Comparing the food in Athens and Rome is unfair. But still...

Without realizing it ahead of time, I toured two of the great ancient empires this week: Rome and Greece.

I am in Athens this week and--aside from witnessing a street fight--I have had a good time. Part of the reason is that I am a foodie, and I love Greek food. Fortunately, most of my friends and travel buddies agree that a large part of the appeal of traveling is "the search for the next great meal".

Last week, I was in Rome for a journalism conference. Cancer-reporting is probably not what you want to hear about, so I will stick to writing about food. I swear it is simply not possible to have a bad meal in Rome. Every little trattoria will be able to offer treasures that make your mouth water instantly. I would say the service is better in Rome that it is in Athens, and so is the bread. However, I love what the Greeks can do with an octopus...grilled, fried or marinated. It is always delicious.

I wonder which of these two cuisines is better for you. You don't see very many fat people around in Rome or Greece...

Filed under: Food and Drink, Europe, Greece, Italy