Everyone remembers those lessons in primary school where we first learnt about the Romans and the lavish lifestyle they used to lead thousands of years ago. Do you recall the tales of the banquets that Augustus used to attend, have you ever visited Rome and seen the places where this actually used to happen? The decorative wall paintings showing the kinds of food the Romans used to eat, how they lounged around and were waited on hand and foot are just some of the things that come to mind when we think of Romans and their gastronomic capabilities which have lasted thousands of years.

It seems Romans still have the same taste for a good meal in modern times! Restaurants in Rome close to lots of accommodation in Rome are abundant with local delicacies, one popular ingredient of which is the artichoke which is cooked in oil and served in many different ways. Saltimbocca alla Romana is a popular dish consisting of veal, prosciutto and sage – a dish definitely worth trying.

Some of the most exciting and innovative restaurants can be found in the very heart of Rome. Try Piazza Navona for a fantastic meal out, Piazza della Repubblica and The Spanish steps. Some restaurants that I have been to and really enjoyed in particular were; Brunello Lounge and Restaurant: Bar, lounge and restaurant serving traditional Mediterranean cuisine and it has a wine cellar with a choice of over 500 wines. Open every day except Sunday. Via Veneto 70/a, 00187 Rome. Tel: 06 48902867. As well as this, I went to a lovely restaurant called Da Fortunato: This restaurant serves Italian food and Roman dishes. Open 12:30-15:00 and 19:30-23:30, except Sunday. At Via del Pantheon 55 (perfect to walk back to your Rome hotel or Rome apartment). Finally, my third favourite restaurant in Rome is Il Sostegno as it is a restaurant which serves Roman food! Open 12:30-15:00 and 19:30-23:00 everyday except Monday. At Via delle Colonnelle 5.

If you are going on holiday to Rome this Summer, why not get a feel for the place before you go and follow this do it yourself recipe below. This recipe was one concocted by the Roman’s thousands of years ago but tastes just as good today!

MINUTAL MARINUM (Seafood Fricassee)
(Apic. 4, 3, 1)

Ingredients:
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500g fish fillet (e.g. salmon)
250ml white wine
500ml beef broth
3 leek branches (I hope branch is the correct expression…)
100ml oil
Liquamen or salt, coriander, pepper, Liebstoeckl, Oregano to taste
a little bit of starch or flour to thicken the sauce

Instructions:
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Put the fish in a pan, add Liquamen, oil, wine and broth. Chop leek
branches and coriander. Chop fillets into a kind of fish goulash.bszRC
Cook approximately 30 minutes on small to moderate heat. When well done
ground coriander, Liebstoeckl and oregano and add to the fish fricassee.
Boil again shortly. Then thicken sauce with starch, sprinkle pepper on
the fricasse and serve.