Sabrina Favoriti (1976)

Churches are a popular attraction for tourists and there are so many that it is almost impossible to see all of them in one visit. Of course there are the more popular ones and the Sistine Chapel, but there are also lesser known ones like this on in the piazzale of Ponte Milvio with great architecture from the early 1930′s. This chapel was requested by Pope Pius XI in 1931.

I like visiting Churches mainly for their art and architecture. Each church has a different story inside. Once you go inside this one, you will notice right in front of you a statue of the Virgin Mary holding Jesus and in front of the statue to your left Jesus on the Cross.

This Church is not a popular tourist attraction but it is worth it. Afterwards, you can go to one of the many bars that surround the area for either a cup of coffee or a glass of wine!

Furla is one of my favorite brand/designers and since we have some stores in Rome, I do go window shopping at times. My favorite store is the one located at Piazza di Spagna.

I go there and look at the purses, wallets and key chains, and then once I make my decision on what I would like, I save a bit of money and so I have an excuse to go back and buy the item. Mainly I love their bags and am so excited about their new collections for this summer… it is so bright!

When I went to visit some of my friends in the States I got them key chains from here since they make a great gift (and doubles as souvenir) – cute and elegant!

La Botteguccia di Gilla used to be called something else but now it’s new and improved with new management and owners. If you love quality jewelry like me this is the store to go to, all their items are 925 silver plus you get to see different gems from amber to pearl to coral in very interesting arrangements from simple to more creative.

You can either buy for yourself or as great classy gifts to bring back. The store is very tiny but it is definitely worth it, make sure to check out their own production section as you will find great innovative pieces.

The service is very friendly and you are always greeted with a smile and most of the sales girls are multi lingual. I have to admit that I actually come here more now with the new team than I did before and always leave with a bag in hand!

Via Sistina, were La Botteguccia di Gilla is located, is a street filled with shops and a theatre, so it is conveniently located in the heart of Rome and reachable either by METRO A-Barberini stop via the Spanish Steps. At the middle of the street you, at Via Sistina 22, can find a tiny jewelry store called Cotton Club. It’s right in front of the Sistina Theatre.

In one of the city center’s street there is a little restaurant called Porto di Ripetta. It is located in Via Ripetta which is a parallel street of Via del Corso. This street is not as busy as the more famous Via del Corso or even via del Babuino, and in fact it has fewer shops.

The restaurant has a real nice ambience to it and is particularly great for a dating evening, be it the first or fiftieth.

The restaurant is a little pricey but the food is delicious. One of my favorite dishes is an entrée: spaghetti with mussels and vegetables, definitely a must try. Or they have another great dish that is risotto with shrimp and apples (the apple gives it a a very interesting taste, perfect with the rice!) This plate is a little more expensive, about € 15.00, and since the portion is not too small I usually share the plate with someone.

This is also a popular venue in the North Rome area. It’s illuminated by candlelight, and has ethnic furniture, sofas and puffs. The atmosphere is warm and laid-back, where you can meet old friends and create new ones, where you can chat away in the corner seated on a puff or sofa.

It is more of a cocktail bar but they do have a Mediterranean kitchen too. They have a good wine list but the preferred drinks are martinis or even champagne.

But what makes this wine bar interesting is that a lot of the items that you see are actually for sale! If you like their leopard print dishes, you can take them home!