Mexican food & Martinis at Castroni

I'm as big a fan of spaghetti alla carbonara as the next gal, but after three years of Italian food, I challenge even the most avid pasta connoisseur not to be just a tad stuffata (fed-up) with Rome's parade of amatriciana, cacio e pepe, and arrabbiata.  Don't get me wrong, usually all I need is a one-night pasta break with my pal the spicy-sausage pizza, but occasionally I feel the need to head to Castroni.  Not only does this specialty shop stock ethnic-food staples (Mexican, Chinese, Indian, & the illustrious Betty Crocker), gourmet chocolates, & high-quality Italian products, they also make quite good martinis.

Castroni's Mexican food section is exactly where I stocked up when we decided to throw a South-of-the-Border style party (which, it turns out, is considered wildly exotic for most Italians). Although those cans of 

Pompi, The King of Tiramisu

     I've officially gained 5 pounds this week after a tiramisu splurge at the self-proclaimed Regno del Tiramisu  (with good reason!)- Pompi. No, really, this is by far the best tiramisu I, or anyone I know, have ever had. I'm not sure what Mr. Pompi is putting in this chocolate & espresso wonder, but he's got a good thing going as it seems that everyone in Rome knows this place - I asked around. Also, luckily for us, Pompi has other desserts like mousse nutella (need I say more..) and a wickedly decadent chocolate cake ..and that's just the start.  Did I mention the strawberry tiramisu? Ok, that might be taking things a bit too far... 

And this could possiibly be the only place I have found in Rome that has a huge cafe area designed for long afternoons of knocking back cappuccinos, gossiping with 7 or 8 of your closest friends (Roman standards here), and enjoying Italian dessert heaven.  The have a proper dining room where you can sit for hours and not feel the press to down an espresso in 3 swigs while delicately balancing a cornetto in your other hand (my usually morning routine).  But the star remains the tiramisu....even if you arrive late & have to freeze your takeaway tin for 2 hours (it's 'hot' off the press!) before serving, it's worth it....Take the Metro A to Re di Roma and enjoy!

Dagnino, Rome

A little piece of cannoli heaven near Piazza Republica at Pasticceria Dagnino . If a pistachio, chocolate, or traditional cannolo isn't your thing, they also produce other Sicilian specialties like cassata or buccellato (seems to be eaten mainly at Christmas!). Or maybe you'd...

Brunch, Chiostro Del Bramante

   Close to Piazza Navona, and next to the celebrated Chiesa Santa Maria Della Pace, you can find the Chiostro del Bramante- cloister turned museum offering great breakfast options in its swanky upstairs cafe.  This is one of the few places to get eggs and bacon in Rome (we spent many a Sunday trying..) and if you don't wish to opt for the mega-brunch plate (pictured) you can order your eggs, omellettes, and even bagettes off their breakfast menu.  Did I mention they have mimosas?  Although the full brunch will set you back...