Roman holiday

Roman holiday
Magazine: November 2007

Much more than the ‘eternal’ city! Rome is in a constant and vivacious evolution.

In many areas local shops have bowed out gracefully to designer boutiques, trendy locations spring up, fi tting in harmoniously alongside the remains of antiquity. Rome doesn’t rest on its laurels, but embraces a go ahead Italian way of life, an inebriant theatre of up and coming trends that transform into style. Visiting the city brings to mind the age-old saying: “A lifetime in Rome could never be enough”. So alongside “classic” Rome, we have the “in” itinerary of places for you to discover, to be taken with a touch of bien vivre, of course.

In and around the Pantheon
Near piazza della Maddalena, a few minutes from the Pantheon, there is one of those many places that delight us in this superb city. A favourite stop off for politicians and celebrities, an excellent clientele for one of the most well known restaurants of the city: the ‘Trattoria’. Here the chef Filippo La Mantia delights the taste buds with fl avours from the South. Still around the Pantheon, another top address is the excellent trattoria ‘Maccheroni’, famous for its pasta dishes. Here also are two hotels for savvy travellers who prefer functional solutions: the Hotel Abruzzi and the Hotel Sole al Pantheon. Both have windows overlooking the piazza della Rotonda. The piazza and its vicinity are popular for a leisurely aperitivo. Trend lovers will enjoy ‘Salotto 42’, in piazza di Pietra, the bookbar is based on a New York style lounge, with a fusion of styles and infl uences that span from antique to modern. An historic location but a new look for the Caffè Bernini that enjoys one of the most enviable positions in piazza Navona. The gastronomic choice is vast: made to order dishes, delicious desserts and Roman specialities. Carry on towards piazza del Popolo to seek out a table in the caffè garden of the Stravinskij Hotel de Russie: it’s more like being in the countryside. For a gesture of sheer folly, reserve the romantic terrace, just for two, for an aperitivo with private pianist and caviar.

From the Ara Pacis to the Ghetto
Recently opened, Gusto al 28, a minimal chic bar with a new style of gastronomic experience: restaurant, pizzeria and wine bar in piazza Augusto Imperatore. Stroll over a few bridges to reach the Isola Tiberina. On the left bank is the Ghetto, where one can sample a Jewish pizza with candied fruits and raisins. On the right bank…Trastevere. Bir & Fud, behind Piazza Trilussa is delightful. Sip home made draught beer with pizzas and bruschette. Creative Mediterranean cuisine can be tasted in Glass Hostaria, in the interior of an antique palazzo with a modern design. Freni e Frizioni, in the same area, has been transformed from a garage into a location for young fashionistas. To delve into the cinema world don’t miss the Libreria del Cinema bookshop near the Chiesa di Santa Maria.