ROME - Tea Time

I found this cozy Tea House in one of my favorite streets in Rome - Caffe Novecento, in Via Del Governo Vechio 12 - It's located just a few blocks away from the Castelo San't Angelo, after crossing the bridge that leaves the Castelo.

I wandered into this tiny cafe by accident, as I was searching for a place to kick my feet up, for a badly needed break, after walking for hours! You can see (from the picture) how the cafe looks from a street view - really quaint and inviting don't you think? Once inside, I found a tempting display of desserts along the left wall and a series of cafe-style, small tables in several tiny rooms, most, filled by locals... (humm, a good sign).

So, I chose to stay and indulge in some tea. The service was personable and prompt and the owner was helpful in his broken English, with my tea selection. I followed his suggestion, and ordered a pot of Lapsang Souchong "smoked tea" (sounded very exotique) with a salmon tart.

The tea was delicious and memorable, really smoky in taste and smell (thus the smoky description). Drinking it, made me feel like I was in some far away, exotic locale in the mountains of Tibet...hard to describe, but the tart...ahhh the tart... well, lets just say, that in my next visit, I'll stick to the sweets instead.

If you're in the area, give them a try. It's a relaxing atmosphere where you can have tea, coffee, wine by the glass, salads, tarts and desserts. Stay away from the salmon tart and when you're done, stroll down the Via Del Governo Vechio - It is a beautiful, old winding narrow street, lined with interesting shops along both sides. Enough to keep you entertained for a nice afternoon walk.

Enjoy!

...and let me know what you think if you go...