Travel Nibbles: 'Trattoria Bondi' Review + Mini 'Triangolo dell Bermuda' Review

Hey Nibblers!

     This week, Kelly and I find ourselves in Florence/ Firenze. Unfortunately, we were unlucky with our train times so we only had one night in Florence. Being two girls in a strange place, we didn't want to stray too far from our hostel (PLUS Florence). Luckily, with the help of Tripadvisor, we were able to find a place to grub on on the same street, only 5 minutes away. 

'Trattoria Bondi' Review

Where: Via Nazionale 45r /47r, Florence, Italy      Website: No official site but, you can check out their Tripadvisor page:

                                                                                          http://www.tripadvisor.com.au/Restaurant_Review-g187895-

                                                                                          d1423448-Reviews-Trattoria_Bondi-Florence_Tuscany.html

      From the outside, 'Trattoria Bondi' looked pretty small. But don't be quick to judge a book by its cover because we soon found out this place was oddly shape but, had a tonne of space to sit and it was packed mostly with tourists which could be why Tripadvisor has a 4.5/5 rating for 'Trattoria Bondi.' The restaurant's name had me at Bondi. Took me back to the lovely beaches of Sydney for a minute there until, I saw the menu. It is probably a hit because, it is the cutest thing I've seen yet in terms of menus.

Such a cute, fun menu!

        Anyway, we were starving so, as it was our last night in Italy, I had to order a pasta dish. I decided on the Ravioli. Presentation lacked. It did not look appetising at all. But as I said before, looks can be deceiving but, in this case, looks mattered. The ravioli was half cooked with some bits dry like cardboard. The tomato- based sauce was good but, couldn't make up for the lack of flavour and texture all round.

Ravioli I say? More like ... 

        Kelly on the other hand, wanted some meat after days of just mushrooms and carbs. She opted for the roast chicken with mushroom sauce, salad and roasted potatoes. This looked a tad more colourful which was promising. I had a taster of hers and while it was quite a good portion, there was nothing outstanding about this one. Just a regular dish that we could have all cooked easily at home.

Roast chicken with mushroom sauce, salad and roast potatoes.

           And, of course we were suckers for dessert ordering. We had the 'Creme Brulee with chocolate sauce' to share. Yup, they gave you a choice of what topping you wanted. Kelly being the chocoholic and me, being the best cousin knew she would have wanted to try chocolate and so we did. It did not look like a toasty top creme brulee we're used to that's for sure. I love when you get to crack the top of a brulee but not the case for this one. It was more like a less condensed, sweeter version of custard that had drops of chocolate sauve on top. Nope, nothing special here either. 

Creme Brulee ?

        All in all, photos from the food this night aren't amazing. Sorry guys! But, I'm not too hurt because the dishes we had were nothing to die for. The 4.5/5 rating from Tripadvisor, I do not understand but, I do have to say that 'Trattoria Bondi' has a great cosy atmosphere and friendly staff. The other plus side are their dishes are affordable and good if you're a backpacker or just want a place to chat with friends. I think the high rating on Tripadvisor made me have high expectations but, it wasn't a terrible experience just, could have been better.

'Triangolo delle Bermuda' mini gelato Review

Where: Via Nazionale, 61r, 50123,  Florence, Italy                                  Website: None of their own but check out

                                                                                                                             Tripadvisor: http://www.tripadvisor.com.au/

                                                                                                                             Restaurant_Review-g187895-d1792166-Reviews-

                                                                                                                             Triangolo_delle_Bermuda-Florence_Tuscany.html

        No idea why they chose this name. Perhaps they want us to get lost in their Bermuda Triangle of flavours? Okay, no. Bad joke. This had a 4.5/5 review on Tripadvisor as well but, we can't rely on that too much now. We decided on three scoops for 7 euros. We chose: chocolate, mint and hazelnut coffee. This was amazing. I love mint so it was super refreshing after having some pretty sweet creme brulee. I loved all the flavours and all had real chunks of chocolate and nuts inside which was amazing. The man that served us was super friendly as well so definitely going back! Only thing is, my fingers were swollen after holding this on the way back. Serves me right for eating gelato in the Winter.

Dessert stop #2: Triangolo delle Bermuda - Chocolate, mint and hazelnut coffee. (7 euros approx. $10AUD)

Hope you have an amazing week!

I know it's not Tuesday anymore but, I started typing on Tuesday.

