About this item

A love letter from two Americans to their adopted city, showcasing modern dishes influenced by tradition, as well as the rich culture of their surroundings. Even 150 years after unification, Italy is still a divided nation where individual regions are defined by their local cuisine-- mirrors of their culture, history, and geography. But the cucina romana is the country's greatest standout. In Tasting Rome, journalist Katie Parla and photographer Kristina Gill capture Rome's unique character and truly evolved food culture-- a culimation of two thousand years of history. The recipes here, each selected for the story it tells, acknowledge the foundations of the cuisine and demonstrate how it has transitioned to the variations found today: cacio e pepe is not only a peppery condiment for pasta, but also a filling for suppli, fried rice balls; pollo alla romana is served as a summer platter of peppers stewed with chicken, but also deboned and on hearty sandwiches. Parla and Gill focus, too, on cucina ebraica to highlight the role Rome's Jewish communities have had, bringing dishes such as hraimi con couscous, which incorporates spicy amberjack, and matzoh fritters, pizzarelle, with honey and pine nuts; celebrate the authentic quinto quarto ("the fifth quarter") offal, and luscious verdure, which grow all over; acknowledge the baked pizzas and breads that anchor everyday eating; and explore the ever-changing culture of sweets and cocktails. With its forgotten recipes, beloved favorites, and street food innovations, the book transports all the flavors of Rome into your kitchen. Narrative features revealing bits of history and gorgeous photography that highlight both the food and its hidden city will immediately inspire you to start Tasting Rome.



About the Author

Katie Parla

Katie Parla is a New York Times Bestselling author, Emmy-nominated television host, food and beverage writer, culinary guide, and podcast co-host based in Rome. She has written, edited, and contributed to more than 35 food and travel books for such publishers as National Geographic, Time Out, Rough Guides, Dorling Kindersley, Fodor's, Clarkson Potter, Chronicle Books, and Voracious. She is a regular contributor to The New York Times and is the author of the Saveur-nominated food and travel site Katieparla.com. Her latest solo title, Food of the Italian South, was published by Clarkson Potter in spring 2019. American Sfoglino, co-authored with Evan Funke, and Flour Lab, co-authored with Adam Leonti, were published in September 2019. New York Times Bestseller The Joy of Pizza, co-authored with Dan Richer of Razza in Jersey City, was published in November 2021. Follow Katie on Twitter and Instagram at @katieparla.



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