Rome, Italy: Hard Rock Cafe

After all those pastas and pizzas, and delicious as they may be, a brief interlude away from the cuisine would nevertheless be something that would really be quite welcomed. Sans "Asian" food, which most likely won't taste as satisfying as what you can get back home, there is always the good ol' American-style burger which I know I can count on to delight my gastronomic senses. And when in Rome, look no further, because you know where to go.


Hard Rock Cafe, the iconic American restaurant that is probably as familiar and as comforting as MacDonald's can get around the world. For English speakers in a non English speaking country, this is the place for you to just sit back and relax in your comfort zone as you indulge in the all-too-recognisable steaks and burgers.


Come to think of it, Hard Rock Cafe could even pass of as a famous American embassy of food and music. It's all good beef and good rock and roll inside baby.



And if I may add, the Hard Rock Cafe in Rome is about art in good taste too. Having stared at ceilings after ceilings of religious paintings in churches, the pictures of cherubs playing guitars, drums and piano here were definitely something that brought a chuckle and smile to my face.



There's so much life and charm to this place that somehow or another it felt very homely and comfortable after some time. I thought service here was awesome, never mind that it can be quite slow when it's packed to the brim with people, but once you got the attention of one wait staff you can be assured that she would take good care of you throughout your meal. She would do such a good job of it that marriage would suddenly seem like an attractive option as well.

Hickory Barbecue Cheeseburger


But enough of the schoolboy fantasies for now, let's get down and dirty and talk about... food. The Hickory Barbecue Cheeseburger, I am pleased to report, was fantastic. The ginormous beef patty (ironically overshadowed by my heap of double-serving fries) was wonderfully well-grilled, with the meat deliciously fork-tender and juicy. The barbecue sauce and melted cheese only added more flavour to this commendable burger. Well done.

Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie & Chocolate Mousse


The dessert shooters were just too sinful. It was thick and smooth chocolate mousse for both, but my peanut butter pie went one up and had it all mixed with thick swirls of peanut butter. It got me on a high, that's for sure.


And of course, there's dear Erica, who made my night complete ;)

Service
Perfect marks for Erica. I'm biased, I know.

Price
€14.25 for the hickory barbecue cheeseburger
€4.25 for each dessert shooter
€3.75 for refillable sodas

Place
Hard Rock Cafe Rome, 62A Via Vittorio Veneto,
Rome, Italy.

Pictures taken with the Canon EOS 500D.