Formal introductions:
Name: Roberto Politica
Profession: Grocer, and he does not accept alternative definitions.
Antica Caciara Trasteverina is a historic shop located in Trastevere, in the heart of Rome. Founded in 1900, the shop is managed by Roberto Politica, who, thanks to the passion passed down from his father Antonio and his grandfather Albino, offers his customers artisanal and high-quality Italian products, mainly regional but not exclusively. The shepherds from the Roman countryside used to sell their cheeses, mainly caci and caciotte, which is where the name of the business comes from.
What are your favorite restaurants and why?
I don't eat out often. I live in Norcia where I make my cheeses and cured meats, I eat those. I go to festivals in Lazio, that's what I like.
What are your favorite food products?
I can't make a list. I love products from the land, artisanal products, the real ones. Those that have the smell of the earth. In a fish shop, you should smell the fish, at the florist, the flowers, and here, tell me, what smell do you sense? Exactly.
Do you have favorite producers? If so, who are they and what makes them special?
Quality. You won't find anything here if I don't know where it comes from. If you buy it and it's not good, bring it back and I'll refund you. Yes, I have entire shelves of De Cecco, because in my opinion, it's a good product that everyone can afford. If I had to choose one? Turn around, those are three quintals of pecorino, it's up to you.
What is your favorite dish to cook or eat?
The cuisine of the Roman province. We call ourselves caciara because in the past we sold caci and caciotte, cow cheeses, then pecorino arrived. You can't say no to a cacio e pepe. Never.
Is there an ingredient you can't do without in your kitchen?
Cheese. In fact: cacio, pecorino, and all the others. And bread.
