If your idea of Rome is Marcello Mastroianni courting Anita Ekberg, then this is the venue for you. The legendary Cafè de Paris has reopened after a lengthy makeover, and new chef Antonio Sciullo is out to place it at the centre of the Dolce-Vita experience with both Italian and international dishes. Those who prefer to do some latter-day 1960s-style celeb gazing can sip an expertly-shaken cocktail at the tapas-laden bar, while for those with less time - and tighter budgets - the Paris is good for morning coffee and quick lunches.
You know from the moment Casual 'Cal' Dupree enters the ring to the strains of James Brown that Universoul Circus is something different. Although only five years old, it lays claim to the tradition of the first African American circus that toured at the turn of the century. The all-black circus boogies along to an R&B, gospel and hip hop soundtrack. It's a classic circus in the Barnum and Bailey tradition with trapeze artists, tigers, gymnasts and plenty of clowns, drawn from all over Africa and the African diaspora.
Choco-holics rejoice! One of the great family-owned chocolate makers of Italy has set up shop in the capital. Already a myth in Naples for over a century - Oscar Wilde was an enthusiastic patron - the Gay-Odin company has opened a Rome branch just in time for Easter excesses. The eggs, however, are simply a seasonal extra. Addicts are already stocking up on the firm's trademark 'foresta di cioccolata' (chocolate in the form of tree bark) and their miniature Vesuvius sculptures. Well worth the trek to their north-of centre, Parioli outlet.
This extraordinary exhibition reunites paintings from the famous Giustiniani collection, dispersed during the Napoleonic Wars. Once more the Giustiniani Palace houses 70 16th and 17th-century masterpieces by the likes of Lotto, the Carracci brothers and Poussin on loan from galleries throughout Europe. Pride of place undoubtedly goes to the revolutionary canvasses of Caravaggio - 'Amore Vincitore', 'The Lute Player', 'The Crowning of Thorns' and 'St Thomas'. An interesting companion exhibition to the similar-themed show now on at the Royal Academy in London.
Drum'n'bass is becoming a rare music form in Paris - it was never exactly huge over here - but the free monthly Wednesday nighter at the Rex is the meeting place for local junglists. DJs Tao Pai Pai, Delecta and Elisa bring in the hard-core beats and MC Youthman whips the crowd up to a frenzy. Well worth a punt, even though the venue itself feels a bit like a provincial club in Ipswich, the music is good and it's free!
1 Fifth Ave at 8th St (212-253-0003)
Subway: N, R to 8th St. Mon-Fri noon-4am; Sat, Sun 5pm-4am. Average main course: $21. AmEx, DC, Disc, MC, V.
If you can stand the mad crush at the bar and the beeping cell phones, Clementine will award you with some of the more interesting cooking in the city. Ask to sit in the Deco dining room (the front lounge is crowded and smoky) and enjoy John Shenk's boldly flavored creations, such as spicy tuna sashimi and barbecued sparerib salad. Save room for dessert: Pastry chef Heather Ho's souped-up versions of American classics are delectable.
Bene Vobis is a new wine bar that has recently opened in the Oltrarno area of Florence. The walls of the bar area are lined with dark wood shelves displaying a tempting selection of wines by the bottle, while the area at the back of the bar is filled with rustic tables where you can enjoy a choice of 200 wines by the glass, have a snack or eat a full meal. Live jazz is on offer twice a week, and food and wine tastings are organised.
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