CCR Book Club - December 14, 2025

NB: Full/wait list open.

The CCR Book Club's Christmas-themed gathering will be a jovial lunchtime potluck around a discussion of the novel "The Berry Pickers" by Amanda Peters. In this story, a four-year-old Mi’kmaq girl goes missing from the blueberry fields of Maine, in a mystery that haunts the survivors, unravels a community, and remains unsolved for nearly fifty years. Themes include the search for truth, the shadow of trauma, and the persistence of love across time.

When: Sunday, Dec. 14, 2025

Time: 1 p.m.

Where: Private residence of CCR member (Villa Pamphili area). Exact address sent to confirmed participants by email. Open only to current members of the CCR. 

Potluck: Please let Lucy know what food you'll be bringing.

Further info & RSVP: canadarome@gmail.com ATTN Lucy. As space is limited, reservation is compulsory.

Noël Celebration - December 1, 2025

We're returning to our favourite Sardinian seafood restaurant for a festive feast to welcome the holiday season! Just take a look at the menu below and make your booking with family and friends. 

As always, seasonal attire is very welcome. We will have a carol singalong and a holiday quiz!

Appetizers

Oysters, scampi and shrimp 

Truffle-scented salmon

Salmon marinated in orange

Seared tuna with balsamic vinegar and soya sauce

Sea bream (spigola) carpaccio

Mussels sautéed with tomatoes

Fried baby octopus

Gateau of Sardinian crisp bread (Pane Carasau), pecorino (sheep) cheese and swordfish

Pasta dishes

Paccheri tube pasta with kingfish (ricciola) and Pachino cherry tomatoes

Creamy risotto with zucchini flowers and shrimp

Mains

Baked sea bass (branzino) with potatoes en croûte

Grilled scampi and prawns

Raw vegetables with Italian oil dip (Pinzimonio)

Sweets

Sorbet

Tiramisù 

Traditional Italian Sweet Loaf (Panettone) and bubbly

White wine: Sardinian Vermentino

Water, coffee, digestives

A special menu may be prepared for people who cannot eat fish or seafood, but this and any other dietary restrictions must be communicated in advance to the CCR.

When: Monday, Dec. 1, 2025

Where: Ristorante Eleonora D’Arborea, Corso Trieste 23

Time: 7:30 p.m.

Cost: CCR members €45; non-members €60.

RSVP: canadarome@gmail.com with the names of members of your party by email and proof of payment. Deadline 12 noon, Fri. Nov. 28, 2025. Please note that those arriving without reservations and payment will not be accommodated.

NB: Payment must be made in advance and will not be refunded for no-shows or late cancellations. Please inform us of any dietary requirements upon reservation and no later than Nov. 28th.

CCR Book Club - December 15, 2024

The CCR Book Club's Christmastime meeting will be a cozy lunchtime get-together. The group has decided to discuss a Christmas tale, "Brightly Shining" by Ingvild Rishoi (translated by Caroline Waight).  According to the New York Times, this short novel is "an emotionally packed little gem" that includes a "dose of Christmas magic."

When: Sunday, Dec. 15, 2024

Time: 1 p.m.

Where: Private residence of CCR member (Villa Pamphili area); exact address sent to confirmed participants by email. Open only to current members of the CCR. 

Potluck: Please let Lucy know what you'll be bringing.

Further info & RSVP: canadarome@gmail.com ATTN Lucy. As space is limited, reservation is compulsory.

Big Friends, Big Cheer! - December 12, 2024

Here's another chance to clink our glasses to holiday cheer. This informal evening will take place at an eatery called "Big Friends" -- and there's certainly a plan in that name!

When: Thursday, Dec. 12, 2024

Time: 6 p.m.

Where: Big Friends Rome - Eat and Drink, Via Elvia Recina 27 (near Piazza Tuscolo; closest metro stops: San Giovanni and Re di Roma)

Cost: €10 for the aperitivo menu including one drink, a board with cold cuts (2 types) and cheeses (2 types), plus 2 different types of suppli. Vegetarians can also be accommodated. No host; you will pay the venue directly for the menu plus any extras you order.

