Random Sights: Clever Vending Machine Solution in Rome

Earlier this week in Rome as Frank and I were walking from the Spanish Steps to the restaurant we were going to have dinner at, we spotted this clever bit of entrepreneurship. This little shop had closed for the night and pulled down its metal shutter but was still open for selling cigarettes. By cutting a few strategic holes in the metal shutter passersbys could still use the cigarette vending machine. Just to be sure you didn't miss it, there was a lit up blue and white "T" sign indicating a Tabacchi and proclaming it was open 24 hours for self serve. It totally cracked me up!

Comments

[Courtney Craig]

My husband and I leave for Rome on Thursday. We are currently researching dining options, and would love to know about any restaurants you'd recommend from your current stay. Please feel free to email me any suggestions! Thanks!
Courtney

[Lisa]

Hi Courtney! How fun that you are going to Rome! It is one of my favorite cities and full of wonderful dining options. We ate pizzas and paninis at little hole in the wall places for a few Euro that were incredibly delicious. For some nice dinner options we splurged and went to the following places:

Taverna Urbana: Fabulous little restaurant with great seafood and a window view of the kitchen. An 80 something year old woman runs the restaurant and we enjoyed watching her prepare our food.
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g187791-d1176957-Reviews-Taverna_Urbana-Rome_Lazio.html

Il Brillo Parlante: Cozy restaurant with excellent service and delicious food.
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g187791-d1007858-Reviews-Il_Brillo_Parlante-Rome_Lazio.html

Ad Hoc: Wonderful atmosphere, impeccable service and amazing food. We got the "Land" tasting menu for a big splurge and loved every bite of it. It was definitely very pricey but it was worth it to us. They even gave me a bottle of complementary sparkling wine when we left.
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g187791-d1381800-Reviews-Ad_Hoc-Rome_Lazio.html

You can get tasty gelato everywhere in Rome (I had it at least once a day) but if you have a chance try to go to Giolitti near the Pantheon. It is absolutely amazing!
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g187791-d1061568-Reviews-Giolitti-Rome_Lazio.html

Frank and I had amazing weather on our trip and I hope you do as well. Have a wonderful time!