No Reservations

I’m a huge fan of the Travel Channel. I watch it like it’s going out of style. I’ll watch Bizarre Foods, Man v. Food, Samantha Brown, and my all time favorite, Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations. One of my favorite shows on television.

Anthony Bourdain’s “take no shit” attitude to travel and food is intoxicating. He swears, he smokes (until recently), and he has the best job in the world- the opportunity to travel around the world enjoying the food and culture of populations all over the globe.

Before my flight to Rome in August, No Reservations travelled to Rome. I sat enthralled by this hour of television. It was shot in black and white, like a Fellini film. He sported a suit and spoke of the Roman people and their food like it was a religion more important than Roman Catholicism. He went to a Ristorante to try the best Cacio e Pepe in Rome, a simple Roman dish of pasta, pepper, and peprino cheese. It might sound simple, but the balance is the most important factor. Too much pepper could ruin it, or too much cheese, or the pasta could be undercooked. it’s a balance that Roman people do so well. Italians do it well in general. Romans know what is paramount and what to spend their time on-- what is the most important thing in life. Food, Family, and La Dolce Vita. If you have all three you can live happily. There is an equilibrium that the Romans do so well- that I wish I could emulate. 

We didn’t get a chance to go into the Ristorante until after 9, because of this we had a true Roman meal. A chance to sit for over 2 hours, eat pasta and tiramisu and talk about  everything we love about being in Rome. The way of life is so intoxicating, it’s a spell that you are put under the minute you walk off the airplane in Rome, you can feel it in your bones. How can I explain this pasta and dinner. I don’t think it is possible. I know there is a reason Bourdain didn’t give the name of this sacred pilgrimage of Cacio e Pepe. After some clever searching, we found the place. Standing in the Piazza where Bourdain stood, recognizing it from the episode was astounding. I remember clearly sitting on my couch wrapped up in a ball of excitement waiting for my apple tart to bake, amazed at the fact that I will be living there. And here I am a month later, happier than I have ever been. Pretty crazy right? (Oh and no I’m not going to tell you the name of the risortante, I know it, but I’m going Bourdain on this one. You can ask, but I can choose not to tell you. If you really want to know, you have to search for it.)

This doesn't do the view justice. 
But it gives you an idea!

We went out afterwards, we were high on excitement. We had the chance to go out and meet new and old friends. We chatted and laughed, and so many times I sat dumbstruck, completely shocked that this is my real life. It’s a life of romance and adventure. I’m a different person here, it has changed me for the better-and I’ll never be the same. As a close friend took us to a look out near Monte Mario, by Loyola, we gazed upon the Vatican, Vittorio Emanuele, even the Tiber, I knew that I would not and can not be able to live without Rome. Marco, who has lived in Rome for many years, said he is still happy when he walks down the street towards the Vatican, it doesn’t get old for him. He sees it everyday and he is astounded by its beauty. It’s nice to know that even people who walk down the Via del Corso every day still can be shocked by seeing the Victor Emmanuel monument (although they do call it the wedding cake). 

I called this post No Reservations not just for the TV show, but also that while I'm here, while I'm traveling Europe- I don't want to have any reservations. I don't want to over think things. I want to go with my gut, take a chance, break the rules, and have a little fun. So Anthony Bourdain, this post is for you, for making me search for the best pasta in the world, and giving me a lifestyle while I'm here. No Reservations.






Ciao Bella