Cicoccolata e Vino

Cioccolata e Vino is not your typical Friday night bar. Here at Cioccolata e Vino they specialize in chocolate shots. Sure you can order your typical drinks here, but the chocolate shots steal the show. You may be wondering what a chocolate shot is. All the shots are served in a mini shot glass made of chocolate, yes the glasses are edible! The chocolate glasses are then filled with many different types of dessert liquors and then topped with a generous amount of whipped cream and finally garnished with a sprinkle of chocolate shaving or powder.

I stumbled upon Cioccolata e Vino as my friends and I were strolling through Trastevere one night on the quest for some fresh air. The name of the bar caught our attention as we were walking. Chocolate and wine sounded pretty interesting and there was a big crowd inside by the bar so we decided to give it a try. The place was a bit intimidating at first because there was a very large menu with a wide variety of drinks all in Italian. Each shot has a "special" name, names that are not suitable for a blog rated PG! 

There was a long line at the bar, but it goes fast. When it was finally our turn to order we didn't know what to get so we pointed to the shot the girl next to us was having and said "questo". The bartenders were very friendly and they were kind enough to explain to us how to take the shot. We were not allowed to take it a like a normal shot, but instead we were instructed to drop the whole cup in and then bite into it to release the alcohol. Although I don't know the name of the shot I had, it was still delicious. The alcohol came as a shock but the chocolate shot glass was a great chaser. With that being said make sure to visit Cioccolata e Vino next time you're in the Trastevere area! 

Alta Moda Alta Roma: Rome Fashion Week July 2014

We all know that Milano is the fashion center of Italia, but I was surprised to find out that Roma has its own fashion week! The Alta Moda Alta Roma is a bi-annual fashion week hosted in Roma every January and July. Fortunately for me I will be in town for the July fashion week which runs from July 12th to 16th. The July fashion week will debut designer's Haute Couture collection for Spring/Summer of the following year, while the January one features Fall/Winter collection. Although Roma fashion week is not well known as Milano fashion week, many well established designers like Valentino and Salvatore Ferragamo participate in Alta Roma.

Alta Moda Alta Roma brings together the ancient craftsmanship of Couture with new modern design. The show is housed in the Complesso Monumentale Santo Spirito in Sassia, Roma. Within these historic walls well know couture houses can be found alongside new rising stars. One of the most exciting events during Alta Roma is the WhoIsOnNext? competition. This is not merely a contest but rather Alta Roma views it as a scouting project organized in partners with Vogue Italia. The aim of this competition is to scout and promote young creative minds with Made-in-Italy creations. Six young and upcoming designers sent their design down the catwalk hoping to impress the crowd and make their big break. Although the fashion world can be fierce but here in Alta Roma there is room every trend and design. 

So if you're in town from July 12th- 16th then make sure to check out Alta Moda Alta Roma. With runway dedicated to the historic art of couture and new generations of creative minds Alta Roma is a must see. I will for sure being making my way here to check out the fashion week!