rented apt in rome..do i pack salt and pepper?

From my experience renting houses and apartments (not all in Italy), you can't really count on that type of thing. If you bring it, though, it will most likely be there! ;^)

So, if it's something that you absolutely have to have, and you can't easily get it there, I would take it with you.

Contact your booking agent first for specific apt. info ... then if not, head to the grocery store when you get here! We have most staples (but peanut butter is very pricey!)

Ciao,
Ron

Salt and pepper would not be that expensive. I don't take those things with me when we rent an apartment. Some come with lots of goodies (like in Mexico) and others are bare.

I agree with Ron. Shop in Rome :-)

I agree. Half the fun of having an apartment is living a bit more like the locals. My husband and I are not shoppers, but, when we do, it's frequently the grocery stores/markets. And, that's not even when in an apartment. It's fun to bring stuff home, too.

Definitely buy it there if you need it - the markets are great. The apartment we just stayed in had the bare necessities - salt/pepper, sugar - but they all might not. No need to lug stuff like that.

It's not a silly question at all, and one that you should ask of the specific place that you'll be staying. I would assume that they will likely have basic utensils, but not seasonings. But it can't hurt to ask.

I have used cross pollinate and have always loved the apts. that I have booked through them. Email Amy who works for cross pollinate. I'm sure she can check to make sure that they will have pots, pans plates etc......Have fun cooking!!

In my experience renting apartments in Cortona and Paris, a lot of food items were left behind by other tenants -- including condiments, spices, etc. and I left several good items when I left. It was also my experience that I did not do that much cooking -- too busy being out and about to shop for groceries to make a real meal -- but did do some basic pasta, and sandwich stuff, and also coffee -- so your knife and veggie peeler may not get much real cooking use!

We usually leave back whatever isn't used, and it is true that other travellers do the same. Every now and again though they are left bare.

I think the description on our apartment says that there "should" be some seasonings etc. in the cupboard.

But I don't take my good knives or anything that I could forget when leaving.

Regina,

You will probably be driving from home, so you are not as limited as many of us as to how much we can carry. If I were you, I'd take as many different things that I thought I might need so long as it made me feel more relaxed about the trip. I agree with some of the posters who note that shopping locally is part of the joy of traveling...I'm sure you can balance that joy against the comfort that you are prepared with the basics to enjoy your stay.

I just mentioned the salt and pepper to get your attention...but did really want to know about others apr rental kitchen experiences. we won't be driving from france...we have just the week in rome, so it's flying...and yes, i'm a market and grocery store fan...for me they're as good as most museums.
And even when i go to visit the family in states i take my favorite knife and veg peeler...can't cook without.

Regina,

That changes everything...most of us on this board have a bias against travelling with anything but the bare essentials...(each of us must define those). My experience is much like those above, most units have lots of miscellaneous supplies...I would just ask the rental agency or owner befor you leave so that you don't pack stuff that will be provided.

If I need small amounts of salt and pepper and sugar for a trip, I try to pick some up at a restaurant. Most fast food ( at least in the US) have small packets of salt and pepper.

Salt and pepper is very inexpensive - I really, really, really would not waste space packing it!! Just pick it up when youo do your food shopping at any grocery.

as for the apartment....well...speaking as an owner, I am at my place a few times a year (whenever I can amnage to get away from my real life!!)...I always stock up on salt, pepper, spices, sugar, oil, coffee, pasta, pasta sauce, and even milk for the coffee (the kind that has a long shelf life!)...and I leave a note for guests to place take what they need and replace when they get a chance for the next guests...and...some do and I find the pantry stocked...and some use everything and don't bother to leave even coffee - totally luck of the draw really.

so...I guess what I am saying :-) is that, yes, there will most likely be salt and pepper...but don't count on it - you may need to buy some.

One thing I do is pack a little of my favourite spices in zip-lock style bags, just to make sure I have them when I arrive. I have a number of recipes that I cook while staying in apartments, used because they're quick and easy. It saves me from spending 4 or 5 euro on a large container of spices that I'll never use. And they take up no space.

Thanks again for kitchen apt response, especially from someone who actually rents a apt.; and the last poster who reminded me about the ziplock bags. I know i'll take those, plus a bit of herbes de provence and the garlic powder...small bits, but just in case. And coffee...I know we're going to Rome to drink coffee..but i won't be able to get my husband awake enough to get dressed and go down to the café unless he has a bit first.....And to Eli of Kansas..my favorite never broken vegetable peeler is one i bought from my mother's church group in NH..they do only mail orders to organizations. Maybe she'll ne able to remember the name. The blade is part of the handle, not separate....I feel like i'm on a cooking program!!!

Norm, have you been to the market at Campo di Fiori in Rome? Their spice/herb section is delicious. All loose so you buy just the tiny bit you need. Smells divine. Not quite the souks of Africa and the Midddle East, but pretty good.

Yes, I was there the last time we were in Rome in 2004. I sure needed someone to help me work out the translation of many of the names. Unfortunately, not all cities have loose spices in their markets....a mistake on their part, I think.

I'll look for spices at Campo di Fiori, when I'm in Rome in June, Pat. Thanks for the tip. Are there customs issues with bringing back spices? I know I can't bring back meat and cheese, are dried spices OK?? There's a great souvenir!