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January 28, 2006

No menu, but it's all good at these homestyle restaurants

I don’t need an Italian mother to get home cookin’!

Take Via delle Barozze from Rocca di Papa and peel your eyes for small signs that read “Da Miranda.” This locally-known, non-advertised restaurant is run by an energetic elderly woman (with the help of her grown grandson) and serves a more-than-you-can-eat meal at a bargain price.

Seated at long picnic tables with paper tablecloths, you would be quick to realize that this spot is far from your typical restaurant. For 15 euros a head, customers are stuffed with bread, Italian cut meats, cheese, soup, two types of pasta, an array of grilled meats, dessert and, of course, wine. No choosing from the menu – Miranda decides what you’ll be having (and how much of it – eating less than your share can be insulting and result in confrontation by the cook)!

These types of “homestyle” restaurants can be found throughout Italy – though one needs to go searching for them as they are rarely or poorly marked. Anyone traveling to Italy who finds himself confronted with a seemingly residential kitchen should not apologize for invading property, but take a seat and be prepared to get served.

Posted by Kelsea  at 6:12 PM | Permalink

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