Nibble Away,

          Jo x.

Travel Nibbles: 'Sora Lella' Review

Hey Nibblers!

        This week, we still find ourselves reviewing Roma. This is my last documented meal/ last dinner in Roma so, when we saw the raves of a Michelin star ratings and ads all over their entrance door plus a 4/5 Tripadvisor score, we just had to try it.

        Situated on Isola Tiberina, a small island in Rome, it sits on a corner of one of Rome's bridges on the way to Trastevere. So, if you're lucky enough to cross there, you'll find 'Sora Lella.' According to reviews on Tripadvisor, it can be pretty packed so reservations are necessary. We did make a booking but by popping in early that morning to reserve seats on our way to Trastevere and Vatican City.

'Sora Lella' Review
Where: Via Ponte Quattro Capi 16                                 Website: http://www.soralella.com/

Image viewed from Lifestyle/ Tastebook at 'http://www.i-italy.org/8407/mood-amatriciana-try-sora-lella'

               One of the main reasons why we wanted to try 'Sora Lella' was because my cousin Katy (Kelly's older sister,) was joining us for the rest of her trip to Florence, Germany etc. as she needed to go back to London to get settled for her move. She said Florence had the best tripe dish she had ever had so she was hoping Roma would produce one of the same standards. We had actually made a booking for the previous night but we were so tired to go back out as it would have been a 30-45 minute walk after a whole day of exploring. We blew them off that previous night and they remembered our faces when we came back to make another reservation. They were surprisingly really nice about it and said they thought we had lost our way.

               We were seated promptly as soon as we arrived. First ones in the restaurant that night at 730PM. People in Europe sure eat late! It was really cosy and were given a bread basket as soon as we sat down. The pretzel like sticks in the 'Roberto' packet were delicious! I wish I had time to go to the supermarket to grab these as a snack!              

Those Roberto bread sticks. mmmmmm

            As it was our last night in Roma, I had not yet had a traditional gnocchi. So, as soon as I say gnocchi on the menu I immediately said yes. We decided to share the dish between the three of us. What I loved about their service here was they actually portioned out three separate plates of gnocchi for us so we didn't have to dig and split it ourselves. It was steaming hot when it came out. It was soft, not chewy and the tomato sauce was flavoursome. The menu also said it had pig's cheek infused but, I couldn't taste it nor see it. 

Gnocchi di Palate all' Amatriciana 'Home-made Gnocchi in a classic Roman sauce with cured pig's cheek, tomatoes and Roman pecorino'

            For my main, I ordered 'Polpettine di Nonna Lella' which translated is 'Grandmother's traditional veal balls' which was served with pureed potatoes on the side. These meatballs were so full of flavour. They were perfectly cooked and just melted in your mouth. I loved the hit of all the spices in the meatball and it just tasted fresh. The pureed potatoes were of the same standard. It was fluffy, smooth and meshed well with the meatballs. It did have a lot of butter mixed in which is delicious but oh the arteries!

Polpettine di Nonna Lella / Grandmother's traditional veal balls with pureed potatoes

               Kelly ordered a lamb dish. I've tried to search the menu for this one and no luck. Taste wise, the lamb was soft and just pulled away from the bone. It had a great rosemary flavour and was nice dipped with a bit bread. 

Lamb dish. Anyone care to help if you have been?

               Katy of course ordered the 'Trippa di Vitello alla Romana' or Roman-Style Veal tripe with tomatos sauce flavoured with mint and pecorino cheese. It was nice of the waiter to clarify with Katy that she knew which part of the body tripe comes from. He didn't know the word so just rubbed his stomach. It was such a sweet thing of him to do. Good laugh!

             I don't know what Florence tripe tastes like but, like the other two dishes, the sauce is flavoursome. Full of the rich tomato taste it tasted very home-made and fresh. 

Trippa di Vitello alla Romana / Roman-Style Veal tripe with tomatos sauce flavoured with mint and pecorino cheese.

Our dinner before devouring

           For dessert, we ordered the tiramisu to share. We were quite disappointed with this one. The serving was tiny and presentation was not eye-catching. My picture is too blurry to post up but it was just basically served in a 250ml clear glass cup. Nothing special nor were the tastes. I prefer the 'Life' tiramisu.
               All in all, 'Soral Lella' is a lovely, cosy place. Great if you want a nice home-cooked feel meal. To get all the rave and Michelin Star rating I don't understand. While the dishes were not terrible, I don't see a 'WOW' factor in any of them. All  had the same soft, mushy textures. It could of possibly been our dishes we chose but, I still think while the sauces were full of fresh flavour, my expectation for a Michelin star restaurant was not met. Price wise, I forgot to write down the figures but from reading the Tripadvisor posts, many travellers thought it was overpriced for portions. 

