swirling with sweetness, dripping with juice, I would fly across the seas just to get a taste of these fresh fruits again.
Fresh Pomegranate - 3€ Fresh Mango - 3€
Coop - Your Standard Grocery Store
Of course, during my stay, I did not go out to eat every day; there were days I was just too tired to walk around or I had to stay in due to assignments.
At the beginning of our stay, our professor walked us around to show us where a few local grocery stores were, knowing that some of us would need a few days or nights in. He even told us about some of the premade foods we could grab if we were in a hurry or didn't want to make something ourselves.
The grocery stores were so cute and even had healthier options for typical junk foods than in the States. My favorite thing about Italian grocery stores is the prices. I didn't have to spend $50+ for just one meal like what we are used to in America.
On a virtual picnic date with my boyfriend, I prepared my grocery store finds: a lemonade soda, a prepackaged cream and salmon sandwich, raspberries, and some cheese puffs. Tasty and filling, my virtual picnic date was a success. As I could not find the receipt, I decided to search the items on the Coop grocery store website; for this meal alone, I only spent 8,49€. So much cheaper than I thought!
Coop Cornetti al Mais al gusto formaggio - 0,90€
Lemon Soda - 0,76€
Coop Tramezzini Gourmet Salmone, Crema alla Crescenza e Erba Cipollina - 4,05€
Coop Frutti di Bosco Lamponi - 2,78€
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I Scream, You Scream, We All Scream for Gelato!
There is always more room for gelato's cold, creamy sweetness. Despite going to the same gelato shop for most of my trip, here are a couple of other gelato shops that beg me to return.
Gelateria Il Gelato Di Pasqualetti
During my limited time in Orvieto, Italy, I was fortunate to grab a quick cone-to-go from one of the local gelato shops. Orvieto has beautiful street sights and wonderful small businesses that make you feel at home, not to mention that they have a lot of friendly stray cats roaming around waiting to get petted or fed.
Gelateria Il Di Pasqualetti is one of those ice cream shops with one bar with gelato on display, and the second floor is a small balcony with additional seating and restrooms.
For only 2,70€, I got two scoops on a small cone, one chocolate, and the other chocolate chip. What made this gelato delicious to me was the way it didn't melt the moment I went outside into the heat, something I struggled with while traveling during the summer.
Gelateria Del Teatro
On the way back from Da Francesco, my group and I wanted to stop for gelato before we ended the day. Gelateria Del Teatro shined like a beacon with all its cute and colorful lights around the shop, and we were drawn in like moths to a flame.
What I truly liked about this gelato shop was the choices; during my whole time abroad, I rarely saw any options for mint chip gelato. Mint chip is one of my favorite ice cream flavors as I usually like to have it after a meal to "freshen up."
Since I had the choice to get two different flavors, I ordered one scoop of mint and the other chocolate chip, leaving the mint on the bottom for that fresh-breath feeling. For this medium cone with two scoops, I only paid 3,50€, filling the room I had left in my stomach with dessert and making my breath minty-fresh.
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Savory Stories - Engaging with New Tastes
When you're traveling, you are bound to try new things, and whether you like the food or not, you will always have an interesting story to tell about the creative and intriguing tastes and presentations. There were only two places where I enjoyed trying the food but would prefer to go an alternative route in the future, whether by trying a different item on the menu or just avoiding the dish altogether. Here are my savory stories from Italy.
Limonè
Limoncello, a lemon alcoholic drink, is one of Italy's popular drink items. As lemons are incredibly popular in Italy due to a combination of historical, geographical, and culinary factors, it makes perfect sense that there would be a shop dedicated to lemons and limoncello.
In this bright yellow shop, you can find all things lemon, from soaps to pasta, including a variety of limoncello and even lemon-infused chocolate. As pictured below, there is even an option to order vanilla or chocolate sorbet in a lemon bowl, and as one can see, I ordered the chocolate sorbet.
