"Have you ever experienced food so good that you would wait for hours just to get a taste? Well, welcome to AL42 by Pasta Chef Rione Monti, a restaurant in the heart of Rome that will have you drooling from the moment you step foot inside. From mouthwatering dishes to unforgettable encounters, this culinary haven is a must visit for any foodie traveler. Now, before I delve into the gastronomic wonderland that is AL42, let's address the elephant in the room the wait. Yes, my dear friends, there is typically a wait to enter this renowned establishment. But trust me when I say it's worth every minute of anticipation. We arrived around 7 p.m. and had to endure over an hour of longing stares at the lucky patrons savoring their meals. But hey, good things come to those who wait, right? Pro tip: If you want to minimize your waiting time, I'd recommend arriving at least 30 minutes early. And don't worry, the lively atmosphere in the queue will keep you entertained as you exchange stories with fellow food enthusiasts. Now, here's the catch there's no toilette at AL42. Yes, you heard that right. But hey, when you're about to embark on a culinary adventure of this magnitude, who needs a restroom anyway? Just make sure to plan your pit stops strategically before you get in line. So, what's the deal with the opening hours? AL42 opens its doors twice daily for a limited period from 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., and again from 7:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Oh, and they're closed on Tuesdays, so plan accordingly. It's always advisable to double check their timings before you make your way to this food paradise. Once it's finally your turn, Chef Rione Monti himself will greet you and whisk you away to the menu hanging enticingly on the wall. Prepare to be enchanted as he passionately explains every dish, making your taste buds tingle with anticipation. Trust me; this man is a culinary wizard. After much deliberation, you'll place your order with the lovely ladies behind the counter. Don't worry; they're experts at multitasking and handling the sea of hungry customers. Just remember that there's a nominal charge for having your leftovers packed in a to go box. It's a small price to pay for the opportunity to savor these flavors later. Now, let's talk about the food. Oh, dear reader, I can hardly find the words to describe the sheer bliss that graced our palates. Chef Rione Monti was not exaggerating when he proclaimed his Carbonara to be the best. And let me tell you, as an American, I humbly admit that our attempts at Carbonara pale in comparison. This dish was beyond superb; it was life changing. In addition to the Carbonara, our party of four indulged in a feast of flavors. We ordered four different dishes, each more extraordinary than the last. Brace yourself for the culinary lineup: Fettuccine with Bolognese Sauce: Homemade with fresh egg pasta, a divine mix of beef and pork, tomatoes, and Parmesan cheese. It's a classic done to perfection. Fettuccine Alfredo: Homemade with fresh egg pasta, clarified butter, Parmesan cheese, milk, and cream. Creamy, dreamy, and utterly indulgent. Tonnarelli Alla Carbonara: Homemade with fresh egg pasta, tantalizing jowls, eggs, Pecorino Romano cheese, and a sprinkle of black pepper. Prepare to be blown away by the authentic taste. Ravioli: Homemade with fresh egg pasta, generously filled with ricotta cheese and seasonal vegetables. Each bite is like a tiny burst of joy. To complement our feast, we couldn't resist ordering a Caprese salad made with the freshest tomatoes, artisan buffalo mozzarella from Campania, and fragrant basil. It was so good that we found ourselves returning for a second round during our stay in Rome. As I sit here, reminiscing about our AL42 experience, I can't help but urge you to add it to your travel bucket list. The wait, the lack of a toilette, the opening hours these are mere obstacles that pale in comparison to the culinary bliss that awaits you. With a glowing 4.7 star rating from over 4.1k reviews at the time of this post, I can safely say that AL42 is a culinary masterpiece that will leave you longing for more. So, fellow foodies and adventurers, go forth and savor the delights of AL42. Immerse yourself in the magic of Chef Rione Monti's creations, revel in the bustling atmosphere, and let your taste buds dance with joy. Just remember, good things come to those who wait. Bon appétit!"
Pastaalfredo
