New Novel by Robert Harris- "Conspirata"

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).

What Happened to My Favorite Restaurant?

Two years ago I wrote about my favorite restaurant in Rome, L'Altro Mastai. But a recent visit to their website (now nonexistent) confirms that they are now closed. Does anyone know if they are planning to reopen in a new location? Where has the chef, Fabio Baldassare, gone? This is indeed a disaster! Read my post from two years ago and don't tell me that you aren't mourning the loss of this wonderful, elegant restaurant.

"Tucked away on a tiny street near the bridge to the Castel Sant'Angelo on Via Giraud, 53, is a restaurant unlike the typical Roman trattoria. L'altro Mastai, opened four years ago, is innovative, unexpected, and truly a gourmet experience. The menu offers many interesting twists on Roman dishes such as hen soup with Jerusalem artichoke and braised veal with parsley sauce. There is always a tasting menu with wines to match. The wine list is extensive and offers selections from all over Italy and Europe in all price ranges. The chef often circulates around the dining room after the meal, so don't miss the opportunity to talk to him about your exquisite food. Reservations are necessary. According to Zagat, the restaurant will be moving to a new location in winter of 2008-Via delle Terme di Traiano, 4a, near the Colosseum."

Rome Film Festival Ends today

Festival International del Film di Roma is a week-long celebration of independent and Hollywood films. The festival is juried (there is even a kids' jury!) and celebrities and artists from all over the world attend. This year's winners are sure to cause a stir. Find out who won the coveted Golden Marcus Aurelius.

Win a Trip to Rome with San Francisco's KDFC World Tour

San Francisco's classical music station, KDFC, is hosting a contest to win a week-long trip to Rome (or London, Paris, Istanbul, or Spain). All you have to do is listen to KDFC (102.1 in SF) at 9, 11, 12, 2, and 4 when Rick Steves gives a few clues about "Where in the World" he is. If you can guess, log in to KDFC.com (you need to join ClubKDFC) and enter to win! The contest runs through October 24 and you can enter everyday.

Even More Exciting Archaeology

It was a great summer for discovery in Italy, even on the island of Capri. The bases of 3 Roman statues discovered in the cave in 1964 have been found on the floor of the Blue Grotto, along with evidence that there were at least 4 more statues in the cave. Now an underwater hunt for the remaining 4 statues is on. When they are discovered, archaeologists plan to make copies of the statues to display in their original positions in the cave, bringing the emperor Tiberius' private swimming grotto back to its ancient glory. I can't wait to see what they find. PS-don't try searching for them yourself-the sea bed is almost 500 feet below!

Latest Archaeological News in Rome

Thanks to eternallycool.net, news of recent archaeological discoveries in Rome have reached my long-deprived ears. Scholars think that they may have found the famous rotating dining room in the emperor Nero's Domus Aurea and a new amphitheater has been unearthed in Portus, just outside of ancient Rome's port, Ostia. The amphitheater could seat 2,000 people and may have been part of an imperial palace. I am anxiously awaiting more news from the summer's excavations. Stay tuned!

Anthony Everitt's "Hadrian"

Anthony Everitt, who brought us biographies of Cicero and Augustus, has just published a new book about the emperor Hadrian. While I haven't read it yet, I am a great fan of his last two books. Everitt is a conscientious scholar and his portrayal of Cicero was entertaining and intriguing. Augustus was a more shadowy figure and the lack of personal correspondence made his personality very difficult to pin down. I am curious to see how he portrays Hadrian, whose reign is well-documented but whose personal life was difficult to interpret. Read a review of the book in The New Yorker or buy it here.

The Weirdest Places In Italy

Atlas Obscura, a website devoted to the weirdest places on earth, has an extensive list of curious and extraordinary sites to visit in Italy. On the list are many churches housing the relics of saints, the Capuchin crypt of Santa Maria della Concezione in Rome, Santa Maria Novella Pharmacia in Florence, and the Park of the Monsters in Bomarzo (all places I have mentioned on MoltoItaly). The website offers great information on the history of each site as well as numerous images. It's a great resource for trip planning or for a few minutes' diversion. If you know about a weird and wonderful place in Italy, you can add it to the site too!

Latin Jazz and More on the Caelian Hill

Just a few feet away from the Colosseum is the Caelian Hill (Celimontana) and its yearly summer event, the Villa Celimontana Jazz Festival. Almost every night, starting at 10:15 pm (perfect for after dinner) the ancient Roman Villa Celimontana hosts a jazz concert for the low price of 6 Euros! Young and inovative musicians are the feature of this particular festival-and things really heat up after midnight, when a second concert begins. Latin jazz is on the schedule for this weekend.