RSVP to canadarome@gmail.com ATTN Marielle to join our table by 10 Dec., 2024.

CCR Yuletide Dinner - December 4, 2023

The Canadian Club of Rome welcomes the holiday season with its fun, traditional dinner. Like last year, we'll have party favours and a festive quiz!

The menu will feature the excellent Sardinian fish and seafood delicacies of Ristorante Eleonora D'Arborea.

Welcome Prosecco

Salmon marinated in orange

Salmon with truffles

Sea bream (spigola) carpaccio

Seared tuna with balsamic vinegar and soya sauce

Mussels sautéed with tomatoes

Fried baby octopus

Shrimp in Vermentino sauce

Roasted octopus

Risotto with scampi cream

Paccheri tube pasta with kingfish (ricciola) and Pachino cherry tomatoes

Baked sea bass (branzino) with potatoes en croûte

Grilled scampi and jumbo shrimp (mazzancolle)

Wine: Sardinian white (Vermentino) and red (Cannonau)

Still and sparkling water

Traditional Italian sweet loaf (panettone)

Coffee

A special menu may be prepared for people who cannot eat fish or seafood, but this and any other dietary restrictions must be communicated in advance to the CCR.

When: Monday, Dec. 4, 2023

Where: Ristorante Eleonora D’Arborea, Corso Trieste 23.

Time: 7:30 p.m.

Cost: CCR members €50; non-members €60.

RSVP: canadarome@gmail.com with the names of members of your party by email and proof of payment no later than 12 noon Nov. 30, 2023, or whenever the maximum number is reached. Please note that those arriving without reservations will not be accommodated.

NB: Payment must be made in advance and will not be refunded for no-shows or late cancellations. Please inform us of any dietary requirements upon reservation and no later than Nov. 30th. 

Parking: Garage entrance at 29 Corso Trieste (before 8 p.m.) – 207/A Via Alessandria (after 8 p.m.).

CCR Book Club - December 18, 2022

As per tradition, the December CCR Book Club meeting will have a Christmastime theme at the home of one of our members. The book to be discussed is "Lessons in Chemistry" by Bonnie Garmus. The New York Times review says the author "created Elizabeth Zott, a chemist battling a sexist 1950s establishment, as the role model she craved."

When: Sunday, Dec. 18, 2022

Time: 1 p.m.
Where: Villa Pamphili area; exact address sent to confirmed participants by email.
Potluck Lunch: Please RSVP letting Lucy know what dish you will be preparing.
Further info & RSVP: canadarome@gmail.com ATTN Lucy.

CCR Holiday Dinner - December 3, 2019

Let's gather to welcome the holiday season! This is the perfect opportunity to enjoy great food and great company in early December before we are swept up in holiday travel and commitments.

The team at Casa Bleve in the historic centre is preparing to amaze us once again with their culinary delights as we toast the season.

Prosecco, juices, still and sparkling water

An astounding series of delightful appetizers

Tina Bleve's catch of the day, with side dishes

House specialty dessert

Red and white wines from their collection, and Passito [raisin wine] to accompany the dessert

Coffee

When: Tuesday December 3, 2019.
Time: 8 p.m. for aperitivi,  8:30 for dinner. Please be punctual.
Where: Via del Teatro Valle 48-49 (two blocks west of the Pantheon).
Dress: Business suit, holiday season attire.
Cost: CCR members €50, non-members €60.
RSVP and Proof of Payment: no later than 5 p.m. on Fri. Nov. 29 ATTN Luigi to lgirolametto@gmail.com. Payment: Bank transfer to -- Account name: Marielle Lacroix, Bank: Intesa San Paolo, IBAN: IT22U0306967684510329915862. Please specify "payment for 2019 holiday dinner."
NB: Space is limited. Please advise us of any food allergies or aversions when you reserve.

