Hostaria Costanza

We met last night for dinner in what used to be a part of the Theatre of Pompeo. This theatre in ancient times was part of a larger monumental complex built by the General Pompeo (son-in-law of Julius Cesar) around 61 b.c. The complex included a theatre, a temple dedicated to Venere Vincitrice and behind the stage area there was a large arcade animated by fountains and shaded by trees. You can still see fragments of the theatre in the restaurant today.

Aside from the archaeological aspect of Costanza’s, the food is absolutely divine. It is one of my favorite restaurants in Rome. It is off of the beaten path of tourists and frequented mainly by Romans. It is one of those places that you really have to know that it is there in order to find it.

 

 

 

Last night was very special – Rania and Matt had just returned and Emily was on her way back to the States via Venice. Janet also joined us. I realized only last night the Rania/Janet connection. Janet taught Rania her English!

The evening was incredibly animated and am quite sure that the other guests in the restaurant must have thought that we were at least half nuts. But who cared. We all had so much “catching up” to do.

It was great listening to the stories of Rania and Matt’s American adventure. All very positive, all very exciting and they looked great. I don’t think I have ever seen Rania so radiant. They now need to “take a breath” and decide which way next. Rania’s father has just been called back to Palestine and will serve as chief advisor to the president.

Emily has almost concluded her work with Janet, which I am sure, will become a documentary film one day. She also shared with us the news that the MOMA, the Museum of Modern Art in NYC, has just invited her to be part of a collective exhibition which they will be having this coming year. Another star for Emily!

We all ate too much and definitely drank too much…….but it was such great fun!