Villa del Sogno in Lake Garda

Lake Garda, straddling the Italian states of the Veneto and Lombardia, has been a destination for pleasure-seekers for centuries. Close to the poet Catullus' hometown of Verona, even the ancient Romans were enamored of this beautiful mountain lake. Today you can visit this romantic lago and stay at the Villa del Sogno, a grand 19th century palazzo on its shores. The hotel has faithfully preserved all the period details and its swimming pool has a gorgeous view of the water. The best part? Rates start at under 250 Euros in the high season-a pretty good deal for this region-but if you can, you should spring for a suite. Well worth it!

Isola del Cinema: Movies on Tiber Island

Estate Romana is in full swing and Tiber Island is the place to be. Movies in the piazza are on almost every night, as well as shows in theaters around the island. This week Coco Avant Chanel and The Reader are on the schedule, among many other movies in Italian and English. Enjoy the cinema under the stars!

Outlet Shopping in Italy

A recent article in Lucky magazine about the Seravalle Designer Outlet outside of Genoa got me really excited about outlet shopping in Italy. Seravalle is home to outlets for amazing brands like Blumarine, Brioni, Cocinelle, Etro, Frette, Moncler, Prada and Versace! Just a short train ride away from Genoa, the center is open from 10-8 every day (not like the rest of Italy!). Another outlet center owned by the same group is Castelromano, just outside Rome (shuttle service from Piazza Barberini). Dolce and Gabbana, Ferragamo, Roberto Cavalli, Valentino-and an AutoGrill for lunch! Definitely worth a trip.

The Sartorialist in Italy

You may be familiar with The Sartorialist-the street-fashion photographer (also known as Scott Schuman) on Style.com who is known for his great sense of style and ability to capture the world's beautiful people at their best-outside fashion shows in Paris, New York, London and Milan. Well, he has his own blog and loves to share photos of the fashionable in Italy, especially Florence. Who knows-maybe you could end up on his blog someday!

The Tempest at Aqua Paola

Estate Romana is the best time for nightlife in Rome. Outdoor venues abound with live music and performances. One of the most picturesque locations is the Aqua Paola on the Gianicolo (aka Fontanonestate). Not only is there a fun restaurant and lounge set up right next to the fountain for the summer, but the view of the city from the fountain provides an incredible backdrop for plays and concerts. This Sunday (August 9), Shakespeare's The Tempest is on, with original costumes, music and scenery designed for the occasion. In Italian.

Concerts in Rome's Villa Torlonia

Throughout this Sunday, the gardens of the newly reopened Villa Torlonia in Rome are host to concerts under the stars. Works by classical composers like Telemann, Bach and Beethoven will be performed while you soak in the beauty of this famous villa along the Via Nomentana. Tickets are 18 Euros and include a 3 Euro fee to explore the architectural and archaeological ruins on the Villa's grounds.

Cantina do Mori in Venice

Venice invented the concept of small plates, and Cantina do Mori has perfected them. The oldest wine bar and master of ciccheti (finger food), Cantina do Mori is definitely on the tourist radar but worth a visit. Try the sandwiches, the cheeses, meats and seafood. Be sure to pair everything with a little glass of local wine. It will make standing-the traditional way to dine in wine bars-more bearable!

La Casa sul Mare on the Island of Procida

Nestled in the Bay of Naples between Capo Miseno and Ischia is the tiny island of Procida. Perfect for day trips, this picturesque island was host to scenes in the movie Il Postino. Sailors and fishermen call this island home and the seafood is a reason to linger over lunch or stay for dinner. There aren't very many hotels on the island, certainly not any grand ones, but if you are looking for a quiet getaway, La Casa sul Mare is perfect. Each simply furnished room has a terrace overlooking the sea and breakfast is included. Rates are just 168 Euros in the high season!

Culinary Travel-Epicurious Recommends Campania

Epicurious.com has tons of travel-related food articles about destinations all over the world. Most recently they toured the region of Campania to sample the best pizza, cheese, lemons (Sorrento, of course), seafood (try Sapori di Mare in Marina di Vietri sul Mare), pastries, candies and coffee. They recommend the shops, restaurants and markets where the best of Campania and the Amalfi Coast can be found. I'm definitely ready for my next trip!

Elliot Stein's Sardinia

Beaches, pecorino and nuraghi-Sardinia has something for everyone. Elliot Stein's new guidebook Sardinia explores the hidden side of the island (and its jet-set resorts for those of you who can't resist). Find out where to get the best artisanal cheeses, unlock the mysteries of Sardinia's indigenous ancient castles (nuraghi) and discover the best way to see the island's incredible scenery. Check out National Geographic's Intelligent Traveler Blog for some quick tips from the author himself.