an intro Katie Parlas Rome
This app is a fantastic introduction to eating ones way through Rome. It has a simple interface that is both attractive and informative. Each restaurant entry is concise and is a good example of Katies skill as a reviewer. Katie is opinionated and well educated which makes for a formidable combination and is absolutely necessary when tackling a city like Rome. It represents a well curated collection of 175 restaurants, craft breweries and cocktail bars. It will take you all over the city (not just the centre, touristy areas) and allow you to spend as little or as much as you want. Of the restaurants we went to that she suggested, every review was bang on. Sadly we didnt have enough time for all 175!
It functions offline to avoid roaming charges which is useful and convenient though the map feature could be better - it pixelates when zoomed. My last complaint is that I wished there were a note taking feature, someway to quickly add my own photos and thoughts, right at the table. A simple star feature isnt enough for some eaters...
Interestingly, the FAQ section is one of the best Ive ever come across, it has Katies bio but also covers how to tip (for North Americans this is an invaluable bit of info), where to eat on Sundays and the Italian holidays, and even which cab companies are worth their salt. Best of all, the app links to Katies excellent blog, and suggests other ways to experience the food and wine of Rome through tours ( like her own), cooking classes and wine tasting courses. Ive heard that Romans appreciate value for money, well then Katies app is very Roman. It is worth every penny.
Jennifer Ruddy about
Katie Parla's Rome, v2.7