Mangi.Ride.Beve.

Eat.Laugh.Drink.

Primo di Maggio is a BIG day for Italians. It’s a holiday just like labor day and everything is closed or almost everything! There is a big free concert at night that took place in Piazza di San Giovanni. There were SO many people, a lot of garbage, and great music. I have uploaded a video of a Beatles cover and hopefully you feel the ambiance of the night.It honestly looked like an American music festival with tents, people everywhere, having a good time.

Follow this link to learn more info on Primo di Maggio and the musical performances!

http://www.primomaggio.com/

“To Rome With Love “

This Woody Allen film opened this weekend here in Roma. Unfortunately, no celebrities were spotted :( 

Ciao! 

Mi scusi for not writing in FOREVER literally. But I’m back for the remainder of my time unfortunately that’s less than a month but no need to talk about that right now. So, there’s an area of Rome or shall I say “quartiere” that’s called monteverde which literally means green mountain. There was a cute inside market called “marcetta di monti” it was super cute and they only sold vintage or handmade things which was so refreshing to see. Monteverde is filled with walls of ivy and is very relaxing compared to the noisy centro. As for the adorable packaged baggies those are surprises for the chissies ;) 

Frappe

This past weekend was Carnevale, it is very similar to Mardi Gras. People get dressed up in masks and wigs and go out at night. The biggest celebration of Carnevale is in Venice but unfortunately I didn’t get to go. But, I did go to Viterbo where my friends former host mom made delicious Frappe which is a typical dolce (dessert) of Carnevale. Below is a recipe on how to make it, she made it look extremely easy but who knows. All I know is whatever time it takes is worth it because they were addictive and delicious! 

Ingredienti: 

1 3/4 cups (225 g) Farina (flour)

2 tablespoons burro non salato (unsalted butter)

1/3 cup di zucchero a velo ( confectioners sugar) 

2 Uova (Eggs)

1 tablespoon brandy

Un pizzico di sale ( A pinch of Salt)

Olio per friggere *Opzionale (Oil for deep frying)

**You can also put it in the oven for a healthier and still delicious option. 

Preparation:

Make a fairly stiff dough with these ingredients, kneading it thoroughly, and add more flour if it’s too soft.Flour it and let it rest, cover it tightly w/ plastic wrap for about 1 hr.

Roll the dough out into an 1/8 of an inch thick sheet, and use a serrated pastry wheel to cut into strips as long as your palms and two fingers wide.

Make a cut down the middle of each ( as if there were two strips joined at the end) twist the side strips without breaking them, fry them in hot oil or what they use here lard, or as mentioned earlier put them in a heated oven for about 10 minutes.

Dust them w/ confectioners sugar when they are cool.

Enjoy and share with others.

Buon Carnevale!


Ciao! 

When I came to Rome in 2008 I was captivated by a lot of things, but I was mostly captivated by the Trevi fountain. All of you who have watched The Lizzie McGuire movie are probably thinking about her experience at the fountain, lets just say mine wasn’t as magical but still awesome. At the trevi fountain it is traditional to make a wish on a coin and throw it in. According to wikipedia, “A traditional legend holds that if visitors throw a coin into the fountain, they are ensured a return to Rome.An estimated 3,000 euros  are thrown into the fountain each day.The money has been used to subsidize a supermarket for Rome’s needy;however, there are regular attempts to steal coins from the fountain.” Clearly since I made a wish last time I’m back in Rome, and I’m sure I’ll be back especially after making 3 wishes yesterday ;) If you ever make your way remember to visit this romantic, magical fountain and be careful what you wish for! 

