From the train station at the Pyramid we passed the Pope’s granary and then the fire station, finally arriving in the vibrant Testaccio area of Rome whereupon we came to La Fraschetta di Mastro Giorgio, a type of restaurant modeled on the old fraschette, which started out in the Middle Ages, named after the peasant dwellings in ancient Frascata, now Frascati in the Castelli Hills around Rome. The fraschette were known for their simplicity with rustic wooden tables and chairs, decorated with demijohns and other artifacts connected with wine production, and serving cheeses, salami, olives, bruschetta and pickled vegetables.
On this occasion my dining companion was Dafne, a Roman research scholar in jurisprudence at “Rome Tre” University. After being shown to our table near the window, we started out with a good look at the menu, and the daily specials were also explained to us.
Sparkling mineral water and half a liter of opened red wine, Vitigno Montepulciano d’Abruzzo, Petit Verdot, were brought to our table. We chose tomato bruschette for our first course. After these excellent bruschette, we moved on to homemade pasta for the main course. Dafne took fettuccine pachino e ricotta (fettuccine with a cherry tomato and ricotta sauce), while I selected spaghetti cicoria e pecorino (with chicory, chili pepper and sharp pecorino cheese). The portions were large and of excellent quality, which meant that we didn’t feel like a dessert, although many excellent options were offered, including various pies (crostate) with orange, or cherries, or chocolate. There was also a homemade chocolate cake on display, as well as various flavors of ice cream and tartufi.
For this fine repast the check came to 15 Euro per person ($20), to which we added a couple of Euro for attentive service.
I’d strongly advise reserving a table, because we went on a Wednesday evening and the restaurant filled up very quickly.
Althea Inn is a charming place to stay, also in the Testaccio area of Rome with its art galleries and its effervescent and fashionable character. In the Eternal City, this is a delightful penthouse bed & breakfast, an oasis of comfort and hospitality, within walking distance of the Coliseum, Circus Maximus, and many other tourist attractions. St. Peter’s and Vatican City are easily reachable in just 15 minutes by bus number 23. The Coliseum (which is the very heart of the historic center), Circus Maximus, the Imperial Fora, Piazza Venezia and the most celebrated tourist attractions lie just two subway stops from Althea Inn. Those monuments are within walking distance as well, and can be reached in about 20 minutes. The nearby subway station and the Terminal Ostiense which connects Rome to the airport, in addition to the many bus and train lines running through the area, provide quick and easy access to the rest of the Eternal City and all its most celebrated monuments. A supermarket and pizzerias lie in the vicinity. The Trastevere district, a picturesque medieval area located on the west bank of the Tiber, is easily reachable. The area escaped the grand developments which changed the face of central Rome, and is a charming place to wander, eat or relax.
Althea Inn is a cozy place, with elegantly-furnished rooms and a large terrace for eating breakfast or just sipping a drink after getting back from town. Warm hospitality and impeccable service will make your stay a pleasant and memorable one.
Each room, elegantly furnished, offers a harmonious atmosphere, with a unique blend of modern conveniences and classical charm.
Rooms are equipped with all the necessary comforts, with either king or twin beds and spacious private bathrooms. Each suite is provided with air conditioning, heating, flat screen TV, minibar, hairdryer, safe, and internet wi-fi. Housekeeping is provided daily; everything is brand new and spotless.
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