Retrobottega Restaurant, Rome

 This restaurant was the most interesting new cuisine that we ate when we were in Rome.  The food was very interesting and both the quality of the preparation and it's presentation were really quite good.  We stayed in the neighborhood around the Pantheon and it was very easy to get to, and a congenial crowd.  We initially had to wait a bit, but not too long and it was well worth it.  The anchovy appetizer was really quite beautiful, and the pickled vegetables that were paired with them were lightly flavored and delicious.

 The restaurant itself was set up in an interesting fashion.  There is a weird level of service.  The tables have drawers and you have to get your place setting and glass out of the drawer yourself.  A lot of it is disposable, which seems weird in a city where you have to sort your garbage.  Then you go to the cooler and serve yourself beverages.  If you want coffee (which I seem to always want because by the time I am no longer jet lagged it is time to go home), then you make it yourself.

This was my favorite dish that I had.  The pasta was a bit too al dente for me, but this combination of squash with whipped chestnut puree was exceptional in terms of being flavorful and a good pairing.  Excellent food.