Some things we ought to have (or have as accessible) in America, but don't. WTF, America!? I know that life is frequently a trade-off. Sometimes your packages arrive, and sometimes not-so-much... (to be addressed in a later post, it's just too soon). Sometimes you find an artisanal gelato place; sometimes you just step in dog shit!
Today I got lucky!
After a scrumptious lunch of mackerel, artichokes and potatoes with some good friends (grazie, Mauro e Stefano!) I stumbled upon a wonderful gelateria, or ice cream shop. As is common in Italy, they make their own gelato from scratch daily. Today, their flavors included fresh banana and strawberry! As I only go for the non-dairy, this hit the spot. Absolutely wonderful!
Here's their counter: I can't wait to go back during the summertime!As I haven't joined a gym yet, this place is fortuitously closer to my fiancee's work than to our house!
Here's another great idea:
Who'd have thought of a condom vending machine!?? Even if the pharmacy is closed, this is available to prevent unwanted children! I didn't check for size XXL, though... I brought a stash from the US. Don't worry, only my brothers are having kids so far!
I mentioned Roberto, my vegetable vendor, in my first post -- but he makes a return today! I stopped by his stand today on my way home. I'd picked up a few things at Eataly, but wanted to get some fresh produce for the weekend. I left burdened with too much -- all for about $10! Eggplants; little tomatoes grown with salt water (so the flavor is super-intense); a few varieties of radicchio; tender, young fava beans; Italy's best strawberries; gifts of parsley and oranges; and a weird, new vegetable called agretti, or friar's beard (Fra barba)
I tried Roberto's suggestion of sautéing it in butter/olive oil with smashed garlic, maybe with a little lemon juice or parmeggiano on top. Well, I forgot the garlic. But it tasted amazing!
As a side note, Marco, Roberto's son, says that "Che barba!" means something is annoying... You have to sweep up tonight instead of going out? "Che barba"!