Marigold has long been the dream of Sofie and Domenico, the dynamic Danish-Italian couple who gave us ‘The Eatery in Rome’. Up until now, they somehow managed weekly bake sales, pop-up dinners, cooking classes and catering all from their lovely little home in Monteverde Vecchio. I discovered The Eatery by sheer luck via a foodie-friend’s Instagram post. Domenico’s creations are very instagrammable! I instantly became a bake sale junkie, waiting not so patiently each Thursday for grainy bread (for me) and cinnamon scrolls (for my Swiss husband). We also had the unique experience of being part of the long table dinners in their home. I say unique, because the menu changed each time according to season, occasion and even the guest list! Domenico created his magic in the kitchen and Sofie presented each dish and matching wine to their enraptured visitors.

Naturally I’m delighted that Sofie’s homemade sourdough breads, cakes and pastries are now available on tap at Marigold and that their sustainable cooking ideals (and long table) have not been lost in the transition to restaurant and micro-bakery in Rome’s Ostiense neighborhood. As Sofie puts it, she “doesn’t like to do things at 80”. She and Domenico (from the teaching kitchen at the American Academy) are much more about giving 110%, as anyone who has dined with them knows. All Marigold’s produce is seasonal and sourced locally, and plated so beautifully that taking a photograph before eating doesn’t seem quite so uncultured.

I’m looking forward to many weekend brunches at Marigold. See you at the long table!