There's nothing more disappointing than going out to eat in Italy and finding yourself surrounded by Americans! There's a reason this happens-they are all reading the same American guidebooks. The New York Times Magazine recently featured two Italian guidebooks that will bring you to the best restaurants in town. The menus at these restaurants will not be written in English, but you will certainly have an authentic experience. The two guidebooks highlighted are Osterie d'Italia , the guidebook published by Slow Food Italy, and Ristoranti d'Italia del Gambero Rosso. The Slow Food movement advocates for organic food, seasonal produce, and traditional cooking methods. The Gambero Rosso (Red Shrimp) Group is a publishing house in Rome akin to Gourmet , Wine Spectator , the Cooking Channel and Zagat all in one. You can register on-line to access all of their recommendations or order the 2008 Gambero Rosso guidebook through their website.
Robert Harris wrote Pompeii and Imperium (about Cicero), two fascinating novels that really brought ancient Rome to life. Now his latest book, Conspirata , is coming out in February, and will certainly prove to be as riveting as his last works. Conspirata is the story of Cicero's consulship and the years that followed-years rife with intrigue and ambition. Buy it now in the UK (under the title Lustrum ) .
The Blue Guide Rome is a classic. You will not find extensive information about hotels, restaurants and shopping. But you will find everything there is to know about the sights you are seeing. This book is not for throwing into your knapsack and quickly thumbing through to get around. You will use this book to research the sites and sights you want to visit before you get to Rome, during your visit (e.g. while you are visiting the the Basilica of San Clemente and you want to know about the mosaics and excavations in the catacombs, but you don't have a tour guide), and after your visit- to savor the experience. The Blue Guide also provides over 25 suggested walks, with detailed narrative and must-see stops, that could each take up to half a day. This is a book you will want to keep forever, long after your trip is over.
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