Good people still exist.
Sometimes it can feel lonely in this solo travel lifestyle. While I love the idea of being able to travel where I like, create my own agenda and things of that sort, a dinner here and there to share conversation would be nice. While doing my research for this trip I found an app called Eatwith. The concept is locals invite people into their homes where they share stories over homemade cuisine. Eatwith was founded in 2012 and I’m sad that I just stumbled upon concept in tourism. So earlier this week I scrolled through the options on the app and decided I would dine with Fabio and Rocco. Not only did the menu look enticing, but the reviews were fabulous.
So I caught a cab to their place and was greeted with warm smiles, hugs and kisses on the cheeks. I was the first of three guest to arrive. While waiting I admired the artwork and holiday decorations of the flat.
They had great soundtrack of holiday music playing to set the mood. A little Mariah, “Oh Happy Day” by Lauren Hill, I even think I heard some Temptations in the mix. Koko and Myrrh arrived shortly and we began our dinner. Fabio and Rocco have a patio area off their flat that is enclosed. It’s actually a great area because in the warmer months you can open the door or add tables to extend area for larger groups. The space was intimate for the five of us.
We started with the choice of red or white wine in addition to Crostini con paté de fegatini di pollo and di olive. The olive was my favorite. This was followed up with Pasta all’ Amatriciana. This dish is similar to rigotoni with tomato sauce, bacon, percorino, cheese, garlic and wine for seasoning. I had two servings and stopped myself to save room for the secondo piatto. It was Polpette al sugo or meatballs and tomato sauce and Insalata mista. This was appetizing as well. We ended our meal with Crostata di amarene, which is a homemade cherry tart. After finishing our meal we had more wine and limoncello (quite a few cups for me).
The food was wonderful, but the best part was the organic conversation that was created with our various backgrounds. The conversation evolved from the current political climate to travel to grandmothers keeping money in their bras. It was a respectful and safe environment to have conversation. I thoroughly enjoyed listening to Myrrh and Koko talk about their recent engagement and sharing professional photos from their recent trip to Barcelona. You know I had to share mine as well. Koko is a designer and Myrrh is a stylist for celebrities.
Rocco and Fabio are equally exciting. Once again I was hit with the harsh fact that I need to know multiple languages. Rocco is limited in English and while Fabio translates for him when needed, I wanted to engage with him more. He has a sweet disposition and embracing smile. Before I knew it we had spent five hours talking, eating, drinking and enjoying each other’s company.
Rocco and Fabio sent us away with a to go box of cherry tart. It was excellent with coffee the next morning. Fabio emailed me a walking tour that I will be doing today. As a local he was able to provide me with destinations off the beaten path.
I encourage you to experience Eatwith wherever your travels may lead you.
Jet Set Melanin 