Raindrops keep falling........

After seeing last nights rainbow over Circo Massimo we shouldn't have been surprised at todays rain. When it rains in Rome, boy does it rain!
However, nothing comes between us & the itineray - there is no such thing as bad weather, only unsuitable clothing. Fetchingly attired in our rainwear, we ventured out  across the river to Trastevere.
Coffee & Cornetti at Le Levain was  worth getting soaked for. The cornetti were totally delicious -layer upon layer of buttery gorgeousness. The chef, Giuseppe Solfrizzi, trained under Alan Ducasse so obviously there is a great French influence here. The use of french butter in the cornetti may explain their superior taste. Of course there are macarons available too.




The rain eased off a little, in order for us to explore a 'quiet corner' - the Cloisters of Ospidale Nouvo Regina Margherita. This tranquil spot is part of a working hospital and is easily found just off San Cosimato market.

We couldn't possibly come to Trastevere without visiting our old friend Roberto at Antica Carciara.



Armed with our purchases of pecorino, ricotta & local honey we head to The Almost Corner Bookshop to pick up holiday reading for my husband then onto Bar Calisto for relaxation & coffee.




Paying respect to a favourite Madonna is next on the list. Madonna Fumarola makes a trip downriver once a year during Festa dei Noantri. For the remainder of the year she is housed in the church of Santa Agata, where she can be seen attired in the gown she wore for the festival. Gowns from past festivals are on show in the church too.



We need biscotti for after dinner this evening and luckily Innocenti is a short walk away. We leave the selection to Stefania, who inherited the bakery from her father ( it was founded by her grandfather in 1920) and who has known the shop from being a baby when her mother watched over her here whilst she worked.

Back on the tram for a few stops to pick up ltake - out from C'e pasta....e Pasta. There is a good choice on the tavola calda here but it has to be pomodoro al riso for us with a side of oily, rosemary potatoes.



A short walk across the river brings us back to our apartment where we enjoy lunch.


A trip out to our favourite enoteca is on the afternoon agenda as we have to stock up on wine for our foodie friends who are coming to stay for the weekend. Fortunately the bus goes directly from our 'hood' to Piazza Cavour where Costantini is to be found.
We are like children in a sweet shop as head downstairs to peruse wines from all over Italy and the world. We always come away with bottles of Villa Simone wine which is from Costantini's own winery just outside Rome.



Upstairs is home to every spirit, liqueur & digestif you could possibly wish to try.


Back to the apartment to await news of our friends whose flight has, unfortunately, been delayed.
We decide to try a fairly new Aperitivo opening on Via Marmorata - Il Gianfornaio. There are other locations across the city, in Ponte Milvio, EUR, Parioli & Prati. From 6.00pm to 8.30pm an unlimited buffet is provided along with a cocktail for €10. The drinks were carefully prepared and the food made 'in house'


When our friends arrive we introduce them to a first taste of thin crust Roman pizza at Il Picolo Alpino. This family run trattoria was buzzing with local life on a Friday night and the pizzas were delicious.

Back to our apartment for dessert - Innocenti biscotti & macarons from Le Levain, accompanied by glasses of Brachetto 
D'Acqua. A sweet end to a sweet but showery day.