All taste buds lead to Rome - Osteria dal 1931

title_image

“I love this place. I want to die here already, and I might yet.” quoting the late Anthony Bourdain in his final episode of Parts Unknown in Rome, was one of the triggers that started the inspiration to our trip to Rome. Hunting for the most authentic of locals' footprints, the late chef introduced a restaurant hidden away from the exposed Rome's city center. We took unknown roads that led to the outskirts of Rome, to Osteria dal 1931.

But before our legs took us to Anthony's place of quoted love for its artichokes, we made sure to check out the infamous places shown in Holiday in Rome.

The Trevi fountain known for its wishing fountain, no one bypasses this iconic landmark for the intricacies on the statues surrounding the fountain is noteworthy. But it is near impossible to take a picture with the humongous crowd blocking the view which makes you wonder how these movies have created too much hype, extreme case being the Eiffel Tower.

Passed the Altar of the Fatherland en route, a colossal mountain of white marble captures your attention from miles away.

When evening falls on the city of Rome, the Vatican City's lights pave way for those traveling at night. Reflecting its lights on the paved floor, this architectural highlight of Rome, Saint Peter's Square, is a landmark to be reckoned with.

Off to Osteria dal 1931

You can't miss the restaurant. Despite its small door entrance, the restaurant's entrance is warmly lit with the name of the restaurant hanging above its doorway. By the look of it from outside, the size seems rather small compared to what you are about to experience inside.

Once you step into the restaurant you realize its located underground basement of the building, tucked away from passerby.

Framed photographs hang on the wall, of which one of them is a tribute to Anthony Bourdain and his infamous quote spoken while eating their artichokes. The rest seem to be of famous Italian celebrities, none were familiar to me.

The Menu

Their menu was one A4 paper written from front to back in Italian and paraphrased in English. Unlike most other Italian restaurants we visited in Rome that were not foreigner friendly with their adamant Italian menus, Osteria dal 1931 must have received a handful of foreign walk in customers after the airing of Parts Unknown asking for translations.

The Dishes

As a starter, which was on the house, we were served with a puree of pumpkin, carrots, and other ingredients. Although this mush looks more like baby food and has little to no appeal, the taste was sublime. We licked the plates down to the last bit, dipping it with bread. The kitchen must have been proud of our cleanliness.

Et voilá, the raved over artichoke fritters. And yes, it is a must try when you are here. First time trying it fried, Ive come to realize the creaminess of artichokes when cooked well, especially when fried to its core. Slightly crunchy on the outside and soft in the inside, the artichokes couldn't have been cooked better.

Being in Italy, you can't miss out on pasta.
Ordering two dishes of their homemade pasta, one with truffles and the latter one with fresh tomatoes, we sincerely felt that Al Dente was a house hold manner of cooking. Albeit the Al Dente back at home was much more softer than the Italian version where more of the raw flour smell seeped through.

Anthony's episode where he eats Italian cuisine and makes comparison to its previously fascist era made a name for this small restaurant as one of the places for visit.