The Roads to Rome: A Cookbook

by Jarrett Wrisley, Paolo Vitaletti

Discover the origins of Rome's most iconic dishes by cooking along the roads that built the Eternal City.

When Jarrett Wrisley opened an Italian restaurant in Bangkok with his business partner and chef, Paolo Vitaletti, he wanted to run the most authentic Roman trattoria he could. But travels in Italy taught him that Roman cuisine doesn't come from Rome, exactly, but from the roads to Rome--the trade routes that brought foods from all over Italy to the capital.

As Jarrett and Paolo weave their way between Roman kitchens and through the countryside of Lazio, Umbria, and Emilia-Romagna, they encounter farmers and artisans who show us the origins of the ingredients that gave rise to such iconic Roman dishes as Tonnarelli Cacio e Pepe and Spaghetti all'Amatriciana. The exquisite journey also sheds light on the dishes of the countryside--from Vignarola (saut�ed artichokes, fava beans, and spring peas with guanciale) to Cozze alla Marinara (mussels pulled straight from the Amalfi coast).

The Roads to Rome is an ode to the butchers, fishermen, and other artisans who feed the city, and how their history and culture come to the plate.

Genres: Cookbooks, Nonfiction, Food

320 pages, Hardcover

Published November 3, 2020

Reviews

[Bonnie · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I received this book in the mail, my first impression was how gorgeous it is. This is a combined travelogue and cookbook. The chefs spent several years traveling the roads outside of Rome including Lazio and the roads south, down the Via Appia, Umbria, Tuscany,and Emilia-Romagna, and back to Rome to Testaccio and the farm. It's a look at the origins of revered dishes in Rome. They visited artisans, fishermen, and butchers to find out more about the ingredients that make these delicious dishes and many recipes are shared. Of course, my favorite dishes are the pastas. There are many delicious recipes found throughout this cookbook along with beautiful photos. I've received a free copy from Clarkson Potter in exchange for a free and unbiased review.

[Zosia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading this book is the next best thing to actually being in Italy. The photography is breathtaking-from the scenery to the plated dishes- it all comes to life. The stories are warm and bring Italy and her people to life. I’m still cooking my way through the book but the recipes I have made have all been delicious and authentic and make me want to pack my bags for Rome.

[Honest Mabel · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5

So a lot of the ingredients aren’t as common so you will find the need for substitutions and sometimes their suggestions point blank are like I mean I guess you can use it but it won’t really work lol

[Daisy Barone · Rating 5 out of 5]

Took me FOREVER to finish this. I have 16 recipes bookmarked to try….