Although (sadly) chestnut sellers can be seen throughout the year in Rome, December is when chestnuts really are in season. The wafting aroma of them roasting is a prelude to Christmas but there is so much more to these nuts than as a snack in a paper cone.
Mont - Andrea de Bellis
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www.andreadebellis.it
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Merangue, chestnut puree & cream make Mont Blanc a delicious dessert at any time but the version at Pasticceria De Bellis is simply a work of art.
Marron Glace
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| www.marronglaces.it |
Giulio Giulliani learnt the art of candied chestnut production in Switzerland and bought the skill back to Prati in Rome from where you can purchase marron glace today, at the shop on Via Paolo Emilio. Another favourite spot to acquire these sweet delights is at Moriondo e Gariglio, the historic chocolatier, in the Centro Storico.
Gelato
The finest chestnut gelato in Rome used to be found at Cafe Ciampini in Piazza San Lorenzo in Lucinda, Sadly a fire earlier this year resulted in the cafe closing down.
Grom is a chain of gelateria, originating in Turin, with not only stores all over Italy but also in cities in other parts of the world. At the Via Maddalena store, in December, it offers seasonal flavours, including marron glace made with candied chestnuts from Piedmont.
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| www.grom.it |
Beer
Yes, you read that correctly, you can even find a chestnut beer! Trimani, near Termini station stocks Birra del Borga CastagnAle, a chestnut ale produced in Lazio.
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| www.winesearcher.com |
