Rome and romance – Glass enjoys La Dolce Vita

I GAZE out from the window in the Colosseum Suite located on the first floor of the 16-room boutique villa hotel, Palazzo Manfredi, admiring the majestic view of the Colosseum amphitheatre. The most iconic landmark of the eternal city stands right before me. Glass has arrived in Rome – one of our favourite cities.

Palazzo Manfredi romeThe Palazzo Manfredi, Rome

The greeting I receive upon my arrival at this grand 17th century establishment is as warm as the Italian sunshine itself. My hugely spacious suite is as plush and stylish as it gets, complete with a sunken whirlpool bath, a mini-gym, and state-of-the-art technology, including electronically powered curtains, extensive mood lighting and two ingeniously concealed TVs disguised as oversized mirrors.

AROMA restaurant RomeThe Michelin starred Aroma restaurant

As I venture up to the hotel’s famed rooftop Michelin starred restaurant, Aroma, I take in the copious works of art, some dating back to the 16th century, and the array of more contemporary pieces. It is easy to understand how Aroma is often listed as one of the most romantic restaurants in the world when you consider its unique location, with an outstanding aerial view of the majestic Colosseum and its silhouette set against the pale blue cloudless Roman sky. Bruno Papaleo, the suave, impeccably attired Italian hotel manager, animatedly tells me that the restaurant hosts between 150 and 200 marriage proposals each year, with a 100 per cent success rate.

Santa Maria in TrastevereThe Santa Maria in Trastevere

Aroma’s head chef, Giuseppe Di Iorio, combines regional and Mediterranean flavours with every dish he prepares.  Placed upon the table are a variety of breads accompanied with virgin olive oil fragranced with homegrown herbs. I heartily tuck into a succulent light cod comfit, perched on a tomato relish and accompanied by a red onion and pea sponge. The ravioli is the lightest I have ever tasted, perfectly presented on a bright orange carrot extract and stuffed with deliciously mild buffalo mozzarella and anchovies, which adds a little kick of flavour.

Trevi Fountain RomeTrevi Fountain, Rome – Courtesy of Rome private guides

The following morning I take a stroll along Via Del Corso, passing by all the small stylish boutiques, gelletarias and coffee bars. Venturing into the cobbled Via Della Stamperia, I eventually arrive at the imposing and recently renovated Trevi Fountain, complete with its striking turquoise blue water and intricate white marble sculptures. I of course throw a few coins into the fountain, making a wish, before hailing a taxi to the newly developed Trastevere district, where I am meet the hugely knowledgeable Elena from Rome Private Guides. We saunter along the trendy neighbourhood and soak up the buzzy atmosphere, before Elena escorts me on an historic tour of the Basilica of Santa Maria, dating back to the 13th century and famed for its medieval mosaics, while skilfully using images on her iPad to bring to life the typical street scenes of ancient Rome.

Red Mullet cooked in a salt crust RomeRed Mullet cooked in a salt crust

After a special day experiencing Rome’s sites, I was excited to dine at the newly opened Per Me restaurant, especially as its renowned yet hugely modest chef, Giulio Terrinoni, is famed for his love of creating unusual fish dishes. The interior décor is ultra-modern, with a huge glass window giving a full view of the chefs at work in the kitchen, each with their designated area for the preparation of the different courses. I choose the perfect starter, pappardelle filled with ricotta and courgette flower, followed by the red mullet, which is wrapped and cooked in front of me under a rosemary and orange infused salt crust at 250 degrees.

A deconstructed cheesecake as served at the Per Me restaurant

A deconstructed cheesecake as served at the Per Me restaurant

I learn that this maintains the heat while keeping the moisture inside. In a mere few minutes I am feasting on the perfectly succulent fish, while still marvelling at the simple cooking process I have witnessed. I end the perfect dinner with a deconstructed cheesecake, served with a combination of strawberries, lemon freezing sponge and tangy robiola cream.

Palazzo_Manfredi_Colosseum _Suite ROmeA suite at Palazzo Manfredi Colosseum

Taking a slow stroll back to Palazzo Manfredi, it’s time to reflect on the spectacular weekend spent in one of Europe’s most ancient cities. Learning about Rome’s history, discovering many of its streets lined with the finest retail outlets and experiencing some of the best Italian gastronomy,  this really must be La Dolce Vita.

by Amanda Bernstein

Palazzo Manfredi, Via Labicana, 125-00184, RomaTel: +39 06 7759 1380
Palazzo Manfredi is a member of Relais & Châteaux

 

 

 

 

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