Sticky rice, mozzarella, bechamel, marinara. $6
Cherry Blossom Pub, Washington DC
These were good (and different). I liked the sticky rice variation to keep in line with the Super Mario theme on our side of the bar. This had great flavor though. The service was nice enough, but the crowds were just too loud and crazy to really enjoy anything.
Braised duck legs, San Marzano tomatoes, garlic, whole wheat radiatore pasta, smoked parmesan, pepperoni bread crumbs. Tasting menu $95
Volt, Frederick MD
I thought that this was a very successful dish. I loved the combination of the duck, whole wheat pasta, smoked cheese, and breadcrumbs. It was a hearty pasta dish, but the flavors were great and you can’t get it anywhere else!
“Tradition” tasting menu €65
Tordomatto, Rome ITALY
These were really yummy bites that arrived after the main dessert course. They were delicious and had were in a variety of textures which made it fun to eat while reflecting on the lovely meal that was consumed. Mmm…
The bill came in this cute metal box.
Pine nuts, limoncello. “Tradition” tasting menu €65
Tordomatto, Rome ITALY
This was a super creative dessert, but I’m not sure that it was successful overall. I loved that it mimicked the look of an egg, but it didn’t feel satisfying on the mouth. The gelatin cellophane was odd and didn’t allow the other ingredients to blend. I liked the flavor of the dessert though.
Extra lil’ palette cleanser.
Pomodoro, mozzarella di bufala DOP, olio Evo, grana padano, basilico. €10
Farinella, Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino Airport (FCO)
This pizza was great for airport food! Leave it to European airports to beat out the Americans ones once again. And it was nicely priced too for the quality. I would order this again in a heartbeat!
Batterave and sorel. “Tradition” tasting menu €65
Tordomatto, Rome ITALY
I loved how they made the vegetable (beet?) look like a hollow bone with marrow. The veal was tender and delicious. I only wish that it had a little sear on it for more texture.
Penne pasta with tomato, oil, garlic, chili pepper. €10
La Biga, Rome ITALY
This tasted fine, but I still couldn’t get over the yellow light! It just made all the food look SO unappetizing! Our server was really nice and friendly though and the experience was great overall (minus the light, lol).
Veal shank served with sweet and sour silver-skin onions. €20
Trattoria Sora Lella, Rome ITALY
Oh lordy, this was delicious! The veal was so tender and I liked that it wasn’t in a regular tomato or red wine sauce. This sauce was so flavorful and really complemented the veal. NOMS!
Rum-soaked dessert. €6.50
Napoletano’s Pantheon, Rome ITALY
This was definitely rum-y, but I really liked it! The rum flavor wasn’t too over-powering, and I liked the texture of the pastry and the cream wasn’t too heavy.
Dried herbs. “Tradition” tasting menu €65
Tordomatto, Rome ITALY
There was just a single swirl of this spaghetti on the plate, but it was a satisfying one! The noodles were more al dente that I’m used to but it worked to hold up to the intense flavor of the sauce and the fine dried herbs on top. It was spaghetti like I’ve never tasted before!
Silverware place setting.
Homemade tagliatelle pasta in a bolognese sauce. €12
La Biga, Rome ITALY
This tasted fine, but that yellow light made all the food look sickly! But I guess why look at your food, when you can look out and enjoy the amazing view of the Colosseum in front of you!
Homemade gnocchi in a classic Roman sauce with cured pig’s cheek, tomatoes and Roman pecorino. €15
Trattoria Sora Lella, Rome ITALY
These potato gnocchi were just lovely! They were fluffy enough and the sauce was killer with the pork cheeks. SO tasty!!!
Vittle Monster 