For only 6€, this treat was not so bad! The only thing I will say, though, is that I believe it would have tasted better paired with the vanilla sorbet instead of the chocolate. As much as I love my chocolate and my lemons, lemon and chocolate together is definitely an acquired taste; the sweet and sour seemed to overwhelm each other, making it difficult for me to enjoy.
Overall, I still enjoyed trying this lemon gelato bowl, and this cute lemon-themed shop was one of my favorite shops I visited due to its unique style and plentiful options.
Settegrammi (7 Grammi) - Café & Lounge
Something I truly wanted to do while I was away was to go to a cafe on my own, away from my classmates and professors, to immerse myself in the culture, foods, and relaxing sights. After looking through my list from the guidebook, I picked out a cafe that looked endearing to me.
Unfortunately, when I got there, the cafe was closing, so I got stuck ordering a plain cup of joe and a small pastry to go. This, however, did not deter me from living out my fantasy; I was going to sit down in my cute outfit at a cute cafe, eat cute food, drink cute coffee, and enjoy the cute scenery, whether my circumstances allowed it or not.
That is when I came across 7 Grammi, a modernized, western cafe with an Italian twist. Though it wasn't the authentic Italian cafe I was hoping for, it would have to do given that I didn't want to extend my time and distance looking elsewhere.
When I got there, I let them know I wanted to sit at one of their outdoor tables; the table I was originally given was in the direct line of the sun, so I switched over to the table to my left. While I was there, it took a while for a waiter to come out and take my order to the point I questioned if it was that kind of establishment.
After about fifteen minutes, a waiter came out for me; I ordered salmon, egg, and avocado toast for 10€ with a frappuccino chocolate milkshake for 6€. Eventually, the items arrived at my table another fifteen minutes later.
Though these dishes looked appetizing, I had a rather hard time trying to enjoy my order. The toast, for starters, looked good minus the egg mush, and I didn't even realize that was supposed to be the egg until I took my first bite.
Well, attempted to take my first bite because all of its toppings slid right off the moment I brought it to my mouth. The avocado and bread tasted good, but whatever they did with the egg mush and the half-cooked, half-raw salmon made my stomach turn once it reached my tongue.
I tried chowing down on it but with it constantly falling back onto the plate and the smell reminding me that I didn't like the salmon and the egg mush, I only ate about half of it.
I will say the frappuccino chocolate milkshake wasn't too bad; it came in a cute cup and definitely had the milkshake consistency. The only minor issue I had with it was that I could not taste it that well after eating the toast.
This shop, given its modern aesthetic, seems to copy the typical Los Angeles cafe menu with semi-healthier options with an absence of taste or an overpowering taste that does not go away until you brush your teeth. I also found it quite upsetting that I spent nearly thirty minutes and 16€ just to get something I didn't like. But hey, this is just my experience, hopefully it's better for others.
Avocado Toast with Salmon & Eggs - 10€ Frappuccino Chocolate Milkshake - 6€
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Partaking in More: Pizza & Pastas
Of course, I cannot stop talking more about Italy's pizzas and pasta! As I love my pizzas and pasta, I must share two more dishes that I enjoyed during my stay.
Osteria Da Fortunata
If you have been paying attention, you know that I'm hoping to recreate some of these dishes at home, especially the pasta. Though Osteria Da Fortunata was one of the more expensive restaurants I attended, I was still able to get delicious pasta for a decent price of 17€.
I ordered fettuccine pasta topped with a ragu sauce, made with beef, pork, tomato sauce, celery, onion, carrot, laurel, extra virgin olive oil, wine, rosemary, Parmigiano, and a dash of salt. Meaty and savory, this is one of those kinds of pasta you would want to cook during cold winter evenings, warming your belly and filling you up with love and nutrients, and that is exactly what I plan to accomplish whenever I make this dish.
Pizza Florida
Located near Curia di Pompeo, a historical site where Julius Caesar resided and was assassinated, Pizza Florida is open across the street, awaiting locals and especially tourists. With their incredibly low prices, they are definitely targeting the tourists and locals who may be suffering financially.
For 1,90€, I ordered two slices of buffalo mozzarella cheese and cherry tomato pizza, garnished with basil leaves, as well as two slices of ham and mozzarella cheese pizza for 1.50€.
