Wine and Food – Roman Style or How I Lost Weight Eating Pasta Everyday

For those of us used to the American Menu, the Roman Menu takes some getting used to.

The general order of the menu is:

Antipasti Appetizers

Primi Piatti Pasta or Rice Dish

Secondi Piatti Meat or Fish

Contorni Salad or Hot Vegetable

Dessert Dessert & Cafe

Guess what, you don’t have to order all five courses! My husband and I generally split a primi and a secondi. Rarely do we order an Antipasto (although Bruschetta in June with fresh tomatoes is our weakness) and we usually ask for just one “insalata” to be served before the Primi Piatti.

In our late 50’s we are looking to lose rather that gain weight. This system lets us try several dishes and not over order or over eat. The Romans use fresh ingredients; little sugar or salt. Portions are smaller than in the US. I even learned to make the tomato sauce made “Roman Style” is called “Amatriciana”.

It starts with bacon browned in olive oil then removed. Onion and garlic are stir fried in this oil until limp but not browned. Add tomato paste and fresh chopped Roma tomatoes. Add a can of water from the tomato paste. Add your seasonings. (I like basil and some red pepper flakes.) Bring to a boil and then turn down to medium heat until the sauce looses about ½ it liquidity. Pour over prepared paste (whole wheat is good) and add the bacon and grated Pecorino. Pass red pepper (peperoncino) flakes for those who like their pasta spicy.

Rome is a foodie’s paradise. We tried everything with the exception of Tripe (considered a specialty of Rome). Some of our favorite dishes were Pasta dei perfume di limone; Paste de Tartufe; Grilled Asparagus and of course Tiramisu.

Yes, we ate our way through Rome…but we walked everywhere….that’s the real reason we lost weight.

PS There is always pizza for the less adventurous!

Villa Gregorianna - A lovely hike

Open letter to Rick Steves. While I have listened to your radio programs, watched your TV show, bought your books and downloaded your pod-castes; I have found little on one of my favorite weekend hikes. Hiking Villa Gregoriana, in the Roman suburb of Tivoli is a great break from the intense touring of historic Rome. While this area was a favorite get away during Roman time it has remained a vital retreat from the hot Roman summers through all the ages since.

Pope Gregory XVI in 1830 authorized the building of a tunnel to redirect the Aniene River, which frequently flooded the town. At that time it was an engineering wonder, and interested tourists came to view the 160 meter waterfall that resulted in the river’s diversion. Hiking trails to the base of the falls provide a great family/friends/lovers hike. In 2003, the area was completely cleared of debris and junk that had accumulated over the years. The result is a beautiful park that the citizens of Tivoli are truly proud. Anyone coming to Tivoli to visit Villa d’Este or Haridan’s Villa should be encouraged to include this hike.

Included are some pictures from that hike!