Historical Aperitivo: Marie Antoinette - February 5, 2026

Marie Antoinette’s destiny is often recounted as a Shakespearean tragedy defined by hamartia, conflict, catastrophe, and a glimpse of restored order within the French Revolution. She is the most well-known of Maria Theresa’s sixteen children. The only female ruler of the Hapsburg dynasty, Maria Theresa excelled in early modern marriage politics, and “happily ever after” was the exception -- certainly not Marie Antoinette’s case.

Queen Marie Antoinette in 1787 with Marie Thérèse, Louis Charles, and Louis Joseph. Palace of Versailles (Wikimedia Commons)

Inspired by the blockbuster exhibition at London’s Victoria and Albert Museum, we will revisit Marie Antoinette’s agency in the fishbowl that was Versailles. Was she an innocent in the wrong place at the wrong time? Did her acts of disloyalty have malicious intent? Or was she, perhaps, a Helen of Troy whose face launched 17,000 guillotine blades? She was, in part, all of those things. Our contemporary view of her tends to emphasize idolization and pity more than hatred and outrage.  We will be so bold as to ask why.

Light refreshments will follow the lecture and discussion with historian Christine Contrada.

When: Thursday, February 5th, 2026.

Time: 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Where: Private residence (near Corso Trieste); exact address sent to confirmed participants.

Cost: €15 members; €20 non-members (who must, however, be guests of a current member)

RSVP: canadarome@gmail.com ATTN Marina.

NB: Book early, as space is limited. Payment required by 3 Feb. 2026.

Welcome New Year Aperitivo - January 9, 2026

Join us, after the end of the winter holiday period in Italy, to toast the new year. We'll be soothed by the jazzy sounds of Hotel Quirinale’s house pianist as we catch up over a glass and an aperitivo spread!

When: Friday, Jan. 9, 2026
Time: 6:30-8:30 p.m. 
Where: Hotel Quirinale, Via Nazionale 7
Cost: Advance payment of €20 for CCR members and €25 for non-members, including a choice of 1 drink (wine, beer, or cocktail) and an assortment of coldcuts, cheeses, fritti, olives, etc.. Any additional drinks must be paid to the server right after ordering ("No Host").
RSVP & PoP: canadarome@gmail.com ATTN Marina by  Jan. 7th.

The Secret Garden Aperitivo - September 11, 2025

Join us for a late summer aperitivo at Le Serre Barberini, in the elegant seventeenth century gardens of Palazzo Barberini. The beautiful glass serre (greenhouses), designed by architect Francesco Azzurri (1827-1901) and completed during the 19th-century reorganization of the gardens, are now open to the public. They overlook the labyrinth garden, with its curious little cork house and the Egyptian granite stele of Amon-Ra, the sun god, originally found at the temple of Isis in Campo Marzio.

When: Thursday, Sept. 11, 2025

Time: 6:00-8:00p.m.

Where: Le Serre Barberini, Via delle Quattro Fontane,13

Cost: €27 for members and €32 for non-members; includes 1 drink per person (choice of a cocktail -- Spritz, Hugo, Negroni, gin  & tonic, gin lemon, vodka tonic, vodka lemon or americano -- or a glass of white or red wine, served with cold cuts and cheese, Forno Serpenti artisan bread, vegetable tabbouleh, pizzette, olives, chips, peanuts, pistachio, and pretzels, along with still and sparkling water. Advance, non-refundable payment is required to confirm your place.

Please note: You will be charged individually for any additional orders beyond the set menu listed above.

RSVP & Proof of Payment: to canadarome@gmail.com ATTN Marina by close of business on 8 Sept.

Island Dream Aperitivo - June 20, 2025

Let's clink glasses and taste the tropics as we imagine ourselves at a Balinese beach bar! This evening there will also be a traditional dance performance.

When: Friday, June 20, 2025

Time: 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Where: Bali Bar, Via del Mattonato 29 (Trastevere)

Cost: €15 for a glass of prosecco or of red or white wine plus a mixed appetizer plate. No host: you will pay the restaurant directly for the menu plus any extras you order.