For really good prices and pretty decent food, I'm surprised I didn't come here more often during my stay, especially since I enjoyed walking by Curia di Pompeo due to its influx of friendly stray cats just chilling on the ancient remains.
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The Buzz of the Booze
Being buzzed and walking down the narrow streets of Italy is one of my fond memories of my stay, especially since the drinks fueled conversations and adventure. Aside from the wine and coffee, the cocktails fulfilled my desire to sit back and relax with a cup in hand.
Famo Pace
The service at Famo Pace is unbelievably incredible. The vibes, the music, and the aura radiating off the waiters will remind you that if you fill your life with positive energy, good food, and to-die-for drinks, you'll always be happy.
As my group and I wanted to get a drink while we waited for Da Francesco to open for dinner, we came across Famo Pace out of pure luck. What grabbed our attention was a waiter dancing to the music while he was taking someone's order. My group chuckled as we gave each other a nod, implying that we should take a seat at this outdoor bar.
Since it started raining by the time we got there, everybody seated ended up playing musical chairs, switching tables, or scooting their chairs closer to the building and underneath the tarp.
I ordered a classic Moscow Mule for 9€, and after all of us ordered our drinks, we were surprisingly given a free platter of appetizers. While we were striking up a conversation about how fun this bar was, the waiter started singing along to the music that was playing.
With fun servers, great drinks, free appetizers, and amazing vibes, I would highly recommend this bar to anyone in the area.
Moscow Mule - 9€ Free Appetizers
Al Biscione Cafe
In one of the previous sections of this series, I talked about my time spent at Al Biscione Cafe and how the drinks fueled conversations about mapping out an adventure. I talked briefly about the drinks but didn't go into much detail about the service, taste, and prices.
My classmates and I went during happy hour, making all the cocktails 5€, and since I only ordered two drinks, I got a nice buzz for only 10€. Ordering a Sex on the Beach and an Amaretto Sour, my sweet and sour cravings were fulfilled, and as they were garnished with fruits, I had something to chow on while listening to my classmates' stories and ideas.
The service was amazing, as only two people were working: one working on the drinks and the other taking orders. The lady taking orders was so sweet, making the experience even more inviting.
If given the chance and extended time, I would have come back for another night. I can see this little bar/cafe being a great place to go and chat with friends on the regular, and I hope I can revisit it someday.
Sex on the Beach - 5€ Amaretto Sour - 5€
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Complimentary Breakfast: Missing my Hotel Foods
I absolutely cannot forget to mention the delicious food I had every breakfast at my hotel, despite how many times I've already mentioned it in this series. I mean, I got free, healthy, and flavorful food, and again, free.
As the food and the juices were buffet-style, I usually grabbed a bit of everything before sitting down. From freshly cut fruits to freshly made juices, everything was made with good and healthy intentions. After getting myself situated, there was usually this one very fit and attractive man who would take my coffee order (all the girls in my class were swooning over this guy).
I always ordered a cappuccino, and it got to the point during my stay that he would just see my face, and without me saying a word, he would say something along the lines of, "Ah, cappuccino! Will be right out."
Going to breakfast became a favorite part of my routine as it gave me time to relax, caffeinate, and consume rich, luxurious foods and drinks. I aspire to someday make a cappuccino as good as this hotel makes it.
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Time Travel for Tastes
Someday, I hope to return to Italy, enjoy these foods again, and try new amazing cuisines. Until then, I'm left daydreaming about time traveling to experience this journey once more.
I am beyond grateful and fortunate to have traveled abroad. Sharing these stories reminds me of how lucky I am to have experienced these treasures and serendipity. I want to thank my parents for their financial support throughout this trip and for encouraging me to see the world and seek happiness. I couldn't have had these life-changing experiences without your love and support.
To my family and friends, thank you for listening, despite how often I talk about my time abroad (lol). It fills me with such joy to know that you enjoy hearing my stories and find my writing entertaining.
Until next time, I'll see you in the next post!
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