Exploring Lazio

The Backstory: A Culinary Detour in Lazio

It was our day off during a bustling modeling week near Rome, and a couple of my girlfriends and I decided to escape the city’s energy and explore the rolling hills of Lazio. We found ourselves in the most charming medieval town, all cobblestones and creeping ivy.

After wandering the winding streets, we stumbled upon a cozy tapas-style eatery with tables spilling out into a sunny piazza. Looking for light, shareable plates, we decided to try several appetizers.

While everything was delicious, one dish absolutely stole the show. It looked like a standard caprese, but tucked between the creamy buffalo mozzarella and heirloom tomatoes were razor-thin, crisp slices of local red apple. It was a revelation! That unexpected sweet crunch was pure magic. We shared the plate in minutes, and I immediately started taking notes to recreate it at home.

It's been my go-to dish for hosting my girlfriends ever since—and every time I serve it, I’m transported back to that laugh-filled afternoon in Lazio.