My first food experience in Rome was in Campo de Fiori the night I arrived. My roommates and I shared the house wine and ate. While both my roommates ordered the carbonara, I opted for a chicken dish I hadn't experienced before. I do not remember the name of the dish, and frankly, I wasn't quite sure what I was ordering at the time. I simply hoped that my first Italian culinary experience would not be a disappointment. However, once the dish came, my worries ceased as the aroma of the freshly prepared chicken enveloped my senses. The presentation itself was simple, as I would soon learn is common throughout many restuarants in Rome, but it had a certain unassuming elegance to it. The breast, thigh, and leg of the chicken were simply laid across the plate, inviting me to begin eating. The chicken appeared to be roasted slowly with various Italian herbs and spices and when consumed, fell apart delicately in my mouth. The flavors melded with one another, each taste complimenting the last perfectly and leaving a hint of lemon on the palate between bites. It was a wonderful dish. I hope to experience many more like it while in Rome.
