For the first time since COVID, I am finally back in my beloved Italy, this time for three weeks. The first stop was Rome for one night to eat at La Matriciana, my favorite restaurant in the Eternal City. I had emailed Fabio, one of the owners a few weeks earlier to reserve a table. My first visit there in 2007 had secured a place in my heart with its traditional style, simplicity, and excellent food.
It was a Monday night, and the place was busy — with happy diners enjoying their companions and the food and wine.
I ate simply: first, a dish of clams and mussels, followed by perfectly-made Mezze Meniche alla Gricia, a short pasta raised to heavenly heights with guanciale (hog jowels).
A half bottle of Frascati and a small taste of Amaro completed the meal just right. After a 1/2 block walk to my hotel, I was ready for a good sleep after the transcontinental journey. Amazingly, I was able to get up at 5 AM to get a cab to the airport for my flight to Puglia.