Ciao bella! The Italian phrase ‘Hello Beautiful,’ while obnoxiously overused by the Italian male population, is a greeting that I strangely miss upon my return to the U.S. Vespas whizzing by, dissipating cat calls, clinking wine glasses, the classic ‘Volare’ song, incessant ambulance sirens and loud chattering dialogue all create the soundtrack of Rome.
In a city where ancient ruins halt the construction of a third metro line, the streets of Rome depict a constantly changing character that illuminates thousands of years of history. Urban layering ranges from the Coliseum in the Ancient Roman Forum to the corner tabacchi stores unwilling to accept credit cards. This development forms a vibrant city character entitled ‘Romanitas.’
A small piece of this proud culture can be found in what many people consider the basis of Italian society: eating. After a short day of work, a late afternoon nap and an aperitivo (a drink before dinner), the long, strung-out process of dinner begins around 9:00. A well-known restaurant in the Jewish Ghetto, appropriately named Da Giggetto, houses locals craving for its famous fried artichoke.
Beneath a cloud of garlic, squash and corks haphazardly strung from the ceiling, customers’ chat with the host. Their laid back, friendly banter reveals no obvious intention to sit and eat. Eventually, lively chatter in the dining area calls customers from the cluttered doorway to a simply set table. Wine here is cheaper than water. Food is served on plain white plates and emphasis is on enjoying the culinary creations.
The menu offers Roman classics such as carbonera or gricia pasta, as well as more exotic choices, such as cow tongue or fried sheep brain. Even the unassuming diner’s taste buds will be satisfied, especially with the increasing consumption of carafes of house wine. Singing guitarists wander around the room, serenading women at each table. The atmosphere of food, wine, music and chatty, friendly waiters (who look like they’ve been at Da Giggetto since its medieval construction), can make a student with a dash of Italian knowledge feel like family and appreciate this beautiful Romanitas.