Vivi Bistro + Brunch {Spring in Rome}

April 08, 2015

Vivi Bistro + Brunch {Spring in Rome}

You keep using that word. I do not think it means what you think it means.

Late March and early April in Rome is a lovely but volatile time. It is usually sunny and the days are definitely warmer, but there is also sure to be a drenching storm or a cool breeze. Spring in Rome means it is not quite beach weather, but I still want to be outside. In this in-between season we head to one of Rome's prettiest parks the Villa Pamphilli. Right at the entrance on via Vitellia is Vivi Bistrot. Vivi Bistrot is a place that has a lot of things figured out. In particular serving brunch.

Brunch is word that you see used at a lot of Roman restaurants on the weekend. While you may have visions of steamer trays filled with scrambled eggs and grilled sausages, an omelet station and long table piled with desserts there is something lost in translation. What you find instead is a buffet of traditional italian food. Things like salads, vegetables, cold meats and pasta. Delicious yes, but probably not exactly what you had in mind.

Vivi Bistrot serves a weekend brunch that includes all of my favorite things, beginning with a plate of scrabbled eggs with crispy bacon and a broiled tomato. Next out comes a plate of a small stack of pancakes with maple syrup and a bowl of fruit topped yogurt. You can have American style coffee if you like or add a fresh juice with ginger.

The part I like best about brunch at Vivi Bistrot comes after we have finished our meal. We find a spot in the vast daisy strewn grounds, spread out the beach blankets and enjoy a springtime nap in the sunshine.

If you would rather not have a sit down restaurant meal you can create a picnic basket to go from the counter inside where there are individual sized quiche Lorraine, pancakes, sandwiches and salads.