A Taste of Roma

[ 5 ] March 28, 2011 | Johnna

©JohnnaKnowsGoodFood "Colosseo"

While in search of some new office furniture, I came across an ad for a cheap round-trip ticket to Rome. Temptation has sunk in (*le sigh). Besides the lacquer wood bookcase I have been eyeing, I am eyeing something even more spectacular. I’m in love. Yup, Rome is my new boyfriend. Unfortunately, for me my boyfriend lives 4,000 miles away and costs over $500 to visit.

©JohnnaKnowsGoodFood "Plaza de Espana"

I will say I used my time wisely while in Rome’s presence: strolling through Plaza de Spagna while spooning gelato, sitting mesmerized with the Sistine Chapel for over an hour and envisioning Spartacus wrapping me in his arms after a gladiator match in the Colleseo. Of course, food played a major role in this love affair.

After taking in over 2,000 calories per (hour) day, I racked up a nice load of pictures that need to be dispersed. Before you take in the intimate details of my new boyfriend, there is one thing that I must say is true of Rome: The food is really that good.

©JohnnaKnowsGoodFood "Rabbit Bolognese"

©JohnnaKnowsGoodFood "Pizza"

©JohnnaKnowsGoodFood "Vanilla and Pistachio Mix Gelato"

©JohnnaKnowsGoodFood "Carbonara"

Someone told me that the stuff we have over here just doesn’t taste the same and after having visited, I can shamefully say this is true. Of course, I have not tried every Italian restaurant in America, but I do challenge myself to find somewhere that can compete with what I experienced in Roma. My relationship, however, will have to come to halt until next year, but until then I always have the memories…and my new lacquer bookcase.

Tags: Food and travel, international cuisine, Italian food, Rome, Travel, Vacation

Category: Food.Fun.Stuff., Travels

About the Author (Author Profile)

Johnna French is a Harlem NY native with deep roots in Panama, Washington, DC and North Carolina. All four places have heavily influenced her life and the foods she loves today. After graduating Howard University School of Law and beginning her life as a young professional in the city she was led to start Johnna Knows Good Food in November 2007 to keep family, friends and colleagues updated on where to go and what to eat while dining in the nation’s capitol. French, who still practices law, leads a team of three writers to cover the ever expanding Washington, DC food scene. French has been featured in print and television, appearing in Washingtonian Magazine and is a regular contributor to various local TV affiliates including WUSA 9, FOX 5 DC and WJLA (ABC Affiliate) News Channel 8. During the 2016-2017 football season, Johnna aired on Comcast Sports Mid-Atlantic (CSN) show, Redskins Life, as the weekly tailgate host. Johnna is currently a regular contributor to the FOX Baltimore Weekend morning show.