CCR Holiday Dinner - December 11, 2018

The Canadian Club of Rome’s holiday season dinner this year takes us back to Casa Bleve, where we had such a successful celebration four years ago.

Signora Tina Bleve and her team will welcome us back with a menu of:

Prosecco, juices, still and sparkling water
Her famous “sfizi” – mixed antipasti, with bread

Rombo [turbot] with zucchini flowers and potatoes

The house "Crema Pugliese" for dessert

Red and white wines from their collection, and Passito [raisin wine] to accompany the dessert
Coffee

When: Tuesday December 11, 2018.
Time: 8 p.m. for aperitivi,  8:30 for dinner.
Where: Via del Teatro Valle 48-49 (two blocks west of the Pantheon).
Dress: Business suit, holiday season attire.
Cost:  CCR members €50, non-members €60.
RSVP and Proof of Payment: no later than 5 p.m. on Fri. Dec. 7 to canadarome@gmail.com.
Payment: Bank transfer to -- Account name: Marielle Lacroix, Bank: Intesa San Paolo, IBAN: IT22U0306967684510329915862. Please specify "payment for 2018 holiday dinner."
NB: Space is limited. Please advise us of any food allergies or aversions when you reserve.

CCR Walks: From Saturnalia to the Befana - December 2, 2018

Join us as we explore Italian seasonal traditions such as the Saturnalia (aka Natale/Christmas), the Befana and others still, in an unlikely setting at Rome’s Museo delle Arti e Tradizioni Popolari, in the modernist neighborhood of EUR. The museum’s rich and diverse collection comprises over 5,000 ceramics, hundreds of regional costumes, working instruments, and artifacts tracing the ways in which the peoples of Italy celebrated and marked the changing seasons as well as their colourful and varied heritage.

When: Sunday, December 2, 2018
Time: 10:00
Meeting Place: In the vicinity of Museo delle Arti e Tradizioni Popolari “Lamberto Loria”, EUR
Cost: €10 for members and €15 for non-members. Please note there is an additional museum admission fee of €10.
RSVP: canadarome@gmail.com ATTN Joe by Thu., Nov. 29, 2018. You are financially responsible for your reservation.

CCR Kids: Christmas Party - December 17, 2017

You’re invited to a children’s Christmas party at the Official Residence!

There will be games (including a hockey match), Christmas craft-making and meeting Santa Claus!

Please bring the following items:

1.    A snack to share with everyone (sweet or savoury)
2.    A wrapped gift (write the name of your child on it and Santa will give it to your child)
3.    A gift to donate (can be a second hand toy in good condition)

Only current CCR members and their children may have access to this event. Limited spaces available.

When: Sunday, December 17, 2017
Time: 2-5 p.m.
Where: Via di Porta Latina – exact address sent to confirmed participants only.
RSVP by Dec. 1st (space limited) to canadarome@gmail.com ATTN Neeya.
NB You must be a current CCR member in good standing. Provide full name for the security list and bring ID to be shown at entrance.

Holiday Celebration Dinner - December 14, 2016

We'll have a special treat this year as we celebrate the holiday season! Bistrot 64 has recently been awarded a Michelin star for its beautiful and creative culinary delights. Chef Kotaro Noda and owner Emanuele Cozzo have designed a menu that will lead us to explore pairings and taste sensations that are surprising yet absolutely delicious, while also giving an approving nod to famous Roman dishes. Take a look at this menu!

Bubbly aperitif and finger food snacks

Appetizer:
Potato spaghetti with anchovy coulis

First course:
Rigatoni all’Amatriciana

Main course:
Chicken and chicory terrine

Dessert:
"BIANCO" - Ricotta, pear, coconut, white chocolate, passion fruit

Beverages:
Mineral water
White wine

Red wine
Coffee

Given the surge in bookings since Bistrot received its star of excellency, we have only a limited number of spaces available for this special dinner, so get your spots as soon as possible! We will also do a fun Secret Santa exchange to make the evening even more festive. 

