I left Rome yesterday by NightJet train to Munich then Frankfurt, but I had several really enjoyable experiences in Rome before I left. I went back to Trattoria der Pallaro for the set menu on the last full day in Rome and Mario greeted me warmly when I got there. Nothing fancy, but the screened in terrace is comfortable. He started my meal by bringing me a overfull pitcher of the house white, which is a pleasant, unassuming wine that is a nice accompaniment to a meal. The first plates came out together, charcuterie, cabbage, lentils and bread. The charcuterie and the lentils were good and made a nice start with the bread. The cabbage? So so.
Then a pair of croquettes that were very good and a large bowl of half sleeve pasta prepared two ways. Just delicious!
The next set were a plate of veal and pork, potato crisps and anodd veg dish that was just fun to eat for its oddity to my palate.
Finally there was a cheesecake like dessert served with an orange liquer, Aranjicello? One thing I can not say enough about der Pallaro is the satisfaction that they owner takes in the enjoyment of his food. He wants you to have a good time and when you do, he lights up a bit.
I love people that enjoy making others happy.
Then I walked up Via Margutta to Piazza del Popolo where I was treated to one of the most skilled musical busker duos that I have ever seen.
Earlier in my trip I had lunch in an old favorite of mine near Roma Termini, Trattoria Cecio. I cannot remember what I ordered for the pasta, I think it was Tonnarello alla Puttanesca. I really went there for the grilled seafood. This time I had the Gamberoni alla Griglia with roasted potatoes and they were both very good! The service here is friendly and on point. Like these people and the food they prepare.
One of the highlights of my stay has been two new to me basilicas, San Giovanni in Laterano, which shocks you with its size and its details. Those dots at the bottom left of the basilica are people! It is huge and perfectly balanced! Simply an amazing building!!!
I popped back to Gran Caffe Rionne VII for some more of that delicious fritata I only got a tiny bit of but they were out! So I got a dish of crispy bread with a spinach filling that was ok but not nearly as good as the fritata. But the welcome and and the atmosphere were good enough to make it a nice visit, regardless. Everyone at this place has been very kind. Not sure what this dish was, but with a different filling it would have been better.
I also visited Santa Maria Maggiore, which had one of my favorite stained glass windows and a sunken altar that was simply incredible. Another Rome moment!
Then it was off to Roma Tiburtina to find my sleeper cabin and get some well earned rest.
And a very nice snack of Cherry/Ciliegia-something or other in Italian I got at Roscioli after waiting in a fast moving line for a short time. Loved this dish, Zoe! I ate most of it (and it got crushed in my messenger bag) before I remembered to take a photo. Sorry. 
I also got a similar one in chocolate and a sweet loaf of bread-like stuff that I have only started in on. Again, simply delicious! No wonder Roscioli always has a line to get in!
