Volpetti

This is a GREAT shop to sample Italian food and take it home with you! I was a little shy and intimidated by it at first (I guess in America I am used to "self-serve"), but soon "Gino" was whirling me around the store giving me bits of things to sample. They are very passionate about food there! I bought a chunk of Parmiggiano-Reggiano cheese (SO GOOD!!!!!!) to take home with me and they vacuum-packed it (you can bring hard cheeses home with you). I also bought four bottles of wine, some dried pastas, a bottle of balsamic vinegar, etc., to take home (I bought a cheap suitcase near the Termini station to pack it all in and check it as luggage). Gino sent me off with a bag full of food and a kiss on each cheek.

Since I was staying in a studio apartment near the store, I also bought some home-made, fresh, pillow-like ravioli and a chunk of fresh bread. Cooked it up that night (Gino recommended to simply top it with a little jar of truffle butter) and paired with a bottle of wine - I have to say it was one of the most heavenly meals I had in Rome.

Everything made it home just fine. My only regret is that I didn't buy more cheese. I guess I'll have to return to Rome soon.... ;-)