I have been wanting to try restaurant Al Moro in Rome for quite some time, but for many reasons it didn’t work out…it was closed for the day, opened too late etc.
It is only a couple of streets from the Trevi Fountain (the restoration is almost complete) but it is not a tourist destination at all.
Finally I found it open.
There was a fine display of freshly collected mushrooms at the door.
Al Moro is old school Rome. The waiters are mostly older gentlemen in suits. They don’t speak a lot of English, but they are very courteous and helpful…and the food is delicious.
My first course was anchovies with bread and butter.
Second course was an all time favourite of mine, osso buco.
I was happily eating my osso buco when Helen Mirren walked in with a group of people. I loved her in The Queen and several other movies. I would love to have taken a photo for you but I felt it would be rude and intrusive.
I know she is just a person like everyone else, but film stars do take on a larger than life presence and having her walk in and sit nearby really is like having a unicorn step into your garden and begin to eat your flowers.
I can report that she is much prettier in the flesh than on the screen.
As I just finished my dinner, I could read this post without much trouble 🙂
Thank you so much for sharing 🙂
By: Sreejith Nair on October 22, 2015
at 3:41 pm
I am pleased not to have upset you.
By: Debra Kolkka on October 22, 2015
at 4:02 pm
Being a foodie, it’s unbearable for to see such delicious stuff with an empty tummy 🙂
By: Sreejith Nair on October 23, 2015
at 5:54 am
I am certain that Helen Mirren would have appreciated your kind gesture. It must be a pain not to be able to have some privacy to enjoy a meal with friends. Well done!
By: Mulino Dominillo on October 22, 2015
at 3:49 pm
I’m sure famous people must get tired of being pestered.
By: Debra Kolkka on October 22, 2015
at 4:03 pm
Love your analogy of the unicorn in the garden. 🙂
By: Karen Overton on October 22, 2015
at 4:18 pm
I’m sure I heard the unicorn comparison somewhere, and it is true.
By: Debra Kolkka on October 23, 2015
at 8:17 am
lucky dog!!!. and the food looks spectacular. George M.
By: george Miori on October 22, 2015
at 4:56 pm
It was a great evening.
By: Debra Kolkka on October 23, 2015
at 8:17 am
She is an amazing woman……….
By: Moira Drexler on October 22, 2015
at 5:41 pm
She speaks her mind. I like that.
By: Debra Kolkka on October 23, 2015
at 8:18 am
Very cool! I adore her and the unicorn analogy was perfect!
By: bonniegm on October 22, 2015
at 5:46 pm
She is a terrific actress and gives a good interview.
By: Debra Kolkka on October 23, 2015
at 8:18 am
Admire you for being respectful of her private life. It’s enough to savour the moment in your memory without having to share the proof on social media… 🙂
By: MELewis on October 22, 2015
at 7:17 pm
It was clearly a private evening with friends.
By: Debra Kolkka on October 23, 2015
at 8:19 am
Osso bucco, yummy! Good for you, leaving Ms Mirren to enjoy her company and her meal, bravo!
By: Marcia Clarke on October 22, 2015
at 7:32 pm
Yes, what a bonus, osso buco and Helen Mirren.
By: Debra Kolkka on October 23, 2015
at 8:20 am
Beautiful restaurant. Helen Mirren is also one of my favourites. What a treat
By: Lyn on October 22, 2015
at 8:07 pm
I was very pleased with the evening.
By: Debra Kolkka on October 23, 2015
at 8:20 am
Jimmy Barnes and now Helen Mirren, what luck.. My lucky day was Peter Allen at Milanos. See you soon.
By: Kirsi Säde on October 22, 2015
at 8:55 pm
It is fun when a celebrity is spotted. I come carrying bread.
By: Debra Kolkka on October 23, 2015
at 8:21 am
Hi Debra, that was a lovely bonus for your dinner at Al Moro. Helen Mirren is a fantastic actress. Hope she enjoyed her dinner as much as you did yours. It looked delicious.
Cheers
Robyn
In Annecy, France
By: italia4ever on October 22, 2015
at 9:06 pm
They all appeared to enjoy themselves.
By: Debra Kolkka on October 23, 2015
at 8:22 am
how special – all of it – crockery included.
By: Jan on October 22, 2015
at 9:49 pm
It is a lovely old restaurant.
By: Debra Kolkka on October 23, 2015
at 8:22 am
An amazing restaurant by the look of it! And what a treat seeing Helen Mirren! One of my favourite actors too!
By: Pauline on October 22, 2015
at 10:44 pm
She is terrific isn’t she?
By: Debra Kolkka on October 23, 2015
at 8:22 am
Will try Al Moro in May when we are back in Rome. Thanks Debra
By: Paul & Shirley on October 22, 2015
at 11:46 pm
It might pay to book ahead. It is quite popular.
By: Debra Kolkka on October 23, 2015
at 8:23 am
What a treat: a delicious meal and Helen!
By: Mallee Stanley on October 23, 2015
at 1:27 am
Double treat in Rome.
By: Debra Kolkka on October 23, 2015
at 8:23 am
Sounds like my type of restaurant. Thanks for sharing.
By: Anonymous on October 23, 2015
at 5:04 am
I don’t think too many tourists make it there. It seemed to be popular with locals, always a good sign.
By: Debra Kolkka on October 23, 2015
at 8:24 am
What a treat to enjoy this lovely experience vicariously—thank you!
By: Catherine Leonardo on October 23, 2015
at 2:13 pm
Two beauties in one place…the food and Helen Mirren…your lucky day!
By: Kerry & Jim on October 23, 2015
at 10:19 pm
Oh what a total delight Deb. The stuff of wonderful blog posts too!
By: janinevasta on October 26, 2015
at 9:42 am