Tuesday, August 9, 2011

The Fraschetta - Rise, Fall & Rebirth of a Typical Roman-Style Tavern






The "Fraschetta" (Literally translates from Roman slang as "Little tree branch", and takes its name from the tree branch that shopkeepers used to put outside their shopes and along the roads to signal  the presence of the business), for centuries has been one of the most popular form of tavern, especially for the lower classes. 


Abandoned, and virtually vanished after the end of World War II, because considered part of the "old world," grossly unrefined, provincial, and somewhat recalling the poorer times in the psychology of post-war Italians, it rised once again to great fortune at the end of the 90s, when people rediscovered more traditional ways of eating and being together. 


Situated mainly in the area on the hills south of Rome called "Castelli Romani," (Mainly in Aricca and Frascati) home to famous vineyards producing the finest wines of the region, these businesses, often offering also space to sit outside during the warm season, in the past only served wine and soft drinks, and people could bring their own food. Over time, with improving of the average social conditions, those places turned into small restarants, serving starters consisting of cold cuts (including the wonderful locally-produced "Porchetta", whole roast pork with crispy skin), preserved and fresh vegetables, and a range of the famous Roman first courses. (Carbonara, Amatriciana, Cacio & Pepe and so on).


A visit to a Fraschetta is strongly advised if you are looking for a relaxed and cheerful environment and some traditional dishes at an affordable price.
Ancient Rome: from the earliest times down to 476 A. D.

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