Get Tipsy with Jordan Rondel in Rome

She’s a “French x British Kiwi living in Los Angeles” with her American fiancé who she describes as “The best travel partner I could ask for”. FKA The Caker, Jordan sold her company at the end of 2024 and is currently still baking professionally while in the throes of founding her next venture – a fragrance brand.

I’d been following Jordan’s recent adventures in Eternal City on socials and when I asked if she would be willing to share a few top tips, she not only whipped up her responses in less than 24 hours, she also totally nailed the brief. Jordan, you are a sure-to-rise legend!

Morning rituals

We were very jet lagged, so ‘morning’ for us often started closer to early afternoon. My ritual quickly became a straight double shot of espresso followed by a long lunch.

Best breakfast cake (Italy loves cake in the morning!)

All of them - I don’t discriminate when it comes to European baked goods.

Work up an appetite for lunch

A deep dive into the Vatican with our incredible art historian guide worked up a serious appetite. Afterward, we raided Roscioli for picnic provisions – bread, pesto, stuffed peppers, cheeses, smoked salmon, charcuterie, peaches, tomatoes – and devoured the spread on the balcony of our little apartment.

Lazy lunch spot

A sandwich from All’Antico Vinaio is unbeatable.

Aperitivo hour

Jerry Thomas Bar Room – perfect for a cocktail or glass of champagne in a lively yet intimate setting. Also, the cheese plate here is phenomenal.

Romantic dinner spot

Taverna Trilussa strikes the ideal balance of romantic and fun. Unlike many spots where you dine right on the street, it’s tucked back behind ivy covered trellises, which makes it feel more secluded and relaxed, yet still buzzing with atmosphere, warm service, and flawless food.

Best pasta

Fresh truffle pasta at Taverna Trilussa. They serve it to you in the saucepan it was tossed in, and it’s absolutely mind-blowing.

Best base

We stayed in Trastevere, which is youthful, vibrant, and perfectly central. In cultural cities like Rome I usually opt for an Airbnb or Vrbo over a hotel because it makes you feel more immersed. We found a cute apartment at a great price, with everything we needed.

Gelato spot and flavour

Honestly, you can’t go wrong. Choose any gelateria that looks inviting and you’ll be rewarded.

How about those crowds?

Timing is everything. We went in early September, which was still lively, but far less chaotic than August. For the Vatican, line up before it opens at 8am, ideally with a guide. That said, Rome is Rome and crowds are part of the experience, and the beauty of the city more than makes up for it.

Traditions you’d love to take back with you to LA

Rome is best experienced on foot. The rhythm of people strolling, sitting outside, sipping wine, laughing - it’s intoxicating. In LA it’s harder to find that same street culture, but in the pockets where it exists, I embrace it wholeheartedly.

Rome in three words

Alive, monumental, sacred.