RSVP to canadarome@gmail.com ATTN Marielle by 18 June, 2025.

Barberini Drinks - June 12, 2025

Let’s raise a glass to summer on Cinema Barberini's fashionable rooftop. This multi-level venue will give you a unique perspective on Via Veneto and Piazza Barberini while you sip one of their signature drinks accompanied by sophisticated finger food.

When: Thursday, June 12, 2025
Time: 6:30-8:30p.m.
Where: Terrazza Barberini, Piazza Barberini, 24-25-26.
Cost: No-host, i.e. you will be responsible for your own order. But please confirm your attendance so we save you a spot.

RSVP: by the 9th of June to canadarome@gmail.com ATTN Marina.

Historical Aperitivo: Napoleon and the Repubblica Romana - September 23, 2024

We're going to gather again at the gourmet hang-out, Plebiscito, just steps away from the famous enclosed balcony of the apartment where Napoleon Bonaparte's mother lived. That's no accident because we'll have historian Christine Contrada telling us more about the famous revolutionary general and his connections to Rome, while we enjoy a delicious aperitivo.

When: Monday, Sept. 23, 2024

Time: 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Where: Plebiscito Cucina Bar Mercato, Via del Plebiscito 104 (near Piazza Venezia)

Cost: €20 for the aperitivo combo with a drink (wine, beverage or select cocktails), water, focaccia, and charcuterie board (or vegetarian/vegan option: pinzimonio with veggies rather than coldcuts and cheese). Each participant is responsible for their individual payment, including any extras ordered.

RSVP: canadarome@gmail.com ATTN Marina to secure a spot with us.

Historical Aperitivo: Garibaldi’s Staten Island Sojourn - June 18, 2024

In 1851, having barely escaped Italy with his life, Giuseppe Garibaldi moved into the humble home of Antonio Meucci on Staten Island, in New York City. What does this episode on the periphery of the Risorgimento tell us about this complex and larger than life historical figure carrying the weight of the world on his shoulders? Historian Christine Contrada, who described the ominous death of Julius Cesar on the Ides of March for us, is returning to give a brief explanation of Garibaldi's connections to Rome and the historic Testaccio district.

When: Tuesday, June 18, 2024

Time: 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Where: Angelineria Cocktail Salotto, Via Galvani 24 (Testaccio area)

Cost: €15 for the aperitivo combo with a drink (wine, beer or select cocktails) and snacks including mini arancino, mini focaccia, olives and chips. Other food options available. Each participant is responsible for payment of whatever they order.

RSVP: canadarome@gmail.com ATTN Marina to secure a spot at our table.

Multi-Sensory Aperitivo - April 18, 2024

Join us in this multi-sensory space where gastronomy blends with art and culture. Both an exhibition space and a fun boutique are part of this venue. An aperitif awaits you with a dedicated menu, punctuated by the sound of bells from an adjacent church. Even Quasimodo would enjoy it!

On Thursdays there's live music starting at 9:30, so you could make an evening of it if you decide to stay on.

When: Thursday, Apr. 18, 2024

Time:  6-8 p.m.

Where: Caffè Delle Esposizioni, Via Nazionale 194A

Cost: No host, i.e. each person pays for whatever they order, including water, bread, etc. For example, a cocktail or glass of wine with a charcuterie board or a vegetarian mix is €15.

RSVP: canadarome@gmail.com ATTN Marielle by noon on Apr. 16th to secure a spot at our table.

Party Like It's the Ides of March Aperitivo - March 14, 2024

Hac nocte pars amet est similis XCIX like "Senator Prince" used to sing! The theme of this aperitivo will be ancient Rome around the Ides of March. Feel free to don your most authentic or most kitschy ancient garb as we head for the ancient senate.

Who exactly stabbed Julius Caesar and why? We'll also have historian Christine Contrada at hand to give us insights into his fate, since we'll be at a venue precisely over the site of his assassination -- luckily one day before the ominous event! So join us for the big reveal, 2000 years after the fact.

When: Thursday, March. 14, 2024

Time:  6-8 p.m.