            If I was ever in Rome again, I would probably go again just for the familiarity of it all and the great atmosphere/ staff. I think it's a good place for lunch/dinner with friends if you want a place to relax after a day of exploring. But, if it was to impress a certain special someone, I say count 'Sora Lella' out. Otherwise, I'm sure you will run the risk of being friend-zoned. 

    Hope you have a lovely rest of the week!

          Nibble away,
                   Jo x.

Travel Nibbles: 'Arlu' Review

Buongiorno Nibblers!

         I know it's not morning but with a term of learning Italian at school under my belt, I say remembering two words is a great start.

'Arlu' Review

Where: Borgio Pio, 125 San Pietro            Website: http://www.ristorantearlu.com/arlu.php?secc=home

Picture taken from 'Arlu's website.

        After a 551 step climb up to the cupola of St Peter's Basilica, we needed the carbs. And yes, we were in carbs city. So, we didn't have to go far to get to 'Arlu.' According to Trip Advisor, 'Arlu' had a rating of 4.5/5 and after the success with 'Life,' 'Arlu' had big shoes to fill. Situated in one of the smaller streets near Vatican City, it was just a joy to see the authentic Italian surroundings and soak in the culture.

     I ordered the 'Tonnarelli pasta with sea fruits.' I'm usually not a seafood person but when in Italy, I wanted to try as many things as I could. This dish was amazing. The pasta was steaming hot, full of fish-stock flavour. The tonnarelli was also cooked a bit over al dente but, I like how the pasta didn't have a bite and meshed on well with the other textures. The seafood was well seasoned and quite generous with their serving. The sprinkles of parsley really added a different flavour in your mouth but a great combination. 

Tonnarelli pasta with sea fruits. ( €10 approx. $13AUD) 

            Kelly ordered her favourite pasta dish, 'La Carbonara.' Her dish came out probably 5 minutes before mine which was the only disappointing thing with service. I watched her eat while my stomach of in full throttle grumbling mode. 'Arlu' has a great atmosphere, lovely tables and friendly service which made up for this little down fall. The 'La Carbonara' was good. Servings were generous and pasta al dente. The Parmigiano- Reggiano coated every strand of pasta and the flavours crisp and pungent. Add small crisp pieces of salty bacon to the mix and that's a winner. If you're a carbonara fan, I say this dish is pretty good.

'La Carbonara' ( €10 approx. $13 AUD)

              If you don't know us by now, we quite the nibblers so, we had to have a dessert. We ordered the 'Panna Cotta' with caramel sauce and sprinkled in icing sugar. I lost my Panna Cotta virginity at 'Arlu' and boy, was it amazing! It was soft, not too sweet and an absolute delight. The caramel gave it the sugar hit but it was so well balanced, I could have licked that plate clean. It wasn't the cleanest in terms of presentation but, flavours were all there to props to 'Arlu's chefs.

'Panna Cotta' with caramel sauce sprinkled with icing sugar. ( € 5 approx. $7AUD)

           All in all, it was a wonderful lunch. I really enjoyed it and if I was to ever go back I say go to 'Arlu.' There's going to be a lot of staff waiting outside their restaurants with menus to lure you in when you're walking down this alley way. Don't be tempted by your growling stomach and make a dash for 'Arlu.' We were lucky enough not to wait as there had been a massive group from a tour that had just finished their lunch in time for us to take their tables. It was food fate.
         Hope you all have an amazing week and for you Sydney siders, let's cross our fingers that the rain does not stay long tomorrow as forecasted.

        Nibble away,
                   Jo x.

Travel Nibbles: 'Life' Review

Ciao Nibblers!
       

     
       This week, we find ourselves in Rome, Italy. I had high expectations for Rome. I couldn't wait to eat pizza, have gelato even in winter and eat my carbs load of pasta.

       The best thing about travelling in Europe is having 'Trip Advisor' installed onto your phone so that you can log in to get instant reviews of places to stay, eat and things to do wherever you are. It's great as most of the reviews are written by other travellers that have already been so it helps you make an informed decision. Restaurants even advertise their rating in the window to attract tourists.

