The 5 Best Things I Ate in Paris {Part 1}

July 8, 2014 By Andrea

As soon as I knew I would have the opportunity to visit Paris again, I immediately started making a list of things I would like to eat. Paris reminds me of New York with having just about any type of cuisine available that you can imagine, and I LOVE that! Italy doesn’t have so much of a variety to choose from, so I was excited to know my taste buds would be in for a treat once I arrived in Paris. So far, they haven’t been disappointed.

Although there were a few other tasty treats, these are the 5 best things I ate in Paris during the month of June.

1. Salmon burger & fries ~ Cafe Charlot

Cafe Charlot is located in the 3rd arrondissement, just across from the Marché des Enfants Rouges, the oldest covered market in Paris. It’s a typical Parisian cafe with the lovely little sidewalk tables and checkered chairs. The salmon burger was delicious! The fries and a glass of French red wine topped it off. I haven’t been able to find a fish burger like this during my four years in Italy, and this one more than hit the spot!

2. Pain au chocolat ~ Gerard Mulot

Gerard Mulot is one of the best French bakeries I’ve found during my time in Paris. The pain au chocolat (chocolate croissant) is perfect … very buttery and flaky. They also have really tasty macarons. Try the dark chocolate macaron, it will make you fall in love with macarons and understand what all the fuss is about.

3. Pastéis de nata {custard tartlets from Portugal} ~ Comme à Lisbonne

If you’re looking to try a little bite of heaven, then I suggest stopping in for one if these little custard tartlets. Comme à Lisbonne is a tiny little shop located in Le Marais district, with only one or two small counter stools to sit down at. They specialize in these custard tartlets, and that’s all you’ll find there. They’re served warm and topped with a sprinkle of cinnamon. They’re €2 each, and it will be the best €2 you spend all day.

4. Fallafel with eggplant ~ L’as du Fallafel

I had heard and read mention after mention for L’as du Fallafel. Since I’ve had my share of traditional fallafel, I wondered how there could be so much hype over a fallafel sandwich. Now I no longer wonder … I KNOW why. It’s the best fallafel sandwich I’ve ever eaten! Be prepared to get it to go. You pay a guy (€6), then he sends you to a walk-up window with a ticket. You hand your ticket to the guy behind the window, then he starts going to town piling on topping after topping. The unique thing about this version is that it comes with chunks of grilled eggplant. The only downside was that with it being take-away, I sat in a little nearby park and subjected all the children playing and their parents to me stuffing my face. Oh, and ask for extra napkins. You’ll need them.

5. French baguette, cheese and wine ~ homemade picnic

A fresh baguette, a variety of French cheeses, and a glass of French wine … these are what dreams and homemade picnics are made of. This combination just can’t be beat. And it’s surprisingly affordable.

A new name, a new look & a new home

June 30, 2014 By Andrea

Notice anything a little different?

I recently changed the site up quite a bit. Why Rome? is now Why Roam? because I wanted to be able to share travel tips and experiences with you for cities other than just Rome. I’m very, very lucky (I seriously count my blessings every day) to have the ability to travel around Europe some, and I want to share those adventures with you too.

You’ll probably notice the new look – new name, new logo, new site design. But I also changed the website address for the site. It is now https://whyroamtravel.com. Please be sure to update your feed reader account so you don’t miss out any of the new things I’ll be sharing with you.

To kick things off, I would love for you to join me on your social media platform of choice (Facebook, Twitter and/or Pinterest) for a photo series of 30 days in Paris. I’ve had the AMAZING chance to spend some time in this fabulous city, and I would like to share my time here in Paris with you.

A friend of mine (another American expat in Italy) recently did something similar when she and her adorable little family came back to visit Italy this summer. I thought it was a great idea and a better way to bring the trip to life. You can check out her trip to Italy in photos by visiting her blog.

To follow along on my Paris journey, be sure to connect with me on Facebook, Twitter and/or Pinterest. I’ll be using the hashtag #30daysinParis.

Welcome to my new (online) home! I look forward to sharing new adventures with you!

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/WhyRoam
Twitter – https://twitter.com/whyroam
Pinterest – http://www.pinterest.com/whyroam/

Chocolate Easter Eggs in Italy

April 19, 2014 By Andrea

When I think about Easter, chocolate bunnies, baskets and colorful, plastic eggs always pop into my mind. I’ve yet to see the plastic eggs here in Italy, but eggs in general are definitely not lacking.

Instead of baskets filled with a variety of small candy and toys, kids in Italy receive an extra large chocolate egg. And usually the chocolate eggs come with a little treat or toy inside.

Click here to read more >>

Learn Italian Hand Gestures … from Models

January 27, 2014 By Andrea

Sorry fellas, this one is mostly for the ladies.

Have you been wanting to learn how to make a few Italian hand gestures? Or maybe you’ve seen the gestures and have wondered what exactly they mean? Well wonder no more. Now you can learn Italian hand gestures … and learn from models. Dolce & Gabbana models that is. In no time you’ll be gesturing like an Italian pro. Enjoy! 🙂

Coromandel ~ Lovely Brunch in Rome

November 5, 2013 By Andrea

Coromandel is one of my favorite places to have breakfast or brunch. It’s located in the area of Piazza Navona. You’ll find it down a quieter side street, and will likely pass right by it if you didn’t know it was there. Once you enter inside though, it is anything but ordinary. The mention of scrambled eggs, pancakes and French toast lured me there. The delicious food and lovely setting has kept me coming back.

Coromandel has more of an old world, French bistro feel. The cozy setting with fluffy pillows displayed on the bench, shelves of books, warm decor and dim lighting invites you to stay and linger.

Breakfast and pastries are served on the loveliest of china. I always feel spoiled here because everything is so pretty. Not only are the dishes and decorations lovely, but the food is delicious, too!

I was leary about ordering the French toast. This is not an Italian dish, and I’m not aware of it being on other menus around Rome. I ordered preparing for the worst, but was most pleasantly surprised. The French toast is delicious, and even comes covered in syrup. (Syrup is also not typical in Italy.) Now I can’t hardly order anything else.

The cappuccino is also great, with a dish of sugar cubes served alongside. (I told you this place is fancy and makes you feel spoiled in the simplest of ways.) They also have iced coffee that is sweetened with almond milk, and it is also great if you’re in the mood for something a little different.