Where: Appetito Emporio della Torre, Via di Torre Argentina 41

Cost: €10 for an Aperol Spritz or a glass of wine and two slices of pizza. Additional drinks will cost €5 for a spritz and €6 for wine. Other food options available. Each participant is responsible for payment of whatever they order, including water.

RSVP: canadarome@gmail.com ATTN Marina by noon on Mar. 12th to secure a spot at our table.

Mardi Gras Aperitivo - February 13, 2024

Let's toast the last day of Carnival at the historic Enoteca Buccone.

When: Tuesday, Feb. 13, 2024

Time: 6:30 p.m.

Where: Buccone Vini e Olii, Via di Ripetta 19/20

Cost: No host/pay your own individual order.

RSVP: canadarome@gmail.com ATTN Marina by noon on Feb. 10th to secure a spot with our group.

Holiday Cheer Aperitivo - December 12, 2023

An informal get-together to chat and toast the season at a cocktail bar with a cozy vintage vibe. Just let us know whether we should save you a spot at our table!

When: Tuesday, Dec. 12, 2023

Time: 6-8 p.m.

Where: Blackmarket Hall, Via de' Ciancaleoni 31 (Monti area)

Cost: "no host" (pay your own order). For example, their aperitif tasting combo is a plate of 5 assorted appetizers plus a choice of drink at a cost of €13 for the vegetarian option, €15 for the meat-based, and €16 for the seafood-based. Other options à la carte.

RSVP: canadarome@gmail.com by noon on Dec. 11th to secure a spot at our table.

Sushi Apéritif - November 22, 2023

We're going "back to Japan" for our aperitivo get-together in November!

When: Wednesday, Nov. 22, 2023

Time: 6:30-8 p.m.

Where: Zama Sushi, Via Siria 10 (near Piazza Zama)

Cost: "no host" (pay your own order). Sushi apéritif + drink (Prosecco or wine) formula for €10; other options à la carte.

RSVP: to Marielle at canadarome@gmail.com by noon on Nov. 21st to secure a spot at our table.

Membership Renewal Drinks - September 7, 2023

This is our opportunity to have an informal new season get-together over drinks so we can catch up on our recent activities. It'll also be a chance to pay your membership dues or for upcoming events.

When: Thursday, Sept. 7, 2023

Time: 6-8 p.m.

Where: Rosso Eat Drink Stay, Viale Aventino 32 (close to metro stop Circo Massimo)

Cost: "no host" (pay your own order). Examples: basic cocktails like spritz or Bellini €8 to €9, a supplì €3.50, onion rings €5, pulled pork nuggets €11, cheeseburger €15.

RSVP: to Anna at canadarome@gmail.com by noon on Sept. 6th to secure a spot at our table.

Cool Drinks in June - June 22, 2023

Let's celebrate all the June babies at a venue that is sure to appeal to their esthetic! The only bar in Rome to make "The World's 50 Best Bars" list, Drink Kong features the creations of Patrick Pistolesi, considered one of the capital's best bartenders. You can match your top-quality drink selections with Asian-inspired appetizers as we chill and chat in its tony atmosphere.

When: Thursday, June 22, 2023
Time: 6:30 to 8 p.m.
Where: Drink Kong, Piazza di S. Martino Ai Monti 8 (closest metro: Cavour)
Cost: No host; you will be responsible for your own bill.
RSVP to canadarome@gmail.com ATTN Anna by COB 20 June, 2023.

Van Gogh Aperitivo - April 26, 2023

Note: Change of date.

Have you been to the Van Gogh exhibition everyone is talking about? Book your ticket to take it all in, and then let's meet up for an aperitivo at the new "Vivi Bistrot" in the very same building. Join us for a drink even if you visited the exhibit earlier on and would like to have a chinwag about it!

When: Wednesday, Apr. 26, 2023
Time: 6:30 to 8 p.m.
Where: Vivi Bistrot at Piazza Venezia 5 (corner with Via del Corso)
Cost: No host; you will be responsible for your own bill.

