I received a review copy of this book. No other compensation was received. This post contains affiliate links for Amazon.com shopping; if you use them, I receive a small commission at no cost to you. Thanks!
Getting this cookbook was a real treat. Not only
did I get to read a beautiful book filled with authentic recipes and helpful tips for navigating the Roman food scene, I also got to ask author Elizabeth Minchilli a few questions about her book. She also writes the blog Elizabeth Minchilli in Rome.
Interview with Elizabeth Minchilli
Author of Eating Rome: Living the Good Life in the Eternal City
Katie: There are so many unwritten rules to learn in a new culture, from how to shop in the market, to how to properly order coffee. How long would you say it took you to master most of these unwritten rules and feel comfortable navigating most situations in Italy?
Elizabeth: Keep in mind that I’ve been living on and off in Italy since I was 12 years old. So some of the ‘hidden rules’ I’ve been able to absorb along the way. Others have taken a bit longer to sink in. For instance, it took me a few years to absorb the fact that if I wasn’t loyal to one fruit and vegetable vendor in the market, she would stop giving me the best produce.
Katie: All of the recipes in Eating Rome: Living the Good Life in the Eternal City look delicious, but if you had to recommend one savory and one sweet recipe that (to you) captures the heart and soul of Rome, which two recipes would you recommend?
Elizabeth: For me the most iconic savory dish is Amatriciana. That’s the heart and soul of Rome (not necessarily Italy) with its combination of pasta topped with tomatoes and bits of guanciale. My go to sweet recipe has got to be a Crostata. Although there are a lot of fancier pastry shop type sweets, every home cook has her own version of this short crust based tart in her head.
Katie: In your book, you recommend shopping for olive oil from a vendor you trust. Do you have a trusted source available in the United States you’d recommend for readers seeking a quality olive oil?
Elizabeth: I can recommend Zingermans, Gustiamo and Formaggio Kitchen, all of which have online shopping.
Katie: Thank you, Elizabeth, for taking the time to chat with us!
If you could ask Elizabeth Minchilli anything about Rome or recipes, what would you ask?
Photo credit: Featured image of Rome from FreeImages.com
cathy branciaroli
I would like to ask Elizabeth what she thinks makes Roman food stand out from other Italian regions.
Sarah @ The Chef Next Door
I would ask Elizabeth for recommendations on what her top things to see and do are when I travel to Rome someday!
Danielle Royalegacy
I would like to know when is the best time of the year to visit Rome.
melissa cushing
I would love to ask her all about Rome and the hot spots anyone needs to see when visiting! I wold ask for some amazing delicious recipes too…. I love Italian!
Bianca @ Elle B Styles
I love cooking! This recipe book looks like it may have some great recipes. I would ask where she gets inspiration for her new recipes from.
Mary O.
Where is your favorite place to enjoy a Roman sunset?
Jenna Oh
I would like to know the best places for date night in Rome? Some places I would never ever find without someones suggestion.
Meghan
I want to know has she ever been to the Vatican!
Holly E
What’s your favorite restaurant in Rome.
Marla
I am going to order this cookbook. The Roman Italian food was my favorite in Italy. I can’t wait to visit Italy again.
Katie
This book really made me want to visit Rome!
Heather Johnson
I would love to know where her inspiration for all the recipes comes from?
Wendy, A Day in the Life on the Farm
I wonder how badly we have “Americanized” food from Rome, Italy and how we should be preparing it differently.
Cindy Rynning
This looks like a fabulous cookbook. I’ve been to Rome several times and have never been disappointed with anything I ate (or drank)!
sharyl wolter
What is your most favorite dish that you would make for a weeknight meal?
Chris
I World ask: What is your Favoriten market in Rome.
Carolsue
I’m wondering how much the Italian dishes here — i.e., those from Olive Garden — are like the ones in Italy. Is there a big difference?
Nancy Saporta
Would love to unlock these flavors!
Karen W
I would love to win the cookbook and I loved Rome when I went There in the late 80’s
Stephanie
I really depended on Elizabeth’s site when I planned my trip to Rome, so I’d love a copy of her book! If I could ask her one thing, I’d ask her where the best spots in Rome are for gelato!
kelly mcgrew
i would like to know is Rome still a beautiful and authentic place, or has it been swallowed up by tourists??
Sharyl Wolter
The book arrived. Thank you so much! I can’t wait to start reading it.