I'm writing from Casa Monti, a small hotel in Rome where I've been staying with my dad for the last few days. We've enjoyed a long weekend of walking, eating, sightseeing, and just hanging to cap off a 2-week work trip in Europe.
This was my first time in Rome in almost a decade. Not a city I know well, but, after a few days of exploring, I'm starting to get it, and where to go to avoid the crowds, which are pretty thick even in low season, to really savor this energetic place.Â
With long lists of Rome recommendations easy to come by (and overwhelming), I'll give you just four highlights from our weekend:
- Chez DĂ©dĂ©: An independent shop of global apparel, goods & curiosities on the beautiful Via di Monserrato. A place to find a gift for a friend, a new scent for oneself, or just get inspired.Â
- Dinner at Il Localino : An elegant establishment with a focus on Sicilian cuisine run by a father-daughter duo. Delicious food, a great wine list, and a place that seems to be there for the locals. Â Â Atelier Bomba : Essential is the word of choice when describing Cristina's longstanding boutique on Via dell'Oca. She makes beautiful knitwear, scarves, garments, ties & more all from the finest materials in her own atelier. I purchased my new favorite tie from her (shown above).
- Lunch at Trattoria Penestri : Perhaps one of my favorite meals of the last decade, we had a fantastic Sunday lunch at Trattoria Penestri. Just south of the city center in Testaccio, this place serves Roman classics alongside delicious dishes of their own invention. Really, truly special in cuisine & service. The rotating images below are from our meal there today!
That's all for now. If you have any special Rome tips of your own, please do send them my way!Â
Thanks for following along.Â
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