Join Germaine Stafford in her gastronomic tour of this capital region
Tantalise your taste buds
Antonello Colonna is one of Italy’s best known and most original chefs. At his restaurant in Labico, Antonello and his team offer one of the most satisfying dining experiences in town, but book ahead as the few tables fill quickly. Via Roma, 89 (www.antonellocolonna.it).
Drink up
The town of Fiuggi is famous the world over for its spas and exceptional mineral water. Stroll round Fiuggi Fonte’s elegant wooded parks and enjoy the water straight from the source.
Go Kosher
Micaela Pavoncello’s excellent walking tours of Jewish Rome are peppered with nuggets of little-known information and guests are invariably infected with Micaela’s enthusiasm for her people’s history. If desired, tours end with lunch in a traditional trattoria in the ghetto. (www.jewishroma.com).
Be Bazaar
No self-respecting gourmet can visit Rome without perusing its markets. For everything from fruit and vegetables to pancetta, guanciale and ricotta romana, Campo dei Fiori is a popular choice. But for a more authentic (and less expensive) experience try Testaccio.
Enjoy a taste of Lazio
Palatium Enoteca Regionale is brainwave of a place in Rome’s chic centre: a wine bar, shop and restaurant all in one, it was specially designed to highlight Lazio’s finest produce. An absolute must for serious foodies. Via Frattina, 94 (+39) 06 69202132.
Head for the City
With its barand restaurant, well stocked shop, wine tastings, gala dinners and cookery classes with star chefs, La Città del Gusto (Gambero Rosso’s headquarters in Rome), is a food lover’s haven. Via Enrico Fermi, 161 (www.gamberorosso.it).
Have a cocktail
The Glass Barof the Courtyard Marriott Airport Hotel in Fiumicino may look rather anonymous from the outside, but is an excellent bar that serves some of the best cocktails this side of New York. Salute! Via Portuense, 2470 (+39) 06 99935850.
Pop over the Ponza
With its crystalline waters, rocky beaches and hidden caves, the island of Ponza will utterly charm you. After day’s exploring, stop off at
Ristorante Eèa near the port for their tagliolini with candied tomatoes and fish roe. Via Umberto I (+39) 0771 80100.
Meat a Master Butcher
Roberto Liberati invests untiring effortsin quality and sourcing, so it’s hardly surprising that La Bottega Liberati offers some of the mostoutstanding meat, hams and salamis in the whole of Lazio. Truly worth a visit. Via Flavio Stilicone 278/282, Rome (+39) 06 7101156.
Be a bookworm
At Bar à Book treat yourself to a leisurely brunch in the company of a volume from the locale’s well-stocked shelves or meet friends for a chat over an excellent coffee. Via Dei Piceni, 23 (+39) 06 45445438.
