A Favorite Restaurant in Rome – L’Asino D’Oro

Whenever I go to Italy I always like to try new restaurants.  This fall when Gourmet Getaways brought 15 eager travelers to Italy I knew had to try some new restaurants when we arrived in Rome.  Br. Paul Diveny, from Delbarton School, and I knew that we would have some followers for dinner one evening.  I had been doing a lot of research before leaving the states and knew that I wanted to try L’Asino d’ Oro. There were six of us that evening.  Since we were staying at the Palazzo Manfredi it was not a difficult walk from the hotel but I would suggest you take a cab.

Lucio Sforza, the chef, is originally from Orvieto so his cuisine is Umbrian.  He is very adventurous in mixing his ingredients.  His creations are over the top.  There was so much to choose from that it was very difficult to make a decision.  We all decided that we were going to order as many different dishes as we could and none of us were disappointed!

He has an extensive wine list that will not break the bank.  Everyone had an appetizer and main dish.  Of course we were very thrilled with the entire meal, including desserts.

If you are going with a small group I suggest you make a reservation.  Go a little early as the locals will fill up the restaurant later in the evening.

As we were leaving the restaurant I noticed the jar of biscotti.  The manager offered me two which I gladly took.  I  never refuse biscotti.  They were delicious and I wish I could have had more!  Crunchy and full of flavor!

I highly recommend this restaurant.  When I return to Rome I will definitely go back here!  Go with an appetite and be daring in your selection.  You will not be disappointed.

L’Asino d’Oro on Via del  Boschetto – go there on your next visit.  Maybe I will see you there!

My Brief Stay at the Palazzo Manfredi in Rome.

I had the pleasure this October to stay briefly at the new  Palazzo Manfredi, a five star hotel Rome, next to the Coliseum. It was once a 16^th century palazzo and now it is an exquisite hotel with 16 beautiful guestrooms.

The rooftop restaurant offers the most spectacular views of the Coliseum and ancient Rome.  The roof-top restaurant, Aroma, has been awarded the 5 star Diamond Award.

 I had the pleasure of having lunch there upon my arrival and the food and service were of the highest quality.  It is to say one of my most memorable meals. I was encouraged to have the dishes prepared with the white truffles however when I read the menu I noticed the pumpkin ravioli.  I could not resist and it was outstanding. 

 I thought I was having my dessert first!  It was paired with a white wine from Frascati.  My daughter’s vegetable soup was excellent and was presented to her with a creatively adorned zucchini flower.    It was also paired with a white chardonnay. The dessert, chocolate of course, was a work of art and the dessert wine complimented the three different chocolate offerings.  We were in Heaven!  Every dish, created by Star Chef Giuseppe Di Iorio, is a masterpiece and will definietly stimulate your palate!

A view from the restatuarnt !  Great food, great view, what more can you ask for in Rome!

If you feel the need to rent the white Lamborghini Gallardo you may do so during your stay and discover Rome in style, for about $250.00 per hour.  The driver must be at least 30 years old and present a valid driver’s license.

They will also provide a personal shopper to help you with your purchases in the best of Rome’s shops!

Each room is beautifully appointed and equipped with a wireless connection, shoe shine services, safe, a Pillow menu, TV, 100% non smoking, luxurious bathrooms with Bulgari products and more!

For those families wishing a luxury apartment, Palazzo Manfredi, offers apartments with the same luxury as the hotel, which are 5 minutes away from the hotel.

Next time I go to Rome I will stay here and it will not be for a brief stay.