In a Relationship with...
I believe cuisine is an important element in every culture around the world. So what's so special about food in Italy? To me, I felt like I was in a relationship with my food. Every. Single. Day. In Rome, I learnt how to appreciate food.
This appreciation of food starts with the early morning. The cafes in Italy are called "Bars", since literally shelves of alcohol are behind the espresso machine and can be served whenever. There are usually a few small tables in the back, and always a long bar where the magic happens. Order yourself a cappuccino and a cornetto (Italian version of a flaky buttery croissant). To-go cups are not encouraged. The Italian way to have the first meal of your day is to stand at the bar, during that moment, it's just you and your food, maybe some casual chats with the barista or other breakfast goers next to you. But don't ever let anything else rush you to move on. I'm already in a relationship with my cappuccino.
Throughout the 5 weeks in Rome, I've never came across a restaurant that I'd call bad or even just mediocre (Of course, don't go for restaurants right in the tourist scene with large English menus). On contrary to yearning for a sophisticated and delicately prepared meal, also in Rome, I learnt that the best food is made with the simplest ingredients. My pizza hardly have anything more than mozzarella cheese and tomato sauce with a pinch of chopped basil leaves. I didn't want to be distracted by too many flavors and lose track of the most original taste.
With that said, I still have to feature a couple of my favorite meals in Rome. It's not hard to imagine there could be countless different types of cheese, but with just Mozzarella alone, I saw over 6 types of them at this place - Obika, a Mozzarella Bar. From Stracciatella di bufala with creamy, saucy texture to a firm smoked Mozzarella. With the classic prosciutto di San Daniele and just some focaccia on the side. it's a meal I'll never forget.
Going along with the theme of cheese, another simple yet amazingly delicious Roman dish - Cacio e Pepe. The name literally translates into cheese and pepper. The restaurant we went to through an alley in Trastevere serves it in a cheese bowl. With just pasta cooked al dente, drizzles of olive oil, melted and grind Pecorino cheese and sprinkled black pepper, Romans definitely made a wonder.