Lizzie McGuire Movie Link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eIm8g4IA_1Y

Tè di Camomillla= Chamomile Tea Chamomile Tea is my favorite tea I remember drinking it as a child and even using chamomile shampoo to naturally lighten my hair. As I poured the hot water into my mug I immediately smelled the chamomile and was surprised that it was so aromatic, nothing like the tea from the states. I then did some research and discovered that: The origins of Chamomile tea can be traced back to Ancient Egypt The early Romans are known to have consumed this tea in the form of a beverage and even used it as incense. Roman Chamomile tea does not stem from Rome, instead, is native to Western Europe and North Africa. This tea got its name in the 19th century when a botanist came across some Chamomile plants growing in the Roman Coliseum. No wonder the tea smelled so delicious and authentic, it has a Roman history and Egyptian origins, so close to me. Chamomile tea is also beneficial in numerous ways :  Relaxation and Sleep Inducer Muscle Relaxant (Especially, menstrual cramps) Blond hair when rinsed in Chamomile tea gets brightened naturally. Moisturizer for dry skin, and acne.  Facts courtesy of http://www.buzzle.com/articles/chamomile-tea.html

Tè di Camomillla= Chamomile Tea

Chamomile Tea is my favorite tea I remember drinking it as a child and even using chamomile shampoo to naturally lighten my hair. As I poured the hot water into my mug I immediately smelled the chamomile and was surprised that it was so aromatic, nothing like the tea from the states. I then did some research and discovered that:

  • The origins of Chamomile tea can be traced back to Ancient Egypt
  • The early Romans are known to have consumed this tea in the form of a beverage and even used it as incense.
  • Roman Chamomile tea does not stem from Rome, instead, is native to Western Europe and North Africa. This tea got its name in the 19th century when a botanist came across some Chamomile plants growing in the Roman Coliseum.

No wonder the tea smelled so delicious and authentic, it has a Roman history and Egyptian origins, so close to me. Chamomile tea is also beneficial in numerous ways : 

  • Relaxation and Sleep Inducer
  • Muscle Relaxant (Especially, menstrual cramps)
  • Blond hair when rinsed in Chamomile tea gets brightened naturally.
  • Moisturizer for dry skin, and acne. 

Facts courtesy of http://www.buzzle.com/articles/chamomile-tea.html


SALDI!

So back in my early italian language class I learned the most important word a woman could learn Saldi means SALE! During my first days in Roma I realized numerous boutiques and shops had the word “Saldi” on their window displays. I wondered why so many shops were having sales because the holiday season was over. Finally I learned that sales are regulated by the Italian government! Such a strange concept because I only shop during sales but in Italy there are two times of the year when business owners are allowed or maybe forced to have sales. I still have investigating to do as to why. For now I shall look for hidden treasures because the sales won’t last forever! 

Ciao! 

Nutella Calzone

Nutella Calzone= Heaven 

So, the other night we went to restaurant that specializes in pizza called Dar Poeta, the pizza was very good, but the best part of the night was dessert. The Nutella calzone was warm, soft, and filled with creamy nutella and filled with carbs YAY! It was also available with ricotta but I chose to opt out. Here is a recipe I found on foodnetwork.com courtesy of Italy’s own Giada. I encourage everyone to try this delicious treat!

Dar Poeta Pizzeria

Vicolo del Bologna, 45  00153 Roma

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Gelato

Obviously you have all heard of gelato but if you haven’t it’s the italian form of ice cream and it’s absolutely delicious. Pictured above is Nutella, caffè, and biscotti d’oreo. It was very good but also really heavy. I am a HUGE fan of nutella but it was way too thick for my taste, trust me people have different opinions. I’m very excited to find my favorite flavor, and my local “Gelateria” I have no issue with taste testing until then ;) 

P.S: These giant scoops were only 2.50 euro and totally worth it!

La Pelle 

I went to a cute little leather shop right by my apartment. The shop had a workstation in it and a nice old man explained that he did everything by hand. They had a variety of products but they were a little costly (un più costoso) but it was awesome to be in there and it smelled great! My purchase of the day was a small coin purse for 8 euro, a little expensive but I’ll get use out of it and I supported a local business which is importantissimo! 

Name:Bottega del Sellaio

Location: Via Banco di S. Spirito, 22

Website: www.bottegadelsellaio.com