Anthony Who? Dinner At Roma Sparita

What can I say..... it's all about the food for me.

 We had the usual semi- hellish economy flight, etc. from San Fran and finally landed in Rome, to be picked up by the delightful Luca...Grazie, Luca!
  Once settled into our super sweet and cozy apartment, we needed to figure out what we wanted to do, and all that. First night we stumbled through a jet-lagged but ultimately deeelish meal at Pizzeria Remo, which I've already written about, and then a walk about. Home to a much needed sleep-a-thon and:

  Day 2 in Rome.... After a few choice activities to be discussed at a later date, and about 10 miles hoofing it all over..we decided to have dinner at Roma Sparita...a place we'd seen Anthony Bourdain rave about on his show "No Reservations" a year or four ago, located in the beautiful Trastevere district. At the time, Mr. Bourdain was adamant about not revealing the name or location of this spot, but we figured it out. Thanks to Google, and it's very addictive "Earth" feature...
  We knew to arrive early, which meant when it opened at 7:30. There were already a few folks seated in the front room, and we were taken into a back room upstairs.

  We were smitten by the presentation of the pasta "cacio e pepe" featured on the "NR" show...fresh pasta tossed with cacio cheese and loads of black pepper. It's a classic Roman dish, and at Roma Sparita, it has been raised to a higher level. I loved the decadence of having the pasta served in a crispy "parmesan bowl". Really, we had....wait for it.... "no reservations" ordering it for each of us.

  First, though, we had to try a couple of yummy starters, especially the fried whole artichoke, and a zucchini flower stuffed, and yes, fried. Both very traditional Roman treats. They were just fine, and we then moved onto the pasta.

A single fried zucchini flower, along with the  Roman specialty
"carciofi alla giudia"....like eating artichoke chips, only better.

  99% of the time we will opt out of ordering the same thing, unless there are no other vegetarian options.  We love to share and trade bites. Who doesn't? In this case, though, we had no problem. This is what we came for, and this is what we both had to order. And, oh, were we happy we did...

 Tagliatelle cacio & pepe, for 2, please!

Yeah, it's ALL that.

  

  The buzz was great, with most diners speaking Italian, and several big tables just having a blast. We took it slow, enjoying every sip and bite, just so happy to be back in Rome, eating fantastic pasta. Johnny was giddy, I mean it. 

"Really? I can eat some bread?" He's one happy artist.

  We were lucky to have come early and grabbed seats, as the place filled up quickly. Mostly locals, but a few of us english speakers, too...

A good crowd on a Tuesday in February.

  We had a fine meal, and made quick pals with Roberto, our gracious server.  Roberto was helpful with the menu, and wasn't put off because we didn't order a "secondo", or meat/fish course. He stopped by the table often, chatting us up just enough to make it special. He spoke english well and had lived for a short time in the states.
  After dinner and a wonderful dessert served with limoncello, I just had to share with him that my Dad made his own limoncello from his very own lemons....I guess Roberto was taken with my story of Dad's awesomeness, because on his next pass by the table, he shared a camera photo of himself with Quentin Tarantino in this very restaurant! W.O.W. We could tell that Roberto knew we would be impressed, and we really were.
  Anthony who? We were righteously blown away, and bowed at his feet. Honestly, it was that f-ing cool. With our bellies full and our hearts as well, I asked for a photo.... Grazie, Roberto!!

Yes, that's me and Roberto...coolest waiter EVER!

  In our slightly inebriated state, I couldn't help but shoot a little footage of the room... it was so fun!

  Fortunately, we had a nice long walk home, to help work off the vino & pasta. Along the way, we enjoyed some night time beauty, Roman Style. 

I just can't help a nice reflective scene...

And then are the semi-spooky, but beautiful shadows.....

  I'll do another post about our daytime adventures in Rome, but for now...like I said, it's all about the food...
Ciao, for now!!