Submitted by Julia Querey on the 2024 Winter PHIL program in Italy…
Our first week in Rome has been full of visiting iconic sites like the Spanish Steps, Colosseum, Trevi Fountain, Pompeii, and more. We also have been dining at several Italian restaurants, as Rome is known for their food as much as their beautiful attractions. I’ve had some of the best meals of my life here, and along the way have noticed some interesting differences in dining culture here compared to America. First, almost every single restaurant here has outdoor seating, even in the winter time. It is a bit warmer here, typically sitting between 50 and 60 degrees Fahrenheit, but still is considered quite cold to Italians. So, clear outdoor tents take up part of the street outside the restaurant, usually with patio heaters set up close to tables. Most of our meals have been eaten outside. During these meals, if our table is close to the sidewalk, it is normal for street vendors to come up mid-meal and try to sell you their items, i.e. flowers, jewelry, souvenirs, and other gadgets. Another interesting difference is that water costs money when ordered in restaurants, and sparkling water is more common than spring water. Therefore, if you order water with your meal, they will ask you to specify if you want it “sparkling” or “still”. Something else I have seen in all the areas of Rome we have visited thus far is one or a couple of restaurant employees will stand outside the restaurant door and try to verbally convince you to dine there as you are passing by. Finally, at several meals, we have been given plates of various finger foods alongside our meals free of cost. These have tended to be anything from mini sandwiches to fresh pizza bites to pastries. Dining here has made me notice some cultural differences between Italy and America, and overall the restaurants have offered a very hospitable environment and of course, dishes that are to die for! (Submitted on January 9, 2024)
