Over in the Portugal forum there was, for a long time, a very active group that helped folks enjoy real, authentic Portugese food. They referred to themselves as the Lisbon Dining Club. My wife and I were benefactors of their gracious hospitality and wondered if there is anything similar in Rome. Here is a link to the thread: http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...ining-club.cfm

Here is an introductory paragraph:

<i>"We have now held five evenings and hosted a number of visitors both from Portugal and the U.S.A. It must be noted that there is no charge made to anyone attending the dinners, they are social occaisions which allow us to meet visitors to Lisbon. The aim of each dinner is to visit a non touristic restaurant where one can have an excellent traditional meal for under 20 euros per person. Depending on the night we have been to fado evenings and also concerts in Castelo Stº Jorge. Afterwards I write a small review and article and until now they have been included within the large threads as mentioned above. But from now on each new meal report will be here: we have a full diary of dinners coming over the summer months and should anyone coming to Lisbon want to join us please feel free to contact either Lobo or myself.</i>

Thanks in advance!

There are many food threads for Rome/Italy either under Franco's name or ekscrunchy (sorry I don't remember the name of the thread). Rome Tourist Board provides a list of restaurants that are designated "Ristorante Typico" with the trademarked green T symbol fork/spoon/knife.
http://www.romaturismo.it/v2/allasco...torazione.html

This is the thread I was thinking about:
http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...alian-cuis.cfm

And this one:
http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...estaurants.cfm

I think you will also find Kristina's Rome trip report helpful as it's complete with food descriptions and pictures of the food.
http://www.wired2theworld.com/ROME2008.html

kybourbon
Thanks. I appreciate the info and links. I know they'll be useful.

One of the really special parts of the LDC is the bond that develops between the participants. We were in Lisbon in autumn of 2006. A year and a half later Matt and Lobo - the 'principals' brought their families to the US. More than 50 people came to NYC for a dinner with them. It was very special, as was the evening that they shared with us in Lisbon.

David

There is something sort of similar in Italy, but you eat in people's homes, not restaurants. There's a small fee to join.