One of my favorite places in Rome is a petite piazza nestled in a not so quiet corner of the city. If you didn't know it was there, you might only stumble upon it by accident on your way to the nearby Pantheon or Piazza Navona.
Campo de fiori {field of flowers} is probably best known for its bustling neighborhood food market. Vendors set up just after daybreak and settle in until early afternoon to sell beautifully displayed fruits and vegetables.
Vendors sit at the back of their stall shelling peas, trimming artichokes or chopping vegetable ends for a savory minestrone starter. It is an ingenious way to use well any idle time, unfazed, as the crowds of both curious tourists and serious neighborhood shoppers mill about.
Next time I visit, I plan to stay at least a few days and find an apartment where I can cook these delectable ingredients. For now, I am content to savor with my eyes.....a place at the nearest trattoria is my next and necessary stop.
Buon appetito!
copyright 2008 Alisa Barry