When: Wednesday, Dec. 14, 2016
Where: Bistrot 64, Via Guglielmo Calderini 64 (Flaminio area).
Time: 8:30 p.m.
Cost: CCR members €55; non-members €65; each person should bring a fun, wrapped gift (value no more than €5-10) for the Secret Santa exchange.
Dress: business suit
RSVP and Payment: Bookings will only be accepted if accompanied by proof of payment with the email no later than 12 noon Monday, Dec. 12th. Space is limited. Please note that those arriving without reservations will not be accommodated. RSVP with PoP to Diana at canadarome@gmail.com. 
N.B. Please inform us of any dietary requirements no later than Dec. 12th.

CCR Kids: Secret Santa Fun - December 6, 2015

Once again, Santa Claus will be making a special appearance for the CCR! The venue will be “Bimbilandia” – a huge amusement centre for children up to 10 years of age, with bouncy castles, ball pit, jungle room, etc. plus a snack shack.

What’s up with the “Secret Santa” bit? Everyone is invited to bring a wrapped gift for a child (possibly with a label indicating boy/girl and a suitable age range) that will be donated to less fortunate children. Parents are also welcome to bring a wrapped gift for their own child or children (with their name on it) for our own Santa to give out during the get-together.

CCR member Neeya Jacob will be there to receive you from 3:30 p.m. onwards. We look forward to seeing you and your kids there! And bring your friends, too, because we all know “the more… the merrier!”

Where: Bimbilandia, Viale di Tor di Quinto 55/57; ample parking area; venue open from 10-1p.m. and 2:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m.
When: Sunday, December 6, 2015
Time: meet up & start playing 3:30 on; Santa arrives at 4:30.
Cost: Children €10 for access to the play area. This price actually gives you access in the morning as well, should you wish to take your child in the morning and come back in the afternoon to meet Santa. It also includes a €2 membership card that can be used for future access to the play area that gets you in for €6 on weekday evenings and €8 for morning and evening on Saturdays or Sundays.

CCR Holiday Season Dinner - December 14, 2015

There is no better way to celebrate the holiday season than an elegant dinner shared with friends. Known for its fresh fish and seafood prepared in the tradition and flavours of Sardegna, our restaurant choice for this year is Ristorante Eleonora D’Arborea.

To add to the holiday spirit, we’ll be having a 'Secret Santa' gift exchange. We ask that you each bring a small wrapped gift to exchange at the dinner. Funny, silly or serious, it should not cost more than 5 to 10 euros. Just one more way to have fun!

Ambassador to the Quirinale H.E. Peter McGovern and his wife, Mrs. Sharon McGovern, and Ambassador to the Holy See H.E. Dennis Savoie and his wife, Mrs. Claudette Savoie, will be joining us.

Holiday Welcome Drink

Appetizers

Sea bream (spigola) carpaccio

Salmon marinated in orange

Oysters

Tuna with balsamic vinegar and soya sauce

Mussels sauteed with fresh cherry tomatoes

Gateau of Sardinian crisp bread (Pane Carasau), pecorino (sheep) cheese and swordfish

Fried baby octopus 

First Courses (Primi)

Seafood risotto

Pacchero tube pasta with kingfish (ricciola) and Pachino cherry tomatoes

Second Courses

Baked sea bass (branzino) with potatoes en croute

Grilled scampi and jumbo shrimp (mazzancolle)

Fresh vegetables with Italian oil dip (Pinzimonio)