NB: Book your own ticket online for the Van Gogh exhibit here.
RSVP to canadarome@gmail.com ATTN Marielle by COB 24 Apr., 2023.

Around-the-World Aperitivo - February 15, 2023

Our next aperitivo get-together will take us to a new spot that is truly multi-ethnic. The menu features drinks and both small and large dishes from countries all around the globe!

When: Wednesday, Feb. 15, 2023
Time: 6:30 to 8 p.m.
Where: Lime Restaurant & Bar, Via Ancona 33-35 (Porta Pia area)
Cost: No host; you will be responsible for your own bill; for example, Greek saganaki tapa €6.50, Swedish potato pie with salmon €13.50, Filipino lumpia tapa €6.50, etc. There's a "happy hour special" from 6:30 pm to 7:45 pm, when ordering a drink gets you a serving of free nachos (corn chips, cheese, jalapenos, Pico de Gallo, sour cream & guacamole) 
RSVP to canadarome@gmail.com ATTN Marielle by COB Mon. 13 Feb., 2023.

Mexican Evening - November 3, 2022

Craving seriously good Mexican food? Join us for drinks, an aperitif or a full casual dinner, as suits your fancy! The family-run Casa Sánchez has built a reputation as one of the best spots in Rome to satisfy your appetite for Central American cuisine.

When: Thursday, November 3, 2022
Time: 7 p.m.
Where: Casa Sánchez, Via Catanzaro 6b (near Piazza Bologna).
Cost: No host; you will be responsible for your own bill. Examples: 2 quesadillas €5, 2 meat tacos for €12, nachos €5 to €6, Mexican craft beers €7, regular beer €5-6
RSVP to canadarome@gmail.com ATTN Marielle by 31 Oct., 2022.

Balinese Aperitivo - September 13, 2022

Let's get together and share summer stories! Time to catch up while we explore another ethnic aperitivo spot, this time at the well-established Bali Bar in the always cool Trastevere quarter. 

When: Tuesday, September 13, 2022
Time: 7 p.m.
Where: Bali Bar, Via del Mattonato 29 (Trastevere).
Cost: Aperitivo formula €14 for one drink + mixed fried Balinese fingerfood. No host for all orders; you will be responsible for your own bill.
RSVP to canadarome@gmail.com ATTN Marielle by 11 Sept., 2022.

Terrace Top Aperitivo - June 16, 2022

We're back with our aperitivo get-togethers, and now that it's gotten hotter, we'll head to a terrace top to cool off in the early evening! This location near Saint Paul's Basilica has had great reviews thanks to the quality of their drinks and food options, like the "super piattone per 2" (platter of appetizers for 2) and the "piattone vegetariano" (vegetarian platter for 1). Let us know whether you'd like us to book you a spot!

When: Thursday, June 16, 2022
Time: 6:30 p.m.
Where: top floor of Angeli Rock, Via Ostiense 193 B/C/D-195 (near Parco Schuster and Basilica di San Paolo), tel. 0686708250
Cost: No host. Each participant will be responsible for their own bill. Menu includes a wide assortment of cocktails and snack foods.
RSVP to canadarome@gmail.com ATTN Marielle by 14 June.

Gallery Aperitivo & Talk - April 7, 2022

The long history of classic Italian art history is renowned, but how much do you know about contemporary art in Italy? Francesco Zero will welcome us into his private art gallery for drinks and a talk on art movements from the post-WWII period to the present. He will address the fundamental question of "What is art?" in viewers' perceptions and reactions. Along with co-owner Pino Purificato, Francesco will also relate the works of other Italian figurative artists to those of Pino's father, Domenico Purificato, who was a prominent figure in Italian neorealist painting and film.

This talk will be in Italian, with consecutive translation into English or French as needed. Light refreshments will be served.

When: Thursday, April 7, 2022

Time: 6-8 p.m.

Where: Galleria Purificato Zero, Via Bisagno 11 (Piazza Istria/Corso Trieste metro)

Cost: Free.

RSVP to canadarome@gmail.com ATTN Marielle by noon on the 6th of April. Green Passes/Proof of vaccination will be checked and COVID-19 containment measures will be respected.