Category } Piazza di Spagna

Two of our apartments are in Via Margutta which will turn itself into an exhibition space at the end of April.

The 100 Painters of Via Margutta exhibition has been going since 1953.

The 100 Painters of Via Margutta will be exhibiting their art between 29 Apr ’09 and 3 May ’09, as has been the case since 1953. More about this in our Events section.

The idea is this. Why not rent and apartment on the same street during those days? You’ll be slap-bang in the middle of it all.

Two of our apartments are located in Via Margutta:

• Casa degli Artisti is named approprietely and is a 50 m² studio for 2
• Apartment Margutta 120 is larger and can host 4 people — ideal for a family

If you’re interested you should book ASAP as the apartments are bound to go fast.

PS. This is no April Fools.

In 1983 a small shop opened in central Rome selling kitchenware. 26 years on the shops have become three and one of the most well know of its kind.

c.u.c.i.n.a opened it's first store back in 1983. 25 years and 2 further shops later they celebrate their success with a photo exhibition.

The store will be holding a photography exhibition titled ‘how kitchens inspire’ to celebrate the event, co-produced with the Roman School of Photography.

No doubt that c.u.c.i.n.a has inspired many over the years to cook delicious food and present it in a down to earth yet elegant way. ‘Down to earth’ is the keyword here – they don’t sell pretentious and over-priced designer-ware, or cheap stuff that bends of breaks within a month of purchase. Thankfully c.u.c.i.n.a isn’t IKEA nor is it Alessi. Instead, they sell quality items and a reasonable price.

Tableware, cookware, accessories and storage

These are how they categorise their products on their website and a good indication of what range of products they sell.

Their kitchenware is simple and functional and you won’t find much plastic either – aluminium and stainless steel are much better material for those who cook for the food rather than for show.

A few ideas for things you can take back home

This is what we would consider buying…

• The type of glass you find in trattorias that are short and solid – check the granity models on their website
• Bialetti moka coffe machine. any other design is just.. wrong
• An apron and chef’s hat but only if you know how to cook

(Links open pages on their website where you can see photos and prices)

GiNa's restaurant combines good food with an architect-designed interior design that you can avoid altogether if you opt for their picnic service.

GiNA is the combination of two names: Giandomenico and Cristina, the owners of this charming restaurant located near the Spanish Steps.

The idea is simple: order a wicker basket full of goodies and take it to nearby Villa Borghese (or anywhere you want) and enjoy a meal in the open air.

Inside the basket you will find:

• Plates, cutlery, glasses and a tablecloth
• Freshly made sandwiches
• Fruit salad
• Dessert
• A bottle of wine

And a thermos flask of Italian coffee to get you going again once you’ve finished eating.

If this is not enough you can ask for extras, and if it’s a special occasion why not have a card or gift included as well?

If you’re interested in eating out (literally) you should reserve a couple of days in advance. Price will very much depend on what extras you ask for but you can expect to pay a minimum of €40 for two people.

Picnic different! Spots other than Villa Borghese

If you fancy a bit of green then Villa Borghese is the perfect location. Alternatively, you can have a more urban picnic at the following spots:

• At the top of the Spanish Steps looking over Piazza di Spagna
• On a bench at Piazza del Popolo
• Piazza August Imperatore in front of the Ara Pacis
• Your own apartment nearby