Why “at the Forum”? Well, first because they have pesky little rules against eating “in the forum”; there is no bar to speak of. And second, because breakfast “at the Forum” refers to the hotel where un cappuccino e cornetto can be had.
Given its location, it might as well be “in the forum”. Drop your camera from here and you’ll need to call the Archaeological Superintendent to retrieve it. To be precise, the Forum Hotel is technically “on the forum”. Demolish it and there would be more temples beneath, although we’ld be short one amazing spot per prendere un caffé.
Walk into the hotel like you own it and make a right to the elevators at the end of the lounge/hallway. Go to the 5th and top floor restaurant where hotel guests are having their continental breakfast. Nice but . . ham and cheese? At the end of the buffet area, greet the host (aka tip) and say you’re going di sopra (above). Order your cappuccino from the barista by his coffee machine to your right, and carry this yourself up the narrow old brick steps to your right. (Service upstairs begins in the evening for the busy cocktail hour)
You’ll have one the most spectacular terraces of Rome all to yourself, bougainvillea, roses, and jasmin in full bloom. Take the best table, you’ll know which, and enjoy your caffé . . the forum and all of ancient Rome at your feet.
– Contributed by GB (see bio), Editor, Italian Notebook.
