It’s Friday, February’s over, but the food will never end!
It’s also International Women’s Day (Festa della Donna). Fortunately, I was nourished by the hands of many incredible women this past month. And, I need to give it out to these ladies.
Because food is more than eating - it’s nourishment. And, I wouldn’t know the definition of that if it weren’t for the women who raised me, challenged me, and put the mirror up to my face - even when I didn’t want to see it - to remind me who I am, and who I can become.
So let’s celebrate the women who make this food world go round, every day.
Let this month’s sluttiest eats begin!
The sorceresses behind an illegally good lemon cake | Sala Da Tè
Just under 50 km north of Rome, lays a town of magic, and mostly women. Calcata is known as the town of witches. And, one bite of this morbidosa al limone or fluffy lemon heaven (homemade by the darling ladies running Sala di Tè) will have you enchanted, along with their terrazza’s view at twilight.
More on this bewitching spot on Weekend Things, Chapter 5.
The Trippa Fritta that will fool ya | Mazzo
Nope, that is not fried calamar’ (calamari fritti.) It’s fried tripe! Francesca Barreca is the behind this dish, as the chef and one-half of ‘the Fooders’ couple behind Mazzo - which recently re-opened in a new space after a gastronomically spiritual hiatus. The result? I think the crispiness of this trippa fritta speaks for itself.
A sweet little aperitivo from the ladies at Libera Soon
One of my favorite little nooks in the madness around Piazza Navona is Libera Soon. It’s a coffee shop, lunch spot, aperitivo spot, read-a-book spot - whatever you want it to be spot! Its new-age Anthropology-esque ambiance radiates this calm and soothing feminine energy. The ladies running it are always so accommodating and chill. Example A: setting up a makeshift aperitivo for us after a rainy day.
P.S. It’s also a great little place for gift. They sell really cute goods from artisans (most local).
Italian Tacos & Cappelletti | Osteria Iotto
A strange combination, I am well aware. But, boy was I surprised. While Marco of Osteria Iotto is also a chef (and a spectacular host), his wife is in the kitchen making up the magic. While I highlighted the tacos in my Weekend Things newsletter, I didn’t give enough attention to these cappelletti babies - homemade with tongue, red Tropea onions, herbs, and a little lime. Made with love and just divine.
The best beans | Il Cerqueto at Campagna Amica Market
Truth is: I didn’t get the name of the kind and patient woman at the Campagna Amica market, running the Il Cerqueto stand. I will though because her patience was the reason we ended up being way more beans than we needed. No regrets - Alta Tuscia in Viterbo (north of Rome) is known for its incredible indigenous bean varieties, enough to make anyone go vegan.
The Ladies Behind the Counter at Pasticceria Boccione
It’s hard to find something that makes me smile as much as the moment this torta di visciole e ricotta (ricotta and sour jerry tart/cake) lands in my hands from the hardworking ladies behind the counter at Pasticceria Boccione. Its one of my favorite cakes, whether it's for breakfast or dessert (or both!)
A big thank you to all the women in this post and my life. You nourish me every day, through the table and through your ferocity for life.
Who are you celebrating this International Women’s Day?
Buon weekend!
Victoria