… I think of it’s hometown Ariccia! In honor of my new blogging buddy Karla moving there in May, I decided to take a little trip and see what was on offer. When D and I usually head to Castelli Romani, we generally go to Nemi because it is one of my all time favorite places (mostly due to the desserts). Ariccia is now a very close second place! It is an adorable little town. The main site in the historical center is the beautiful Church dell’Assunta, that was made by Bernini and inspired by the Pantheon in Rome. I also loved seeing the various porchetta restaurants! I am shocked that there was once a time when I refused to eat pork. Well, Italy changed that really fast!
We found a cute little osteria complete with picnic tables, no menu, a
paper table cloth and the best appetizer I’ve ever had. This “appetizer for 2″ was actually a full blown feast complete with prosciutto, several types of salami, porchetta, olives, the best cheese I have ever tasted, warm bread, and wine with no label (that was excellent). I was so full afterwards, there was no way I could have stuffed in a sandwich or anything else afterwards. We couldn’t even finish what was in front of us, though I really, really wanted to. This, the closest thing to an Italian “Old Country Buffet” came to only 25 euro.
You can’t lose when a town has great food, great views and a lovely street market featuring handmade chocolates! You’re a lucky gal Karla (I will be visiting you often)!
Click any photo to see them up close and in a slide show!
You’re so lucky you live in Italy-so many history and beautiful sites…I so envy you!
OMG. Ariccia. LOVE IT. I’ve had that SAME EXACT MEAL as in your pic. HEAVEN.
OMG Jessica I could kill for those Olives, I miss great Olives so badly over here!
Looks like a wonderful day out :-)
I’m embarrassed to admit I didn’t know what porchetta was, but then I clicked on your helpful wiki link and OMG! “A spicy, tasty, and moist boneless pork roast… heavily salted in addition to being stuffed with garlic, rosemary, fennel, and other herbs…” It sounds FANTASTIC. Thanks for sharing this — my mouth is watering. I can’t wait to try it some day.
I love to read blogs! And when i read yours i feel everything your saying as if i have said it myself.
I went for porchetta too on pasquette or pasqutta however you say it never eaten so much pork in my life.
My soon to be brother in law is now just relocated to Verona with his new job he is a skydiver for the elite italian military something or other, excuse my ignorance and he loves the city I want to go visit him soon. Congratulations on your move.
I never had a chance to check out the school you recommended yet. But I will when things die down a bit. I just find it so hard to study!!!!
All the best on the move!
Amy