Sora Margherita-- anyone been?

[dimsumgirl]

Supposed to be Jewish food on Piazza della Cinque Scole. I'd like to know what you'd recommend having from this place since it's listed on the Chowhound restaurants and bars

[vinoroma]

I agree with Katie and Maureen. We had heard a lot about the place so went there with friends last year. I can understand the lure of it if you are a tourist, and I don't know if I would go as far as saying terrible, but we definitely weren't impressed, found everything too muted down, too soggy, to "bah", and never went again. Wouldn't try again, either.

[sockster]

And that, ladies and gentleman, is what makes Chowhound so much fun. It's all our own personal opinions!!

[vinoroma]

well, sure, it is personal opinions, but there are some who are more equal, if I may borrow the phrase. We are talking about ingredient quality (artichokes in july!) and preparation technique (overcooked pasta) here. We all have personal opinions and tastes, like one can surely say " I don't like artichokes", which is perfectly fine (though I wouldn't understand you!), but a carciofo alla giudia in Rome has a season and a certain texture it MUST have.

[sockster]

And some people like red wine and some white...wonderful!

[vinoroma]

lol, yes, but how bout those who like rosè? ;)

[sockster]

Funny, I'm in Sorrento drinking vino bianco, with NO LABELS, and a pop out cork....and they're quite good...and btw, I love ROSE...(see Domaine Ott). also, love Roma!!

[jen kalb]

We have had the artichoke discussion before here. For those of us who are not in Rome year-round, the production of fried artichokes out of season even if from non-local artichokes is appreciated

[sockster]

Good Morning Jen and thanks for your support!! I agree!!

[erica]

Can we discuss the artichokes a bit more? For example, would it be correct to say that someplace in Italy, there will be artichokes growing in all seasons? (Near Pestum from January until May, and then in xxxxx place, etc?)

If not from Lazio, where do the artichokes served in Rome in summer originate?

I know there are various types of artichokes; can someone offer a general idea of where (in Italy) they are grown in each season?

[jen kalb]

might be worth keeping an eye on this blog
http://theartichokeblog.com/

[zerlina]

There was a fairly recent discussion of artichokes in Rome here:
http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/7032...

[erica]

Thanks..that was informative. I remember being near Paestum about two years ago and seeing trucks by the side of the road piled high with artichokes. The price was astoundingly low for anyone from the US--I think 10 for a euro!

But in Amalfi, at that same time, they told us that artichokes were not in season and therefore, not served in the places we ate. (If I remember correctly, they grow around Paestum until early/mid May). And Amalfi is IN Campania!

I will now put aside all planned afternoon tasks, and turn my attention to the Artichoke blog that Jen so kindly posted!

[mbfant]

The restaurants in the Rome Ghetto that offer the traditional Jewish fritti have always managed to serve artichokes year round, but it has always been a sort of don't ask-don't tell situation. If it is your one chance in your life to have carciofi alla giudia, OK, have it, but don't brag about it. Artichokes do not grow year-round in Italy. With the first heat they get bugs and go to seed and cede the scene to the zucchine romanesche, peppers, tomatoes, borlotti beans, and eggplants. For the last couple of years artichokes imported from France have been available when Italian artichokes are not, but what is the point?

[katieparla]

what is the point indeed! i hate to sound like a jerk here but it is pretty arrogant to demand out of season dishes just because you want them and can't be in rome when they happen to be in season. we still (for now!) have amazing seasonal produce in rome. pass on the fried artichokes in the summer and go for fiori di zucca - the male blossoms of roman zucchini stuffed with mozzarella, a sliver of salted anchovy, rolled in batter and deep fried.

[sockster]

I beg to differ with Katie- We were there early last week, and the cacio e pepe was out of this world. The fried artichoke starter was crisp and spot on. The house wine was excellent and we had a great server. Yes the quarters are a little tight...but you're in Rome, and this is a quintessential Roman experience.

[katieparla]

jen, terrrible is simply the only word to describe sora margherita's food. the quality of the ingredients is pitiful and the dishes are not cheap. i have absolutely nothing against "unrefined" cooking, obviously. but let's not confuse unrefined with bad ingredients.

sockster, carciofi alla giudia in july??? are you mad? i dont mind the cramped quarters. there is nothing wrong with the service, per se. im talking about the FOOD. im glad you enjoyed the cacio e pepe. the pajata i had last month was vile. and so were the gnocchi the previous month, and all the artichokes i had there this spring.

Sora M does not offer the quintessential roman experience. it is precisely for that reason people go. they are seeking out something unusual, atypical, a place that feels old school. it's a caricature.

[katieparla]

Sora Margherita is terrible. I guess the premise is intriguing-no sign outside, sloppily hand written menu, membership card required. but the food is dreadful and overpriced. They serve Roman Jewish and Roman specialties. But they do them badly. The gnocchi are pasty, and dont get me started on the fried artichokes which are soggy, never crispy. So I guess my recommendation would be not to have anything at this place and to go somewhere else.

[mbfant]

I agree completely, but most people think I'm being a food snob or something. But just because a place looks cute and typical doesn’t mean it's any good.

[dimsumgirl]

Thank you both for lettting me know. That will save me from sending my daughter to a terrible place. She is only in Rome in Trastavere for 5 weeks for her student exchange program. No reason to waste a meal at a bad place. I can't tell you how much I appreciate your replies! If you have places you would suggest on a 21 year old student budget, I would greatly appreciate it. They'll be going to Sicily for a weekend. Spending a couple of days in Florence, maybe Venice but most of the time in Rome near the University of Rome.

[dimsumgirl]

Katie, thanks for the feedback on Sora Margherita and your previous post on my inquiry about Rome. I've also referred my daughter to your blog and also to mbfant's. Both great reads.

[jen kalb]

Terrible is simply the wrong word to describe Sora Margherita IMO. its not refined cooking, maybe the pasta is too thick, for example, but the lamb in particular was excellent and everything tasted delicious when we were there a few years back. Plus it is friendly and the scene (mostly local workers) is ok. I understand that there may have been turnover in the kitchen staff, but it is still recommendable as a good cheap eat. Thats not to say there arent other places that may be more recommendable by Katie and Maureen in that price category.