       I find it that a two hour flight in Europe takes you across several countries which in our case was England to Italy, while in Australia, a two hour plane trip only lands you across states.
       We were starving when we landed. Our first Trip Advisor place, 'Ristorante Tema' we tried received 4.5/5 ratings and, it was such a bust it's worth blogging about. We ordered the risotto, fettucine and gnocchi all with mushrooms and honestly every thing was just tasteless. The pasta was also still hard in the centre. Not a first great impression of pasta in Rome.

        By dinner time, we were so hungry that we decided to give another Trip Advisor recommendation and decided on 'Life.'


'Life' Review

Where: Via della Vite 00187, Rome                                                                                  Website: http://www.ristorantelife.com/

         'Life' has a very modern, sophisticated feel to it. It has a 4.5/5 rating on Trip advisor but after the lunch disappointment, we weren't expecting much from this. Staff were very welcoming and happily answered all of our questions.

        For our shared entree, we ordered the 'Smoked duck breast with pears and honey.' We mostly ordered this for the urge to try something new. It tastes like a less salty, sweeter version of proscuitto. With the accompanying pear/honey sauce it really gives it another texture and dimension. It was great with the side of bread as well. However, the bread was nothing special on its own. Hard on the outside and cold/dry on the inside.

'Smoked duck breast with pear/honey' €10.00 (approx. $13 AUD)

        For the mains, my cousin Katy ordered the 'Home made short pasta with Scampi from Mediterranean sea, Sea Bass, tomato.' I took a bite of hers and the pasta was al dente. It had a great tomato flavour and even though it looked like a small serving, there was a lot on there. It came out steaming hot and was such an improvement on lunch's offering. This is what I imagine pasta to taste like in Italy. 

'Home made short pasta with Scampi from Mediterranean sea, sea bass & tomato' €14.00 (approx. $18 AUD)

             Kelly and I went for the pizza. We were only going to be in Italy for 3-4 days so we wanted to tackle everything as quickly as possible. Kelly ordered the 'Carbonara' pizza. These pizzas had a thin crust and quite generous in their meat offering. The diameter was about 20cm so we were pretty stuffed by the end of it. What I loved about Kelly's was you could see the marks from the pizza cooking under a woodfire and a nicely cooked egg directly in the centre that shouts 'carbonara' at you. I had a bit of hers and it was pretty good. Had lots of flavour and was exactly like a carbonara but in pizza form. Such a great concept.

'Carbonara' pizza € 9.00 (approx. $11 AUD)

         I ordered the 'Pollo' pizza. This consisted of mozzarella cheese, chicken, bacon, tommato and was a but spicy. I enjoyed this. It came out fresh and hot and the topics span out pretty much around the whole base, there was not really a crust I had to chew on. Flavours were there and it was delicious. The only thing is there wasn't much generosity in the meat department.

'Pollo' pizza €10.00 (approx. $13 AUD)

       For dessert, we ordered two dishes. The first was 'Pastry with chantilly cream and dark chocolate.' I love chantilly cream so when I saw it on the menu I had to. The pastry was crisp on the outside, soft on the inside. Mix that with the sweet creaminess of the chantilly and this was absolute heaven. I'm drooling just thinking about it.

'Pastry with chantilly cream and dark chocolate.' € 5.00 (approx. $7 AUD)

           And what is a trip to Italy without trying 'Tiramisu?' Presentation wise it wasn't the best but, it sure packed a punch. The coffe flavour was intense but with the cream on top it balanced out wonderfully. Judging on the last dessert and this one they're doing pretty well in the sweets department.

'Home-made Tiramisu' €5.00 (approx. $7 AUD)

        That rounds up our first Roma dining experience. Try and finish your exploring around the Spanish steps because 'Life' is located around there. I liked this place and if I ever go back to Italy I would probably come back to 'Life.' I also have to add that if you come to Italy expecting pasta to be stuffed meat sauces and bacon, you'll be disappointed. I learnt that an Italian dinner course consists of four courses. The first would be your entree (e.g. bruschetta), your first course (pasta with mushrooms usually), your second course (steak, fish aka. meat course) and then your dessert. So, if you're craving some protein, the second course menus is probably what you should look at.

Hope you're all having a great week!

Jo x.