I often find myself wondering if I've secretly had even an ounce of Italian blood running through my veins considering the slices of pizza and plates of spaghetti I've eaten can nearly feed the entire population of Rome. Needless to say, I'm a die-hard fan of Italian food so when I heard Phoenicia Hotel was opening up a new Italian restaurant I couldn't contain my excitement.
My first impression of the place? Inviting, spacious, and popping with color. My second impression, after having tried the pizza? Comfort food at it's finest.
Barely a few minutes into our lunch at Rossini Osteria e Caffe, and we were greeted with nothing but passion and professionalism. The service was impeccable. The welcoming, helpful attitude took me by surprise after my fourth request for names of the dishes and ingredients. Hey, I said I was fascinated with the cuisine; I didn't claim to know anything beyond pressing my index finger to my thumb and saying "mozzarella" in my finest Italian accent.
For starters we shared assorted bruschetta, a famous Italian antipasto. Rossisni's special selection includes tomato basil, smoked salmon, and mushroom and chard. Anxiously trying to take pictures of the satiating starters before I'd have to tag the other guests as hand models, I managed to capture the calamari, the Insalata Caprese - a personal favorite thanks to its vibrant fresh tomatoes and generous portion of buffalo mozzarella; and the Insalata Finocchio alla Siciliana.
While I'm not a wine connoisseur, I wouldn't miss an excuse to day drink, especially if it's a glass of white wine to wash down the thin crust pizza. Also to start with, and thankfully to share as I wouldn't have found room for the other delicious dishes, the pizzas were served next. The truffle pizza is an incomparable explosion of flavor and the Rossini gets its name for being one of the best goat cheese and pesto combinations I've ever had the pleasure of devouring.
Our plates (all to share) included the Spaghetti al Pomodoro & Mozzarella di Bufala, which was loaded with chunks of fresh buffalo mozzarella; breaded escalope, Pollo alla Diavola; Risotto ai Funghi Porcini; Trofle pasta with basil, Parmesan cheese, garlic, and pine nuts; and if we hadn't yet overdosed on carbs, the Gnocchi alla Norma with ricotta cheese.
I shamelessly helped myself to seconds and thirds of the gnocchi and risotto as the table engaged in the latest music industry news. Barely able to breathe, I couldn't leave a slice of pizza in my plate. Side note: the Rossini Pizza is just as fantastic even after it's gone cold.
A trip to the ladies room shows an array of different design elements, a beautifully thought out interior, pops of red, and lounge chairs difficult to leave, even if your sweet tooth calls you for dessert. A fully stocked bar, almost as perfect as the dessert bar beside it sits at the heart of the lobby. A glass or two of wine was enough for me, but who's counting anyway? It was time for dessert.
The terrace was on the cusp of chilly when we walked out for afternoon espressos and rich desserts from Tiramisu and Sables to their unique Panna Cotta, which was as smooth and satiating as it was wobbly. Don't get me started on their éclair assortment. If you thought chocolate éclairs were special, just wait till you feast your eyes on their caramel or coconut creations.
So here's the final verdict: Whether you're a guest at the hotel, or a guest at any hotel, or just about anyone, anywhere, Rossini Osteria e Caffe is a must try. However if you're a fan of trying nearly every dish on the menu and then some like I am, just be sure to wear your loose pants. You can thank me later. Buon appetito!