Lemon sorbet or Almond parfait

Traditional Italian Sweet Loaf (Panettone), fruit, Sardinian cookies

Digestive liqueurs

Coffee

Wine: Vermentino di Sardegna

When: Monday, Dec. 14, 2015
Where: Ristorante Eleonora D’Arborea, Corso Trieste 23.
Time: 8 p.m.
Cost: CCR members €45; non-members €50; each person should bring a fun, wrapped gift (value no more than €5-10) for the Secret Santa exchange. 
Dress: business suit 
RSVP and Payment: no later than 12 noon Thursday, December 10. Please note that those arriving without reservations cannot be accommodated.  RSVP to Linda at canadarome@gmail.com 
NB:  You are financially responsible for your reservation. Payment must be made in advance. Details will be given upon reservation.
Please inform us of any dietary requirements no later than December 9th. A special menu will be prepared for people who do not eat fish or seafood, but this and other dietary restrictions must be communicated to the CCR by December 9th.
Parking: garage entrance at  29 Corso Trieste (before 8 p.m.) – 207/A Via Alessandria (after 8 p.m.).

CCR Book Club - December 16, 2015

Our December book club get-together will be very festive, as per tradition! The novel chosen for this month is "Nemesis" by Philip Roth.

When: Wednesday, Dec. 16, 2015
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Where: Monteverde/Pamphili area -- exact address sent to confirmed participants by email.
Potluck Dinner: Please RSVP letting Nicoletta know what dish you will be preparing for 6 people.
Further info & RSVP: canadarome@gmail.com ATTN Nicoletta Barbarito.

CCR Holiday Season Party - December 16, 2014

The Canadian Club of Rome is holding its 2014 holiday party at Casa Bleve, one of Rome's most famous enoteca-restaurants, equally renowned for its wine and its food. Members and friends can enjoy aperitivi and a delicious sit-down dinner with wine in Bleve's elegant covered cortile with its stained glass ceiling. This is the perfect opportunity to celebrate the year coming to an end and share plans for 2015. Space is limited, so please reserve early to avoid disappointment.

Menu -  a variety of fresh antipasti,  a hot primo with funghi porcini, a selection of Italian cheeses with marmellate, holiday desserts, coffee.
Prosecco, white, red and dessert wines, and still and sparkling water will accompany the meal.
The menu can accommodate vegetarians and people with an allergy to gluten.

When: Tuesday, December 16, 2014
Where: Casa Bleve, Via del Teatro Valle 48 (centro storico, two blocks west of the Pantheon)
Time: 8:00 p.m. aperitivi, 8:30 dinner
Cost: CCR members €35, non-members €50
Dress: business suit 
RSVP no later than Friday Dec. 12th at 5.00 p.m. to canadarome@gmail.com 
NB: You are financially responsible for your reservation. 
Please inform us of any dietary requirements upon RSVP.

CCR Family Event: Secret Santa - December 2, 2014

Santa Claus will be making a special appearance for the CCR! This will be an event for the whole family, as the kids will play, snack and do Christmas crafts in addition to meeting Santa, while the adults enjoy an apéritif and socialize as well joining in some games and fun activities. The venue will be “Bimbilandia” – a huge amusement centre for children up to 10 years of age, with beautiful playgrounds, bouncy castles, ball pit, jungle room, and sports, etc., plus a special area for the tiny tots aged 0 to 4. Ice-skating is also available at an extra charge later in the evening.

What’s up with the “Secret Santa” bit? Everyone is invited to bring a wrapped gift for a child (possibly labeling it with boy/girl and a suitable age range) that will be donated to less fortunate children. Parents are also welcome to bring a wrapped gift for their own child or children (with their name on it) for our own Santa to give out during the get-together.

Bring your friends, too, because we all know “the more… the merrier!”

Where: Bimbilandia, Viale di Tor di Quinto 55/57; ample parking area.
When: Tuesday, December 2, 2014
Time: 6:00 p.m.  
Cost: Adults  €10 (includes apéritif with 2 drinks), Children €8 for access to the play area, also optional food for children available €5.
More info & RSVP by Nov. 28, 2014 ATTN Oksana to canadarome@gmail.com (please indicate whether you would also like the kids’ menu for your children)