You have not lived until you have had authentic Italian cuisine

Just got back from a wonderful lunch with Kaysee and Emily. We decided to try Mario's, a small whole in the wall authentic Italian style lunch spot that Elyssa recommended. It's only open from 1-3pm and the menu changes everyday. When you walk in you quickly realize that this is where only the locals go for lunch. A small little place, with the hustle of the city. You can see the kitchen and all the Italian's cooking are wearing those cute little chef's hats with their name on it. We sat down at the only empty table, and while looking around for the menu quickly realized the only menu in the entire restaurant is posted in between the counter and the kitchen. So we had to get up and decided what we wanted before sitting back down. I ordered penna pasta in a tomato sauce with roasted chicken. OH MY GOD was it amazing! The tomato sauce was to die for. I've never tasted anything like it in my life! And the chicken, on the bone I might add, was so flavorful! Kaysee, Emily and I had such a great lunch. About half way through, this Italian man in a suit joins our table since there are no other seats, I guess that's what they do here. It was somewhat awkward at first, but it was so nice. We ended up having a great conversation with Stephano. He told us some great places to check out while were here and he loved talking to us--not in a creepy way. Everything about lunch was true Italian style, and hospitality. The character of Mario's was just so inviting, even to us foreigners. We will def be coming back there :)

After lunch we decided to walk into the big central market, found this really sweet italian man who sells fresh produce. Got a box of fresh strawberries and 2 bananas for only 1.50 euros! Such a great deal. We ended up walking into a pastry shop on the way home and Emily and I go this chocolate cake thing with croissant flakes which was also amazing. Kaysee got a cannolli since she was craving one. Now off to class and Rome in the morning... Ciao Bella :)