Wine, Roses and Cuisine Perfectly in RomeThe Perfect Winter VacationBy Christopher J. DaviesIf you are thinking about making a winter vacation to Rome, odds are that you really love delicious food and wine. Rome's mild Mediterranean weather allows you to eat outside as early as a sunny March afternoon. Best of all, you will find the city less crowded than during spring or summer.Rome's many tourist sites are within walking distance of the world famous Spanish Steps which climb a steep slope between the Piazza di Spagna at the base and Piazza Trinità dei Monti, dominated by the church of Trinità dei Monti. The Scalinata-as the steps are known to the Romans-is the widest staircase in Europe.At the top sits one of the highest acclaimed hotels in the world: The Hotel Hassler. It is owned and personally managed by Robert Wirth, one of the most detail-oriented owners in the hotel industry. Mr. Wirth is a member of a Swiss hotel family dynasty.During World War II, The Hotel Hassler was the European headquarters for Dwight D. Eisenhower and his staff. It has been impeccably refurbished and enhanced by Mr. Worth. In recent years the hotel has hosted many celebrities, heads of state and even Princess Diana, who booked under an alias. Today, the Hassler offers 95 individually decorated rooms and suites. Spacious and elegant, each Grand Deluxe room has its own exclusive décor and atmosphere. Some may feature a separate sitting area, walk-in closet, or work area with high-speed Internet connection, while others offer originally-designed luxury marble bathrooms, a private balcony or gazebo, or sofa beds for family occupancy. Large and luminous, the Grand Deluxe rooms are symbols of the Hassler's unique style: the perfect marriage of classicdecoration and Italy’s finest materials with a contemporary touch. The Grand Deluxe rooms have either a garden-side or city view. Some of the Grand Deluxe rooms are connectable to suites.My wife and I were fortunate to stay in room 514, a special Grand Deluxe room with a private balcony overlooking the church of Trinità dei Monti with an aerial view of the Spanish Steps. The room was exquisitely appointed.Grand Deluxe Room 630€. Rates vary by season. Check for deals!IMAGO RESTAURANTThe Hassler’s 6th floor panoramic Michelin-starred restaurant provides a taste of Rome in both the cuisine and the breathtaking view of the city that greets guests as if a beautiful life-size painting fills each window. This spectacular location is loved by the Roman locals and international guests alike.This is Rome's haute dining at its best!If you are looking for an amazing experience, try:MENÙ DEGUSTAZIONE: TASTING MENUCrostino alle amarene, terrina di foie grasMorello cherry crouton, foie gras terrineCarpaccio di scampi alla polvere di lime, chutney di fichi e peperoncinoLime-dusted scampi carpaccio, fig and chili pepper chutneyCapesante impanate, ripiene di mozzarella di bufala, foglie di sedano e tartufo neroBreaded sea scallops, stuffed with Buffalo mozzarella, celery leaves and black truffleUn’idea di raviolo, polipetti affogati e lamponi disidratatiAn idea of raviolo, stewed baby octopus and dried raspberriesCapellini aglio olio e peperoncino, anguilla affumicata e polvere di cacaoCapellini pasta with garlic, olive oil and chili pepper, smoked eel and cocoa powderMerluzzo carbonaro glassato al sake, calamaretti in campo viola Sake-glazed black cod, baby squids and purple vegetables Piccione arrostito al te nero e agrumi, fagioli zolfiniRoasted pigeon with black tea and citrus fruits, zolfini beansDolce finale Imàgo: Sweet ending.Hours: Dinner from 7:30pm to 10:30pm. Open 7 days a week.Website: www.imagorestaurant.com The Hotel Hassler is worth every Euro! You can't get a better quality hotel, better view or location in Rome. Remember, life is not a dress rehearsal.Visit: www.hotelhasslerroma.com///Resources: Italian Tourist BoardGet info, links to resources, request brochures. http://www.italiantourism.com/
